NuWu Sessions Podcast Episode 47: Jenn Tramaglino & James Zachodni on the Future of Cannabis Events
Inside the Vision Behind the 420 State Fair
The NuWu Sessions Podcast returns with an inside look at the people shaping some of the most immersive cannabis experiences in Las Vegas.
Behind the scenes of a NuWu Sessions Podcast recording inside Sky High Lounge at NuWu Main Dispensary in Las Vegas.
Recorded at Sky High Lounge inside NuWu Main Dispensary in downtown Las Vegas, Episode 47 welcomes Jenn Tramaglino of Cannect Hospitality and James Zachodni of Farechild for a conversation about cannabis hospitality, experiential event design, and the creative vision behind the 420 State Fair.
Together with the NuWu team, their work blends entertainment, hospitality, and cannabis culture into a unique event experience that continues to evolve each year.
From the early days of legalization to the future of cannabis festivals, this episode explores how thoughtful production, hospitality standards, and compliance shape the cannabis events landscape.
1:47 – Early Cannabis Experiences
Tom Nieves and Jenn Tramaglino discussing cannabis culture and early industry experiences during the NuWu Sessions Podcast.
Jenn and James begin the conversation by reflecting on how cannabis first entered their lives.
Jenn:
“Friends influenced my early interest. And honestly, I had a crush on someone who was a stoner, so I wanted to do what he was doing.”
For Jenn, cannabis was always part of the social environment around her growing up. What began as curiosity eventually became a deeper connection to cannabis culture and the industry.
James shares a similar experience from his high school years.
James:
“I started using cannabis casually in high school. I even flipped small amounts just to make extra money for lunch and basic stuff.”
Today, cannabis still plays a role in both of their routines, though their approaches are very different.
3:19 – Cannabis Routines Today
Jenn Tramaglino discussing her daily cannabis routine during the NuWu Sessions Podcast.
Both guests laugh while describing their daily cannabis habits.
James:
“My routine is usually in the evening. I’ll take an edible or hit an oil vape to wind down and turn my brain off so I can sleep.”
For James, cannabis helps him decompress after long production days.
Jenn describes a different rhythm.
Jenn:
“I start with a joint first thing in the morning and smoke throughout the day.”
Their routines may differ, but both agree that cannabis remains an important part of their lives and their work within the cannabis industry.
5:08 – Entering the Cannabis Industry
Jenn’s path into cannabis began after spending time living in Amsterdam, where she experienced a different relationship between hospitality and cannabis culture.
Jenn:
“I came back from Amsterdam wanting to change my life.”
Through mutual connections she eventually met James and Dave Tran, which led to her first role in the industry at Dope Magazine.
James explains that he entered cannabis in 2011 when he helped launch the publication in Washington State.
James:
“We saw legalization coming and realized cannabis companies couldn’t advertise anywhere. So we created our own platform.”
The magazine quickly grew into a multi-state publication before eventually being acquired by High Times.
9:52 – The Origins of Farechild and Cannect Hospitality
Jenn Tramaglino discussing cannabis hospitality systems and compliance during Episode 47 of the NuWu Sessions Podcast.
After the sale of Dope Magazine, James focused on building events that felt as polished as major festivals or nightlife productions.
James:
“We wanted to focus on events and hospitality. We saw a need for high-quality production in cannabis events.”
That vision eventually led to the creation of Farechild, a platform supporting cannabis event production through ticketing and marketing tools.
Jenn explains that Cannect Hospitality focuses on hospitality systems and compliance planning for cannabis venues and events.
Jenn:
“Our niche is hospitality and compliance. We create SOPs for everything from house parties to festivals and consumption lounges.”
Their combined expertise allows cannabis events to feel professional, safe, and welcoming for guests.
26:41 – What Makes the 420 State Fair Different
The 420 State Fair transforms NuWu into a carnival-style cannabis experience each year.
The 420 State Fair transforms NuWu into a carnival-style cannabis experience each year and continues to grow as one of the most unique cannabis events in Las Vegas.
You can explore upcoming events at NuWu here https://nuwu.vegas/events
Jenn describes the event as an immersive carnival atmosphere built specifically for adult cannabis consumers.
Jenn:
“It’s like stepping into an adult circus or carnival world.”
Guests encounter performers, games, carnival food, and interactive experiences throughout the event.
James explains that NuWu provides the perfect environment for this type of event.
James:
“NuWu gives us a blank canvas. We can evolve the event every year while keeping the State Fair identity.”
Each year introduces new performances and experiences while maintaining the recognizable theme.
33:00 – What Makes an Event Unforgettable
Immersive entertainment is a major part of the guest experience at NuWu cannabis events.
Jenn believes the emotional impact of an event is what guests remember most.
Jenn:
“How you feel when you leave… that’s the best part of any party.”
James adds that repeat attendance is often the best indicator of success.
James:
“The real proof is when people start asking about next year immediately.”
For both producers, that anticipation is what defines a truly memorable event.
40:25 – The Green Ribbon Experience
The Green Ribbon experience will allow guests to sample and vote on cannabis entries during the 420 State Fair.
Looking ahead to the next edition of the event, Jenn and James reveal one of the most exciting additions planned for the fair.
Jenn:
“We’re introducing the Green Ribbon experience.”
Inspired by traditional state fair judging competitions, guests will be able to sample curated cannabis entries and vote for their favorites.
James explains the inspiration behind the idea.
James:
“It’s like bringing the blue ribbon tradition into cannabis.”
The competition will focus on flower and pre-roll entries, while other products may appear in VIP bags.
46:14 – Advice for Future Cannabis Event Creators
Tom Nieves and Jenn Tramaglino during the recording of NuWu Sessions Podcast Episode 47 at Sky High Lounge inside NuWu Main Dispensary in Las Vegas.
As the episode wraps up, Jenn and James share advice for entrepreneurs interested in launching cannabis events.
Jenn offers a simple but important recommendation.
Jenn:
“Get an attorney as your business partner.”
James adds that strong partnerships and attention to detail are essential.
James:
“Don’t take shortcuts. Do it the right way the first time and every time.”
Producing successful cannabis events requires patience, compliance knowledge, and collaboration.
Watch the NuWu Sessions Podcast Now
Watch the full episode of NuWu Sessions Podcast Episode 47 on YouTube or listen on Spotify to hear Jenn Tramaglino of Cannect Hospitality and James Zachodni of Farechild discuss cannabis hospitality, event production, and the vision behind the 420 State Fair.
In this episode, the conversation explores how immersive cannabis events are evolving, how hospitality principles shape cannabis experiences, and what guests can expect from the upcoming 420 State Fair at NuWu.
You can also explore more conversations with cannabis industry leaders by visiting the full NuWu Sessions Podcast archive.
Be sure to subscribe to the NuWu YouTube channel to stay up to date with new NuWu Sessions episodes, guest interviews, and upcoming cannabis culture conversations filmed at Sky High Lounge inside NuWu Main Dispensary in downtown Las Vegas.
Cannabis hospitality and experiential events continue to grow across the United States, and Las Vegas remains one of the few cities where visitors can legally experience cannabis consumption lounges and large-scale cannabis culture events. Through Sky High Lounge and events like the 420 State Fair, NuWu continues to help shape the future of cannabis events in Las Vegas.
FOLLOW FOR MORE
Farechild
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thefarechild/
Cannect Hospitality
420 State Fair
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/420statefair/
Website https://420statefair.com
NuWu Cannabis
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nuwulv/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NuWuLV/
Twitter/X https://twitter.com/NUWULV/
Visit NuWu Main Dispensary in Downtown Las Vegas
NuWu Main Dispensary is located in downtown Las Vegas and is home to Sky High Lounge, Nevada’s original cannabis consumption lounge.
Guests can explore a wide selection of cannabis products, enjoy lounge experiences, and attend events like the 420 State Fair.
Visit NuWu Main https://nuwu.vegas
Explore Sky High Lounge https://nuwu.vegas/sky-high-lounge