Puffco, the leading L.A.-based manufacturer of the THC concentrate rig known as the Peak and Peak Pro, has been establishing themselves as a force in cannabis marketing with their annual fall Puffcon Block Party since 2021. The company, whose headquarters are in the Los Angeles Center Studios, cordons off several city blocks in the heart of downtown, creating what can best be described as Vapestock or Dabchella, except the music is secondary to the sheer joy of getting high under the bright sunlight with thousands of other stoners.
Since its first iteration – where the musical acts included Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies and Buddy for 2,500 attendees – Puffcon mushroomed this year to attract 8,000 attendees, along with 600 vendors, glass artists and brand activations. Action Bronson, this time with his band Human Growth Hormone, was on the bill once again, along with Cali rapper Larry June, That Mexican OT and 2 Dead Boyz, with The Alchemist manning the turntables between sets on the giant main stage.
DJs, the omnipresent Puffco rigs and carnival rides kept the energy high. Samples were given out freely. It took a while to get used to everyone dabbing with such impunity. Officially, cannabis sales were not allowed on site, but enterprising entrepreneurs set up shop right in the middle of the action.
Among the brands represented were Alien Labs, Bomb Liquid Rosin, Hash House, Glob Fidels, Dee Thai Official, Northin Personal, Blazy Susan, Kalya Extracts and Astor Club.
In addition to an array of glass pipes and a glassblowing exhibition, a fully equipped Puffco retail store on the premises offered $30 discounts.
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited event of the day was “The Biggest Group Dab Ever,” hosted by Erick Khan, in which they attempted to break the world record for most people vaping at one time in the same place.
Coming on the heels of Gavin Newsom signing a bill that allows Amsterdam-style consumption, drinking and eating at legal lounges like The Woods, Puffcon is the latest example of the communal possibilities of cannabis culture, getting people off the couch and outdoors, where they can commune with other like-minded folks.
The EMT tent was strangely quiet. “Any action today?” I asked. “None at all.” It was that kind of blissful day, hopefully a sign of things to come.
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