Cannabis is built on community, once an underground space for enthusiasts that’s becoming more mainstream. Now more than ever, as the plant emerges from the shadows, those who imbibe need to come together to celebrate, communicate, and charge ahead. 

No one understands this notion quite like Adelia Carrillo. The chief marketing officer of EventHi, a cannabis-friendly event ticketing platform, Carrillo works tirelessly to connect like-minded individuals through hip happenings. As the co-founder of Blunt Brunch, Carrillo unites women in cannabis through inspirational meet-ups on the local and national level.

Carrillo answered GreenState’s Fast Five questions, sharing her deeply personal path to healing with plant medicine, explaining how EventHi is changing the weed party game, and offering advice on how women can empower one another. 

RELATED: Fast Five Q&A: Chris Folkerts, CEO of Grenco Science

GreenState: How did your journey with cannabis begin?

Adelia Carrillo: My journey with cannabis is a personal one. It’s a story of how the plant found me during a challenging period in my life. At that time, I was working in a highly stressful corporate job, thinking my career path was all set. But as fate would have it, life had a different plan.

I discovered I was pregnant, but any celebration was short-lived as I was suddenly placed on bed rest and, shortly after, rushed to the emergency room for urgent surgery. The pregnancy was threatening my life, and it was a terrifying experience. Following the surgery, I faced immense physical and emotional loss as I began my journey recovering from an ectopic pregnancy loss. Despite following doctor-prescribed treatments for months afterward, my condition didn’t improve.

That’s when I turned to cannabis. It wasn’t an immediate solution; it took some trial and error. But slowly, I began to form a deeper connection with the plant. It became a critical part of my journey to heal, both physically and emotionally. Over time, this healing process transformed me into the person I am today.

My journey with cannabis isn’t just about using a plant; it’s about finding hope and resilience during some of the darkest moments of my life. It’s about discovering a path to recovery and self-discovery that I never anticipated. Cannabis, in many ways, became my ally in navigating the complexities of life and healing.

GS: What is your favorite way to consume?

AC: My favorite way to consume cannabis has to be by enjoying a well-rolled joint. There’s something inherently satisfying about the process of rolling it, and then, of course, sharing it with friends and having a relaxed, communal moment. It’s a timeless way to connect and appreciate the plant.

In addition to joints, I also enjoy cannabis-infused beverages. They offer a convenient and enjoyable way to incorporate cannabis into different social settings. Whether it’s a tasty infused drink at a gathering or a soothing cannabis tea in the evening, these beverages allow me to customize my experience to fit the moment perfectly.

GS: How is EventHi different from other event platforms?

AC: EventHi is different from other event platforms in several ways that make it stand out. Here are some key differentiators:

1. Cannabis-Focused: EventHi is primarily focused on cannabis-related events. This specialization allows us to cater to a niche audience of cannabis enthusiasts, businesses, and professionals. Most other event platforms cover a wide range of events, while EventHi caters specifically to the cannabis industry.

2. Compliance and Regulation: EventHi places a strong emphasis on providing event hosts with a compliant marketplace allowing them to safely and securely sell tickets and sponsorships for their cannabis-related events. We also do our best to provide tools and resources to help event organizers navigate the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry, which is a unique feature not found on general event platforms.

3. Community and Networking: EventHi fosters a tight-knit community of cannabis enthusiasts and professionals. We have created a growing private Facebook group online where the community can come together, promote, share, and talk about all the unique cannabis events that are happening throughout the U.S. and the world. 

4. Ticketing and Sponsorship: EventHi provides event organizers with tools for cannabis event ticketing and a newly released sponsorship feature that is tailored to the unique needs of the industry. This includes features such as cannabis consumption options, privacy settings, and the ability to freely describe their event using words like cannabis without the fear of their event page being flagged or removed. 

5. Education and Resources: EventHi offers educational resources related to the cannabis event landscape, which can be beneficial for both event organizers and attendees. These resources can include articles, webinars, newsletters, and guides, helping participants stay informed about the latest developments in the cannabis event landscape. 

6. Security and Privacy: Given the sensitivity of the cannabis industry, EventHi places a strong focus on privacy and security. They take measures to protect the personal information of users and ensure that sensitive data remains secure, which may be of particular importance to those involved in the cannabis sector.

7. Culture: More importantly we are a team that embraces the culture and has a mission to keep the culture and heart of cannabis alive by providing a marketplace like EventHi that continues to bring people together through unique experiences and events. 

GS: How did Blunt Brunch come to be and how does it help empower women in cannabis?

AC: Blunt Brunch started out so organically, I was moving from California to Arizona and I knew how important it was to put myself out there so I reached out to my friend Parisa and we decided to both invite some women together to meet up over brunch. 

That brunch set the tone, we all ended up laughing, venting, and having blunt conversations about being a woman in cannabis and it really left an impression on all of us. As we both headed home I remember we both were like we need to do that again, and soon that grew to hosting monthly Blunt Brunch sit-down events and socials, which then led to our national event in Vegas every year to hosting events in California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. 

Blunt Brunch’s mission is to empower women executives and entrepreneurs in cannabis, through blunt conversations, collaboration, and community. Our goal is to provide a safe space for women to speak candidly with each other over brunch, to offer advice, to learn from each other, and to be there for each other when times are tough. 

Through our events and online community, we empower women in the cannabis industry through a multi-faceted approach:

1. Community Building: Blunt Brunch brings together women from diverse backgrounds in the cannabis sector, fostering a strong sense of community. This networking and connections provide a support system that’s invaluable for personal and professional growth.

2. Inspiration and Education: Each event features a blunt conversation that really allows us to come together and as a community share insights and experiences on lessons like imposter syndrome, leading a team, etc. This knowledge empowers women with information that’s crucial in a rapidly evolving industry.

3. Visibility and Recognition: Blunt Brunch recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in cannabis. By providing a platform to share their stories, it bolsters their visibility, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to take on leadership roles.

4. Mentorship and Role Models: Attendees have the chance to connect with established women leaders in the industry. This enables mentorship opportunities, allowing aspiring professionals to learn from the experiences of those who’ve already made significant strides.

5. Networking and Collaboration: Blunt Brunch facilitates networking opportunities, promoting collaboration and partnerships within the cannabis community. This not only advances individual careers but also contributes to the growth and success of the cannabis industry as a whole.

To be honest, I am still in awe of how Blunt Brunch has evolved over a short time but it’s really remarkable. It’s truly a space where women can gain the confidence, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in this dynamic industry.

GS: What steps can people take to support and uplift women in cannabis?

AC: Supporting and uplifting women in the cannabis industry is essential for creating a more inclusive and diverse community. 

There are a variety of ways people can help support and uplift women in the industry. Such as:

1. Mentorship and Networking: Offer mentorship to women looking to enter or progress in the cannabis industry. Connect them with your professional network and provide guidance and advice.
2. Invest in Women-Owned Businesses: Support women-owned cannabis businesses by purchasing their products and services. Investing in their success can help boost the overall presence of women in the industry.
3. Advocate for Equal Opportunities: Promote equal opportunities and encourage businesses to diversify their leadership and workforce. Push for inclusive hiring practices and management.
4. Educate and Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the challenges and issues women face in the industry. Share articles, studies, and success stories to raise awareness.
5. Attend Women-Centric Events: Attend and participate in events, conferences, and organizations focused on women in cannabis, like Blunt Brunch. These gatherings offer opportunities for networking, learning, and empowerment.
6. Speak Out Against Discrimination: If you witness or hear about discrimination or harassment, don’t stay silent. Speak out against it and support those affected.
7. Offer Resources: Share resources, including job listings, educational opportunities, and industry events, with women looking to enter or advance their careers in cannabis.
8. Encourage Leadership Roles:  Encourage women to take on leadership roles in the cannabis sector, whether it’s starting their own business or moving into executive positions.
9. Invest in Education: Fund scholarships, training programs, and educational initiatives that target women interested in careers in cannabis.

By taking these steps, we all can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the cannabis industry. This, in turn, benefits the industry as a whole by fostering innovation and diversity.

Adelia Carrillo, a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), brings a wealth of experience from corporate, consumer electronics, and cannabis sectors spanning over a decade. Currently leading as CMO at EventHi, a cutting-edge online ticketing platform for cannabis events, Adelia is dedicated to elevating the company’s brand, vision, and mission. Her outstanding contributions were recognized with the 2023 Leadership Impact Award by ICBWA.

As Co-Founder of Blunt Brunch events, Adelia is deeply committed to cultivating community and knowledge within the cannabis sphere. Her impactful roles extend to advising the International Cannabis Business Women’s Association and Lift Experiences & Events, and as a dedicated board member at This is Jane Project.

The answers given by Q&A subjects do not necessarily reflect the opinions of GreenState. The subject is solely responsible for the views stated in this piece.