NuWu Cannabis and the Paiute Tribe collaborated to launch the Las Vegas Vlasic Classic on the 8th of November, at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. The first Nevada golf event to comply fully with marijuana regulations, this was the inaugural Las Vegas Vlasic Classic. This event was the first golf tournament in Nevada to be designed with cannabis regulations.
This Las Vegas tournament was a major development for the series which started in the Midwest but has expanded steadily. Willy Vlasic stated that this move was made intentionally to link the Classic and a major marijuana market, at a moment when the cannabis industry wants more well-organized and transparent events.
Vlasic explained that Las Vegas was the next phase in Vlasic’s mission of blending sport, activism and cannabis culture. The partnership with NuWu and the Paiute Tribe to create Nevada’s first legal golf tournament shows how collaborations can help advance reforms.
The charity golf tournament attracted golfers, industry operators, brand representatives, advocates and supporters from the cannabis community.Â
As golfers battled it out for trophies, and prizes for hole-in-1s, this day placed equal importance on dialogue. In the sponsor tents, there was a combination of product demonstrations and informal hangouts. There was a wide range of pace in which the participants participated. While some played quickly, others savored their experience.
On-site consumption of cannabis was allowed because the event took place at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort owned by and operated the Paiute Tribe. The event was unique, as cannabis events are usually restricted by the state or local laws. The day was made easier for attendees as they could now sample the products and participate in the activations without having to use the typical workarounds.
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, the Last Prisoner Project, and The Weldon Project all received $6250 each. These funds support various initiatives, including commissary accounts, re-entry assistance, legal advocacy and clemency efforts for individuals affected by cannabis-related incarceration.
Each organization partner plays a distinct role in the landscape of reform. Freedom Grow Forever is led by Bill Levers and Jeff Levers. They direct funds towards supporting individuals who are still in prison for cannabis-related offenses. The Last Prisoner Project focuses on providing resources for re-entry microgrants and support systems for those returning to society. Weldon Project was founded by Weldon angelos and is dedicated to federal sentencing, clemency policy, high level advocacy, etc.
Bill Levers (CEO of Freedom Grow) expressed thanks to Vlasic and its family for advocating cannabis prisoners. The Vlasic Family has been incredible advocates and partners for Freedom Grow. Las Vegas Vlasic Classic played an important role in helping Freedom Grow share the stories of prisoners with the public. The generous donations made by the Vlasic family and sponsors allowed us, more importantly than ever before to help those in our outreach program. The Vlasic family, as well as all sponsors who helped make this event possible are to be sincerely thanked.
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.
Strong Support From Across the Industry
The Las Vegas Classic was supported by a diverse range of brands, such as Cannabis Now, Mama J’s Matrix Verano Curaleaf STIIIZY Good Day Farm, Matrix Verano Matrix Verano Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrx Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matrix Matr The brands’ participation in the Las Vegas Classic helped attract the attention of the region. National Cannabis Industry Association, the trade association that sponsored this event and offered attendees a discounted first year membership.
The next event in the series is the 2026 Missouri Vlasic Classic, scheduled for May 1–3 at Old Kinderhook Resort. Media coverage and attendance at previous Missouri events were high, and the early signs for 2026 indicate that momentum will continue.