Community
Harper Curates: Cultivating Culture, Connection, and Cannabis — One Event at a Time
By OG Strain
If you’ve ever been to a cannabis event that actually feels like a family reunion instead of a crowded showroom, chances are Emily Harper had a hand in it. I sat down with Emily, the mastermind behind Harper Curates, and let me tell you — this woman is more than a curator. She’s a connector, a healer, a mom of four, and a Pisces with the superpower of seeing the good in literally everybody (yes, even the guy in the back selling mystery nugs).
The Origins of Harper Curates
Emily Harper isn’t your typical cannabis entrepreneur. She’s an Earthling, a sarcastic goofball, a writer, and, most importantly, a mother who somehow manages to juggle four kids while shaping some of New York’s most meaningful cannabis gatherings.
“I’ve learned to embrace my gift of connectiveness, harness the positive energy it brings, and protect my peace by honoring my boundaries,” Emily says. And honestly, if that isn’t the secret to surviving the cannabis industry, I don’t know what is.
Her journey started young — back when she was just a kid witnessing the devastating effects of the 1983 drug war on her family. She felt, deep in her bones, that something was horribly wrong about all the harm being done over a plant. Years later, Emily experienced cannabis personally, using it to treat alopecia and severe anxiety. The results were life-changing. Hair grew back, confidence returned, and she finally felt social again.
“Cannabis helped me heal,” Emily says simply. “I knew someday it would be my turn to help cannabis.”
Enter Damn Sam Productions, the legendary team behind the New York Harvest Festival. Emily came aboard in 2021, the same year cannabis became legal in New York. Starting as a vendor coordinator, she quickly became a jack-of-all-trades — now wearing many hats, each one stylish and probably green. Out of that experience, Harper Curates was born: a platform to share the culture she’s so deeply invested in — the people, the events, the moments, and the community.
Making Waves in the Empire State
Born in Colorado, raised in Northeast Pennsylvania, and now a New Yorker by way of legalization, Emily is bringing statewide flair to the scene. The New York Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair has been running for 29 years, with 25 of those years under prohibition. Talk about commitment! Once legalization hit, Emily helped transition the festival into large fairgrounds, turning what used to be a guerrilla-style gathering into a statewide spectacle — still grounded, still intentional, and still full of magic.
What Harper Curates Actually Does
Here’s the deal: Harper Curates isn’t a dispensary. It’s not a flashy lifestyle brand. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of cannabis culture. Emily and her team produce events where vendors can sell, educators can drop knowledge bombs, music can bring the people together, workshops can inspire, and families can gather in celebration of the plant.
“What sets Harper Curates apart is our collaborative and intentional approach,” Emily says. “Every element — from vendors and educators to music and workshops — is chosen with purpose. We prioritize education over hype, community over consumption, and experiences that feel genuine, inclusive, and lasting.”
And when Emily says “inclusive,” she means it. Her kids play an active role behind the scenes, contributing to creativity, tech, branding — basically, they’re mini-Harper Curates interns with way cooler uniforms.
A Family Ecosystem
Here’s a fun fact Emily was proud to share: No two events are ever the same. Weather, locations, seasons, and people shape each gathering in ways that keep things organic and magical. Her philosophy is simple: curate energy as much as vendors. If the vibe isn’t rooted in integrity, respect, and love for the plant, it doesn’t make the cut.
“Harper Curates grew out of Damn Sam Productions, which grew out of decades of activism, medical use, and surviving prohibition-era harm,” Emily explains. “This isn’t branding — it’s legacy work.” And believe me, you can feel that authenticity the second you step into one of their events.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Harper Curates? Emily and her team are gearing up for the 30th anniversary of the New York Harvest Festival this October. Before that, they’ll kick off the season with The Growers Gathering on May 2nd at the Griffin House in Palenville, NY. Think of it as Harvest’s springtime cousin — focusing on clones, seed exchange, and all the community love we’ve come to expect.
Emily sums it up perfectly: “We’re keeping a vibrant, inclusive community alive — celebrating plants, people, and shared knowledge year-round, while honoring the legacy Harvest Festival has built over 30 years.”
Why It Matters
As legalization spreads and the industry becomes increasingly corporate, Harper Curates is a rare gem: a space that honors the roots of the culture — growers, healers, artists, educators, families, and elders who carried this plant through prohibition.
“Community is infrastructure,” Emily says. “Education, seed sharing, creativity, and mutual support are just as vital as licenses and storefronts. When people leave our events, we want them to feel empowered — with knowledge, genetics, inspiration, and a deeper sense of belonging.”
How to Connect
Want to see what Harper Curates is up to? Here’s where to find them:
• Website: http://damnsam.com
• Facebook: Harper Curates | Damn Sam (official)
Bottom line: Harper Curates isn’t just hosting events — they’re stewarding a culture and passing it forward with intention. And if you’re aligned with that vibe, Emily and her crew will save you a seat at the table (probably near the snacks).
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dp7rad4YC/
https://damnsam.com/
Community
KEEPIN’ EDIBLES YUMMY: THE WOMAN WHO LOOKED AT A PEACH COBBLER AND SAID… “YEAH, WE CAN INFUSE THAT.”
There are two kinds of people at a cannabis event.
The first kind walks around saying, “I’m just gonna look.”
The second kind walks past Key’s table… stops dead in their tracks… stares at an infused peach cobbler like they’ve just seen Bigfoot riding a unicorn… and quietly says,
“Well… there goes my paycheck.”
If you’ve been to a Crisxotics event recently, chances are you’ve already met Key—also known as Keoka, the woman behind Keepin Edibles Yummy. And if you haven’t… don’t worry. Your stomach will eventually lead you there.
I had the chance to spend some time talking with Key after she completely surprised me with one of the most generous gift bags I’ve ever received. I’m talking infused Milky Way bars, Doritos, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, gummies, peach cobbler pie… honestly, the bag looked like Willy Wonka opened a dispensary.
Needless to say, she didn’t have to do that.
But that’s exactly the kind of person she is.
She’s genuine.
She’s passionate.
And she really enjoys making people smile.
That same attitude is exactly what built Keepin Edibles Yummy into what it is today.
Ten Years of Turning Munchies Into Masterpieces
While many vendors only recently entered New York’s cannabis scene, Key has been perfecting her craft for nearly a decade.
She originally started doing product development and manufacturing for another company about ten years ago. As someone who already loved both cannabis and baking, combining the two wasn’t exactly a difficult career decision.
For most people, baking brownies sounds like a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
For Key…
It’s product research.
Over the years she’s helped develop products across New York and even into Massachusetts and Vermont before eventually stepping out on her own.
Ironically, she only started vending events in late 2025.
So while she may seem like “the new girl” behind the table…
She’s actually one of the veterans behind the recipes.
If It Exists… She’ll Probably Infuse It
When I asked what kinds of products she specializes in, Key didn’t hesitate.
Pretty much anything.
Honestly… I believe her.
Looking at her table feels like someone challenged her to walk through a grocery store and answer every item with,
“Yep… I can infuse that.”
Cookies?
Absolutely.
Brownies?
Of course.
Cakes?
Easy.
Candy?
Why not?
Peach cobbler?
Now we’re talking.
In fact, her infused cobblers have become one of her signature creations, and for good reason.
You don’t see infused peach cobblers everywhere.
Actually…
I’ve never seen anyone else doing them.
That’s exactly what makes Keepin Edibles Yummy memorable.
She’s not chasing everyone else’s ideas.
She’s creating her own lane.
More Than Just Getting High
One answer during our interview really stood out to me.
When I asked about memorable customer experiences, she didn’t talk about selling out.
She didn’t brag about potency.
She didn’t tell me how many products she moves.
Instead…
She talked about people finally getting relief.
Customers telling her they got the best sleep they’ve had in weeks.
People saying their bodies finally relaxed.
Those moments matter.
Cannabis isn’t always about getting blasted into another galaxy.
Sometimes it’s simply about finally getting a good night’s sleep.
Helping people feel better is what keeps Key excited about what she does.
And honestly…
That’s probably why customers keep coming back.
Crisxotics Feels Like Family
Ask Key why she enjoys vending at Crisxotics and her answer is simple.
The vibe.
Everyone is relaxed.
Everyone has fun.
Everyone leaves happy.
If you’ve ever attended one of Crisxotics’ events, you already know exactly what she’s talking about.
It feels less like walking into a business expo…
…and more like showing up at the world’s friendliest family reunion where everyone just happens to really appreciate good flower and ridiculously creative edibles.
Looking Ahead
Even after ten years in the cannabis industry, Key isn’t slowing down.
Her dream?
Growing Keepin Edibles Yummy to an even larger scale.
She’s hoping to eventually sell her recipes while continuing to oversee their production and development.
She even joked that she’s looking for investors.
So…
If you’re reading this while sitting on a pile of money wondering what to do with it…
I know somebody who makes a peach cobbler capable of changing your entire afternoon.
Just saying.
Advice Worth Listening To
When asked what advice she’d give someone wanting to enter the cannabis industry, her answer reflected exactly how she’s built her own success.
Start small.
Experiment.
Keep learning.
Find something nobody else is doing…
…then make it your signature.
That advice explains Keepin Edibles Yummy better than anything I could ever write.
She didn’t become memorable by copying everyone else.
She became memorable by becoming impossible to compare.
Final Hit
The cannabis community is filled with incredible growers.
Amazing extract artists.
Talented cultivators.
But every now and then you meet someone who reminds you that cannabis culture isn’t only about what’s in the jar…
Sometimes it’s about what’s coming out of the oven.
Key has spent the last decade combining creativity, experience, and a genuine love for making people happy into a brand that’s become one of the most unique stops at every event she attends.
If you happen to see Keepin Edibles Yummy at an upcoming Crisxotics event, do yourself a favor.
Stop by.
Say hello.
Check out the menu.
And whatever you do…
Don’t convince yourself you’re “just looking.”
Trust me.
That’s exactly how people accidentally leave carrying an infused peach cobbler… and somehow a bag full of snacks they never planned on buying.
Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…
Our social media link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18NoGdsAFa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Community
THE 5 WEEKS THAT DRIVE EVERY GROWER CRAZY! 🌱😳 Why July Is the Most Exciting Month of the Entire Season
There are only two kinds of people in New York during July…
People growing cannabis…
…and people getting tired of hearing about someone else’s cannabis plants.
Let’s be honest. If you’re growing this year, you’ve probably already shown your garden to at least ten people. Maybe twenty. Maybe the UPS driver. Maybe your neighbor who was just trying to check the mail.
“Hey… wanna see my girls?”
Every single grower says it with the same excitement you’d expect from someone showing off a newborn baby.
And you know what?
I absolutely love it.
I’ve had people proudly show me beautiful greenhouse monsters pushing through the roof, and I’ve had first-time growers proudly point at a three-foot plant with six leaves missing because a deer decided to sample the menu.
The funny part?
They’re both equally excited.
Sometimes I look at a beginner’s plant and think, “Well… it’s definitely a plant.” But I would never crush that excitement. Every one of us started somewhere, and that first successful outdoor grow is something you never forget.
That’s what makes July so special.
This is the month when hope is everywhere.
The hard work is mostly done. The plants are established. They’ve survived storms, bugs, hungry animals, curious neighbors, and hopefully a few overenthusiastic watering sessions.
Now everyone is waiting for the same thing.
The show.
Here in New York, most outdoor photoperiod plants begin revealing their first white pistils—the little hairs that appear at the nodes, right between the branches—during the first or second week of August. That’s Mother Nature flipping the switch from “grow bigger” to “let’s make flowers.”
Once that happens, the countdown begins.
Most strains need roughly 8 to 10 weeks to fully mature after flowering starts. For many New York growers, that usually puts harvest somewhere between October 15 and October 21, depending on the cultivar and the weather.
And here’s where patience separates good flower from unforgettable flower.
Every grower knows how tempting it is to chop early.
You walk outside every morning thinking…
“They look done.”
Then two days later…
“Okay… NOW they’re done.”
Then another week passes, and suddenly your buds have swollen, the aroma has intensified, and the trichomes seem to have multiplied overnight.
That’s why so many experienced growers pray for one thing every October…
A late frost.
That final week can make an incredible difference. Those extra days often allow the flowers to bulk up, the trichomes to mature, and the terpene profile to fully develop. Sometimes the difference between “pretty good” and “OH… MY… GOODNESS…” is simply giving the plant one more week when the weather cooperates.
Greenhouse growers get a little bonus here.
If temperatures only dip to around 31–32°F (-0.5 to 0°C) for a light overnight frost, a covered greenhouse can often protect plants well enough to squeeze out those extra precious days. It’s not a guarantee, but sometimes that little bit of protection is all you need to cross the finish line.
Of course, Mother Nature always has the final vote.
If a hard freeze is coming, don’t gamble your entire crop trying to squeeze out another couple of days. Harvesting around October 15 can still produce excellent cannabis. It’s when growers start chopping significantly earlier than that—before the flowers have had enough time to mature—that I’ve personally seen plants come out looking and smoking a little underdeveloped.
But let’s not rush ahead.
We’re still in July.
This is the fun part.
This is the month of backyard inspections, daily photo updates, endless conversations about nutrients, and that one friend who somehow measures his plants every afternoon like they’re children at the doctor’s office.
It’s the season where every grower becomes an amateur meteorologist, checking five different weather apps while somehow trusting none of them.
Sunny? Great.
Rain? We’ll manage.
Wind? Tie them down.
Frost in July? Okay… now somebody’s lying.
Whether this is your very first outdoor grow or your twentieth season chasing the perfect harvest, take a second to appreciate this part of the journey.
Because before you know it, you’ll be trimming until your fingers stick together, wondering why you ever thought growing one more plant was a good idea.
So enjoy the excitement.
Take pictures.
Show off your garden.
Celebrate every inch of growth.
And if Mother Nature is listening…
Let’s all say it together.
Dear Weather… please give New York one nice, late frost this year.
Our trichomes would sincerely appreciate it.
Community
THIS ISN’T JUST A FESTIVAL… IT’S A WHOLE CANNABIS CITY IN THE PINES | Summer High Fest Is About to Change NY Forever
Let me paint you a picture real quick…
It’s summer 2026 in New York. You’re not stuck on your couch scrolling through the same 12 people arguing in comment sections. You’re not watching someone else “live life” through a phone screen. You’re somewhere different.
You’re under the pines. Music is hitting from two stages. The air smells like food trucks, creativity, and maybe a little something sticky from the BudStock side of the world. Somewhere in the distance, someone just won the Home Growers Championship and is acting like they just got drafted into the NBA.
Welcome to Summer High Fest.
And according to Woodz Treez, this isn’t just another cannabis event trying to slap a logo on a flyer and call it culture. This is something built from the ground up with intention, experience, and a little bit of “we’re tired of waiting for someone else to do it right, so we did it ourselves.”
THREE EVENTS. ONE WEEKEND. ZERO CHILL.
Summer High Fest is not playing small.
2026 marks the first-ever Summer High Festival, but don’t get it twisted—this thing is built on serious foundation:
Summer High Music Festival (Year 1)
BudStock Cannabis Convention (Year 4)
The Home Growers Championship (Year 3)
So what you’re really getting is not one event… but three communities colliding into one giant weekend experience.
And yes—there are designated 21+ cannabis areas, but there’s also something you don’t see enough in this space: a family-friendly festival atmosphere outside those zones. Music, art, camping, food, vendors, workshops… the whole spectrum.
In other words: if you can’t find something to enjoy here, you might just be the problem.
WHY THIS WAS BUILT (AND WHY IT MATTERS)
Woodz Treez made one thing very clear in his interview: this didn’t come from a trend. It came from necessity.
After helping build festival experiences at another venue that eventually shifted, the vision didn’t die—it evolved.
Instead of folding it, they rebuilt it stronger.
And the mission stayed the same:
A safe, welcoming space where music lovers, artists, growers, cannabis enthusiasts, families, and first-time festival goers can exist together without chaos, ego, or division.
That’s a rare sentence in 2026.
WHAT YOU’RE WALKING INTO
If you pull up to Summer High, here’s what hits you first:
It’s the energy.
Not forced. Not corporate. Not “please clap for our brand activation.”
Just people.
Then everything else stacks on top:
75+ artists across two stages
Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae, EDM, Bass and live bands
EDM until 4AM
Live painters and artists
Laser shows and immersive visuals
Food vendors
Vendor village
Camping beneath the pines
Educational cannabis programming
21+ giveaways all weekend
And somewhere in the middle of all that… you’ll probably realize you just met five strangers who now feel like old friends.
That’s the point.
THE VENDORS AREN’T AN AFTERTHOUGHT
One thing that separates Summer High from the “pop-up and pray” events is the lineup of real community businesses involved.
Cannabis vendors include:
Ganja Pigs
Frost Kingz
Kine Buds
Highly Baked
Fatboyy Cannabis
Bucket Of Budz
Prada Pax
Squids
Mini Mart
Central Oddities
Best Budz
Woodz Treez
Food vendors include Uncle Mitch Munchies, High Hillz Hotdogs, Mrs. Sweets Bake Shoppe, Cosmic Creations, Food For The Homies and The Grovelink.
Artists and creators include Mushroom Girl, Do Not Feed The Art, Ashley In Wonderland, BDA, Crown City Curiosities, Rei Of Light, The LotShop and many more.
Even better, the lineup is still growing.
A LITTLE INSIDER TIP FROM OG STRAIN…
Since you’re already reading The Plug’s Pages, here’s something special.
Woodz Treez told me they’ll be representing at Summer High Fest all weekend.
If you stop by their booth, make a purchase, and mention that you read this article or simply tell them, “OG Strain sent me,” don’t be surprised if they show you a little extra love.
And while you’re there, don’t just walk away with your purchase.
Woodz Treez is planning to have a bong set up at their booth for adults in the designated 21+ area, so stop by, take a hit with the crew, and let them know OG Strain sent you. It’s a great excuse to meet the team, hang out for a minute, and become part of the Summer High experience.
I’m not going to spoil exactly what that “extra love” might be—that’s between you and them.
Maybe it’s something extra.
Maybe it’s a surprise.
Maybe it’s just some VIP treatment.
The only way to find out… is to walk over, take a rip, and say those magic words.
Then come find me later and tell me what happened.
WHY YOU SHOULD SHOW UP (AND NOT JUST “THINK ABOUT IT”)
Woodz said it perfectly.
This isn’t about spending another weekend staring at a screen.
It’s about disconnecting from everyday life and reconnecting with people.
Camping.
Music.
Art.
Cannabis education.
Great food.
Late-night sets.
Meaningful conversations.
Whether you arrive with twenty friends or by yourself, you’re walking into a community that wants you there.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT?
Most cannabis events focus on one lane.
Summer High combines them all.
A cannabis convention.
A growers championship.
A music festival.
An art festival.
A camping experience.
A community gathering.
Instead of choosing one culture, Summer High brings them together into one unforgettable weekend.
That’s what makes it different.
LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS
Just so nobody accidentally skips this part…
🎶 75+ Artists including THE BASEMENT CHRONICLES
🎺 Sophistafunk
🎤 Mula Monopoly
🎸 Sacred Medicine
🔥 Broken Harmony Syndicate
🔊 EDM Until 4AM
🎨 Live Art
✨ Lasers & Visuals
🍔 Amazing Food Vendors
🛍️ Vendor Village
And according to Woodz Treez…
They’re not done announcing surprises yet.
TICKETS
Use Promo Code:
SUMMER50
Offer ends July 4 at 11:59 PM.
Tickets are available online through the Summer High Festival ticket page.
FOLLOW THE FESTIVAL
For updates, announcements, camping information, vendors and everything else, visit the official Summer High website and keep an eye on Woodz Treez’s social media pages as they continue posting updates leading up to the event.
FINAL WORD
There was one sentence from the interview that really stuck with me:
“Summer High isn’t just a festival—it’s a community.”
People throw that word around a lot.
Community.
But after reading everything they’re building, it doesn’t sound like marketing.
It sounds genuine.
Music.
Cannabis.
Art.
Camping.
Education.
Families.
Growers.
Creators.
Everyone sharing one unforgettable weekend beneath the pines.
If Summer High delivers on everything they’re promising, this won’t just be another event on the calendar.
It’ll be the one people spend the next year talking about.
And if you decide to stay home…
Don’t blame me when your friends won’t stop telling stories about everything you missed.
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Greene Dream
February 8, 2026 at 2:48 pm
Emily is an OG Queen, thank you for all you do
Mary Johnson
February 9, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Love you Emily🫶