
The name Brian Applegarth is synonymous with cannabis & hemp travel and tourism innovation. He has been pioneering the space since 2013. Brian is the founder of the Cannabis Travel Association International and he leads the cannabis and hemp work groups for Destinations International and the California Travel Association.
Brian’s work is data-driven. He was the sole advisor on the first ever national research on the cannabis travel audience in the United States. Brian helped create the foundational survey methodology and baseline framework for the ground-breaking study, and he develops ongoing annual visitor economy insights with consideration to evolving policy and trends in cannabis, hemp, and CBD-related travel.
As a subject matter expert and thought-leader in his respective niche, Brian speaks often at industry events and conferences including AHLA Resorts Committee, Northern and Southern California CHLA Conferences, CalTravel Summit, Destinations International Advocacy Summit, ILC Indie Confab, NCCA Concierge Association, UNWTO Rethinking Tourism, EuroAm Cannabis Business Conference, and others.
Brian is a sought after destination strategist and advisor. He offers consultative services that center around destination development and destination marketing strategies and provides solutions for the visitor economy. Brian is a certified cannabis sommelier and a certified cannabis therapy consultant, and he incorporates this knowledge into his work. He is an award-winning amateur cannabis culture documentarian and has himself curated cannabis exhibits for the Museum of Sonoma County, the Kelley House Museum of Mendocino, and the Cannabis Exhibit at the California State Fair.
“Brian has shown his commitment to creating and maintaining a culturally accurate portrayal of cannabis in California.”
Amanda Reiman
VP of Community Relations, Flow Kana
Affiliations
Founding Board Member, International Federation of Cannabis and Hemp Associations
Cannabis and Hemp Task Force Chair, Destinations International
Council Member, SF Travel Public Policy
At-large Board Member, California Travel Association
Committee Chair, CalTravel Assoc. Cannabis Tourism Committee
Committee Member, Sonoma County Tourism Marketing
Advisory Board Founder, Cannabis Travel Association International
Board Member, Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network
Board Member, 420 Archives
Advisory Board, Dennis Peron Legacy Foundation
Advisory Board, Wine Industry Network, Weed and Wine Symposium
Founder/Owner

Applegarth Consultative Services


Cannabis Travel Association International


The Cannabis Trail
A fully registered 501c3 organization, The Cannabis Trail weaves throughout northern California and honors the pioneers, places and significant moments that paved the way for legal cannabis access in the United States. It’s a cultural and historical trail that you will be able to travel, and will serve as an immersive cannabis attraction for visitors to California.


California Cannabis State Fair Awards & Exhibit
California’s Hemp and Cannabis Experience at the California State Fair includes education and the ‘Best of California’ competition and awards program. The CA State Fair is an annual 17-day event showcasing California’s industries, agriculture, and diversity of people.


Cultivar
California’s Hemp and Cannabis Experience at the California State Fair includes education and the ‘Best of California’ competition and awards program. The CA State Fair is an annual 17-day event showcasing California’s industries, agriculture, and diversity of people.


Effect Pairing
Effect Pairing is the art of selecting and consuming a cannabis cultivar in an effort to optimally enhance an activity or experience. Intention, set and setting, and dosing to Flow State are core concepts of the Effect Pairing cannabis method.
