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/