Las Vegas Vlasic Classic Marks First-Ever Legal Consumption Golf Tournament in the U.S.

The inaugural Las Vegas Vlasic Classic kicked off on November 8 at the Las
Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, in collaboration with the Paiute Tribe and NuWu
Cannabis. This event marked the first golf tournament in Nevada designed to
fully comply with cannabis regulations. The concept was simple yet
effective, taking place on a course known for hosting major events, and the
turnout demonstrated a clear interest in the initiative.

This Las Vegas stop marked a significant development for the growing
tournament series, which began in the Midwest and has steadily expanded.
Founder Willy Vlasic noted that the move westward was intentional, linking
the Classic to a major cannabis market at a time when the industry seeks
more open and well-organized events.

“Las Vegas represents the next chapter in our mission to blend sport,
advocacy and cannabis culture positively,” Vlasic said. “Partnering with
the Paiute Tribe and NuWu Cannabis to create Nevada’s first compliant golf
tournament showcases how collaboration can advance national reform efforts.”

The charity golf tournament attracted golfers, industry operators, brand
representatives, advocates and supporters from the cannabis community.

While golfers competed for trophies and hole-in-one prizes, the day
prioritized dialogue as much as competition. Sponsor tents provided a
mixture of product showcases and casual hangouts. Participants varied in
their pace of play; some rushed through, while others savored the
experience, with no one seeming eager to finish quickly.

Because the event was held at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, owned and
operated by the Paiute Tribe, on-site consumption was permitted. This was a
unique twist for a cannabis industry event, which are typically limited by
state and local restrictions on public use. It added a practical ease to
the day and meant attendees could sample products, join activations, and
move through the course without the usual workarounds that define most
cannabis gatherings.

This relaxed pace suited the attendees well, allowing them to seamlessly
transition between golfing, networking, advocacy and casual conversation
without interruptions. The event felt like an educational field trip,
filled with familiar faces, as well as new introductions and ample
opportunities for discussion—all without the constraints of a hectic
conference schedule.
A Fundraiser With Clear Outcomes

The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic raised over $17,500, which was distributed
among three national organizations dedicated to cannabis justice. Freedom
Grow Forever and the Last Prisoner Project each received $6,250, while The
Weldon Project received $5,000. These funds support various initiatives,
including commissary accounts, re-entry assistance, legal advocacy and
clemency efforts for individuals affected by cannabis-related incarceration.

Each partner organization plays a unique role within the reform landscape. Freedom
Grow Forever, led by Bill and Jeff Levers, directs funds to support
individuals still incarcerated for cannabis offenses. The Last Prisoner
Project focuses on providing resources for re-entry microgrants and support
systems for those returning to society. The Weldon Project, founded by
Weldon Angelos, is dedicated to federal clemency, sentencing policy, and
high-level advocacy.

Bill Levers, CEO of Freedom Grow, expressed gratitude to the Vlasic brand
and their family for their advocacy work for cannabis prisoners. “The
Vlasic family has been incredible partners and true advocates for Freedom
Grow’s mission. The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic has played a crucial role in
helping us share prisoners’ stories with the public. More importantly, it
has allowed us to directly support those on our outreach list thanks to
their generous donations. We are deeply thankful to the Vlasic family and
every sponsor who made this event possible.”

With Las Vegas now added to the series, the Vlasic Classic, which took
place earlier this year in Michigan and Missouri, has raised over $140,000
for second-chance and reform efforts.
Willy Vlasic with Benny Tso, the former chair of the Las Vegas Paiute
Nation, at the historic first-ever legal consumption golf tournament in the
US. Strong Support From Across the Industry

A diverse array of brands supported the Las Vegas Classic, including
Cannabis Now, Mama J’s, Matrix, Verano, Curaleaf, STIIIZY, and Good Day
Farm. Their participation helped anchor the event and attract attention
from the broader region. The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
also returned as the official trade association sponsor, offering
discounted first-year memberships to attendees.

The next event in the series is the 2026 Missouri Vlasic Classic, scheduled
for May 1–3 at Old Kinderhook Resort. Previous Missouri events experienced
strong attendance and media coverage, and early indications for 2026
suggest continued momentum.

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Tournament in the U.S. appeared first on Cannabis Now.