Community has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, it showed up in sports teams, church groups, and the little social circles that formed around shared interests. Those early experiences taught me how powerful it is when people come together — how connection can shape you, support you, and give you a sense of belonging. 

When I stepped into the cannabis industry, that same desire for connection followed me. I met people from all over the state — patients, budtenders, cultivators, and advocates — through my job and theirs. We’d talk about meeting up and collaborating, but as adults, actually making that happen was hard. Everyone was busy, schedules didn’t align, and the “we should hang out sometime” conversations rarely turned into real community. 

In addition to speaking with people who worked in the industry, I also held roles where I spoke with patients daily. And I kept hearing the same things: 

“I wish I could meet other people who got help from this.” 

“I want to go out, but my anxiety makes it hard.” 

“I don’t drink, so there’s nowhere for me to go.”So many patients wanted connection, but the very reasons they were patients — anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, medical challenges, not drinking — made traditional social spaces feel uncomfortable or inaccessible. They wanted community, but they needed it in a form that didn’t overwhelm them. 

At the same time, I was attending major cannabis events across Florida — professional conferences, statewide meetups, and CAC (Cannabis at the Capitol) gatherings with FL CAN. And not just attending them; I was helping plan and put on large events in my own area, too. Every time I left one of those statewide events, I felt like I was standing on a mountaintop. Inspired. Activated. Motivated. I’d come home buzzing with ideas and eager to share my experiences with everyone around me. 

Eventually, I realized something important: I didn’t want to wait for those big events to come and go. I wanted to create something here, in Northeast Florida — a consistent place where people could show up, connect, and build community all year long.

High Society was launched: a monthly cannabis community meetup — a safe place for patients to use their medicine, connect through shared experiences, ask questions, talk about cannabis, and all the other things we have in common. From the beginning, consistency was the key. I made a commitment: I will be here to host this space whether five people show up or thirty‑five. And because of that consistency, it grew. 

This September, High Society will celebrate two years of meetups. What started as one monthly gathering has expanded into three monthly events, including a walking group that blends community, wellness, and connection. 

We talk about everything — life, health, cannabis, and updates in the industry, so naturally, the conversation often turns to FLCAN, and honestly, I think that’s where the spark begins: just talking about it. Letting people know who FLCAN is, that their voice matters, and how they can be part of change. If I had a joint for every time I heard someone say, “I would love to get my card but, I ___” or “I have my card, but I wish I could ___,” I wouldn’t have to shop for quite some time. It’s wonderful to educate people on how they can help work towards those changes they seek. It’s beautiful to see how people get light up and excited when they realize they can make a difference. 

And it’s not just at meetups. I have conversations everywhere — the grocery store, the chamber, networking events — especially when I’m wearing my shirt or my pin. People stop me, ask questions, and it gives me an opportunity to share. I drop off flyers and information when I stop at dispensaries. I’ve seen people come to us from all of these different pathways, and then it spreads. Those people start having conversations in their spaces, and the people they talk to carry it into their spaces. 

It just keeps growing — a team effort built on genuine connection, curiosity, and the simple act of talking about cannabis and community wherever we are. 

To me, consistency and genuine connection are how you build local community and activism. It’s not complicated. It’s not loud. It’s showing up, talking to people, and creating a space where they feel safe, welcomed, and understood.

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With Gratitude, 

Alex Johnson Facebook Link

Cannabis Educator/Coach/ Terpene Profiling