On December 4th, 2024, the Maryland cannabis community came together for a holiday celebration that won’t soon be forgotten. Hosted at the historic Overhills Mansion in Catonsville, the Maryland Leaf Holiday Party 2024 was a perfect blend of elegance and excitement, attracting enthusiasts, industry leaders, and sponsors who brought the night to life.
Here's our report from the 2023 Maryland Leaf Holiday Party
As the photographer and videographer for the event, I had the privilege of capturing every glowing detail, from the roaring enthusiasm of the crowd to the kaleidoscope of cannabis culture on display.
The Heart of Maryland Cannabis
The Maryland cannabis industry has seen explosive growth in recent years, and this event was a testament to its thriving community. Sponsors and vendors such as Cookies Cannabis, Curio Wellness, District Cannabis, Trulieve, Encore Edibles, Nature's Heritage Cannabis, Grassroots Cannabis, Peake Releaf, Verano Cannabis, Fade Co, and Stache showcased their best, grab bags, exclusive giveaways, and a unique opportunity to experience the cutting edge of cannabis innovation.
Capturing the Energy
As I arrived at Overhills Mansion, the festive vibe was unmistakable. Lights glimmered across the venue’s timeless architecture, while the hum of chatter and music spilled into the crisp December air. Inside, the atmosphere was electric—like a festival, but with a holiday twist.
The cannabis community turned out in full force, decked out in their party best, creating a vibrant tapestry of enthusiasts and industry pros celebrating a shared passion.
For me, the challenge was capturing the dynamic energy of the night. It wasn’t just about snapping photos of beautifully curated product displays or the intricate giveaways like high-end glass bongs and dab rigs.
It was about freezing the energy in a frame—dancers gliding across the floor, a crowd erupting in cheers during a raffle, and the subtle yet telling smiles of people sharing a dab or enjoying the terpene bar by Stache.
Highlights of the Night
The Terpene Bar by Stache
A standout feature of the night was the terpene bar by Stache, where guests could explore a variety of terpene profiles and learn about the aromatic and flavorful components of cannabis.
Watching attendees dive into this sensory experience was a delight.
The bar wasn’t just educational—it was interactive and captivating, allowing everyone to deepen their appreciation for cannabis science while sipping on holiday-themed mocktails infused with terpene-inspired flavors.
Dabs and Live Rosin
For those more inclined toward hands-on cannabis enjoyment, there were plenty of opportunities to experience dabbing and live rosin. Sponsors like Fade Co offered product demos, giving attendees a taste of some of the finest concentrates in the industry.
Watching a crowd huddle around a glowing dab rig, eager to learn and connect, reminded me of how far the Maryland cannabis community has come in making cannabis education both accessible and fun.
Raffles and Giveaways
Wyatt Early, the Maryland Leaf state director and MC for the night, kept the crowd engaged with timely announcements and raffle prizes. The giveaways were no joke—grab bags stuffed with premium products, glass bongs, and state-of-the-art dab rigs had attendees on the edge of their seats.
Through my lens, I could see the unbridled joy on people’s faces as winners were announced. Wyatt’s charm and wit added an extra layer of excitement, moving the night along seamlessly.
Music and Dancing
No party is complete without music, and the DJ kept the energy high with a carefully curated playlist that had everyone on their feet. Professional dancers took the floor, adding a touch of elegance and theatricality to the celebration.
Photographing the interplay between the pulsating beats, the swirling movement of the dancers, and the crowd’s raucous applause was one of the night’s highlights for me.
A Photographer’s Perspective
From a creative standpoint, the event was a dream. The juxtaposition of Overhills Mansion’s historic charm with the modern, vibrant Maryland cannabis culture made for compelling visuals. The sponsors, each with their unique displays, added bursts of color and branding that told their individual stories.
Capturing the Cookies Cannabis setup, with its signature bold aesthetic, contrasted beautifully with Curio Wellness’s refined and clinical approach.
Brands like Encore Edibles and Nature's Heritage Cannabis infused the space with their own vibe, while Trulieve and Peake Releaf created interactive booths that kept guests engaged. The diversity in style and approach was a visual feast.
The challenge was balancing the intimate moments—like a group of friends sharing a dab—with the grandeur of the evening as a whole. Shooting video for social media added another layer of complexity. I needed to tell a cohesive story in just a few seconds of footage.
Moments like Wyatt announcing raffle winners or guests exploring the terpene bar became the anchors for a narrative that celebrated connection, education, and fun.
The Sponsors’ and Vendors Impact
The sponsors and vendors played an integral role in making the event what it was. Their generosity and commitment to showcasing the best of the Maryland cannabis industry were evident in every detail. Here’s a breakdown of some key contributors:
Cookies Cannabis: Known for their bold branding and top-shelf flower, they brought their unmistakable style to the event.
Curio Wellness: Their display was sleek and professional, reinforcing their reputation for high-quality, therapeutic cannabis.
District Cannabis: Fans flocked to their booth for giveaways and exclusive grab bags.
Trulieve: Their approachable team and curated selection were a hit with both seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers.
Nature's Heritage Cannabis: Their focus on sustainability and premium products resonated with the crowd.
Grassroots Cannabis: Their emphasis on community and craftsmanship was evident in their high-quality booth items.
Peake Releaf: This boutique cannabis dispensary added a personal touch with interactive elements that drew attendees in.
Verano Cannabis: Their premium selection was a crowd favorite, showcasing some of the best flower on the market.
Fade Co: Their concentrates stole the show for dabbing enthusiasts.
Stache: The terpene bar was a massive hit, blending education with sensory delight
The Maryland Cannabis Community
What struck me most about the evening was the sense of community. The Maryland cannabis scene has always been about more than just products—it’s about people. From sponsors, vendors and organizers to attendees and staff, everyone brought their A-game to make the night special.
The event wasn’t just a celebration of the holiday season—it was a celebration of how far the industry has come and where it’s headed.
Through my camera, I saw laughter, connection, and genuine joy. Whether it was a seasoned pro geeking out over a new dab rig or a first-time attendee discovering the intricacies of terpenes
The night was full of moments that reminded me why I love documenting this industry.
Key Takeaways
A Showcase of the Best in Maryland Cannabis: Sponsors and vendors like Cookies Cannabis, Curio Wellness, and Trulieve brought their A-game, offering engaging experiences.
Interactive and Engaging Features: Highlights included the terpene bar by Stache, live rosin demos, and hands-on opportunities to explore cannabis products.
A True Celebration of Community: The event brought together the Maryland cannabis industry, creating an atmosphere of connection and celebration.
Raffles and Giveaways Were a Hit: High-end bongs, dab rigs, and grab bags kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Music and Dancing Set the Tone: A lively DJ and professional dancers added a festival-like vibe to the celebration.
Final Thoughts
The Maryland Leaf Holiday Party 2024 was more than just an event—it was a milestone for the Maryland cannabis community. As someone who got to capture every laugh, cheer, and dab through my lens, I can confidently say it was a night of pure joy and celebration.
Here’s to the continued growth of the industry and more nights like this in the future.
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