The Woman Redefining Cannabis Hospitality Across America

Sara Stewart, hailed as a “cannabis consumption lounge pioneer,” has been instrumental in shaping the burgeoning cannabis hospitality landscape in the U.S. With a rich background spanning over 15 years in high-end hospitality, Stewart transitioned her expertise to the cannabis industry, where she has since made significant waves.

As the visionary behind America’s first licensed cannabis lounges — Lowell Cafe in West Hollywood and Rise Mundelein in Illinois — Stewart has not only set the bar for cannabis experiences but has also been huge in redefining what cannabis consumption spaces can be.

As an upcoming speaker at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, here is the history behind Stewart’s expertise that attendees can expect to learn from. 

From High-End Hospitality To Cannabis Advocate

Before her foray into cannabis, Stewart’s career was marked by her roles in managing some of the country’s most successful restaurants and overseeing the door for Los Angeles’s elite events, including the Golden Globes and American Music Awards. Her transition to cannabis was driven by a passion for hospitality and a vision to integrate cannabis into social and dining experiences. This concept was nearly nonexistent before her initiatives.

Shaping Regulations And Building Community

As a co-founder of the Cannabis Hospitality Coalition, Stewart has been at the forefront of influencing regulations and policies across several states, leveraging her extensive marketing expertise and personal brand. Her efforts have not only facilitated the establishment of cannabis lounges but have also fostered a community-centric approach, emphasizing spaces where cannabis culture is celebrated openly and responsibly.

The Ritual Of Cannabis Hospitality

Stewart continues to break new ground in her current role as the CEO of Ritual Hospitality Group. Ritual is a testament to her dedication to evolving the cannabis hospitality sector, offering full-service operations and business development for cannabis lounges. With Stewart at the helm, Ritual helps license holders navigate the complexities of opening and operating cannabis lounges, ensuring that each establishment offers consumers a unique and inviting experience. 

A Speaker With Wisdom To Share

As Stewart prepares to share her wisdom at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, attendees can look forward to learning from her experiences at the intersection of cannabis and hospitality. Her pioneering work in creating spaces that blend cannabis consumption with high-end dining and socializing offers a glimpse into the industry’s future, making her a must-see speaker for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of cannabis hospitality.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida in a new venue in Hollywood on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars — this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Image: Sara Stewart/LinkedIn