Housing Works Cannabis Co. (HWCC), New York City’s pioneering legal dispensary, has officially relaunched its beloved ‘Weed & Read’ program after a brief summer break. This innovative initiative invites participants to embark on a literary journey enhanced by a carefully curated cannabis experience, creating a welcoming space for readers to unwind and elevate their reading enjoyment.
Inspired by the community-driven nature of the cannabis industry, HWCC’s director of retail cannabis, Sasha Nutgent, explained the program’s origin: “We quickly realized that the cannabis industry is all about community. To better connect with our community, we wanted to understand their interests. One of our staff members suggested the idea of pairing cannabis with coffee table books and reading. It seemed like a perfect fit, and ‘Weed & Read’ was born.”
Initially, the book selections for ‘Weed & Read’ aligned with HWCC’s commitment to promoting LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women-led brands. While this mission remains central to the program, Nutgent acknowledged that participants provided valuable feedback, expressing a desire for more visually stimulating content. “This year, we’ve shifted our focus towards coffee table books and incorporating more graphic novels and visual content based on the feedback we received,” Nutgent shared.
For October, HWCC will feature “The Incomplete Highsnobiety Guide to Street Fashion and Culture,” a book that delves into the influential figures of street fashion. November will bring “Little Book of New York Style,” while December will showcase “A Weed is a Flower: Artful Cannabis Photography.”
The ‘Weed & Read’ program goes beyond simply pairing books with cannabis. Authors meticulously select cannabis products that complement each book’s themes, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience, according to Nutgent. “The specific strain you choose can spark your creativity or broaden your perspective, opening your mind to new ideas and opportunities. Combining this experience with visual books or reading enhances the entire journey,” she explained.
Nutgent is confident in the program’s success, citing consistently sold-out bundles in the past. “Overall, the response has been incredibly positive, and I’m thrilled we took this route. I don’t believe anyone else is doing anything quite like this,” Nutgent concluded.
