In the fast-growing cannabis space, brands are increasingly leveraging philanthropy and experiential marketing to build community, demonstrate values, and give back. One of the standout formats: charity golf tournaments. These events blend networking, fundraising, and friendly competition—and they’re becoming a powerful force in cannabis industry storytelling. Below is a snapshot of six leading U.S. charity golf tournaments hosted or supported by cannabis brands or industry players.
1. Vlasic Classic Charity Golf Tournament
Founded by Willy Vlasic, the Vlasic Classic has become one of the marquee cannabis-industry charity tournaments, with editions in Michigan, Missouri, and an upcoming Las Vegas stop.
Proceeds benefit the Last Prisoner Project (and in some years, Freedom Grow) in their efforts to support nonviolent cannabis prisoners still incarcerated under outdated laws.
The tournaments are intentionally experiential — think drone drops, hole-in-one challenges, brand activations, curated swag, networking dinners, and an industry crowd committed to justice.
2. Native Roots Cannabis Co Charity Golf Tournament
Native Roots—one of the larger vertically integrated cannabis operators—hosts its own Native Roots Charity Golf Tournament with a portion of proceeds earmarked for cannabis justice causes, often aligned with the Last Prisoner Project.
This tournament embeds mission and marketing, allowing the brand to show up authentically in the justice space while engaging partners, customers, and cannabis advocates.
3. TeeHC Open (Cannabis Networking + Golf)
The TeeHC Open is a cannabis-industry networking and golf event in Massachusetts hosted by the Cannabis Creative Group.
While not always framed purely as a charity tournament, TeeHC emphasizes cause alignment: its program highlights charity partners and brand activation opportunities linked with social impact.
It’s ideal for cannabis professionals who want to tee off and expand relationships in a relaxed but mission-minded environment.
4. Arizona Cannabis Industry Charity Golf Classic & Mixer
The Arizona Cannabis Industry Charity Golf Classic & Mixer (often called “AGC”) is an established regional event with heavy industry sponsorship, brand presence, and charity goals.
While exact beneficiary info may vary each year, the model combines a competitive golf tournament with brand exhibits, networking, and a social mixer that showcases Arizona’s vibrant cannabis market and its philanthropic spirit.
5. Canna Golf Charity Tournament (Canna.Golf)
Canna Golf operates as a lifestyle brand that hosts recurring Canna Golf Charity Tournaments in various states.
These events are marketed as fun, accessible days for cannabis industry stakeholders to tee off, sip drinks, collect swag, and engage with peers, with proceeds going to charitable causes and awareness.
One of their recent events charged a modest entry fee for a single golfer and included contests like longest drive, hole-in-one, and team scrambles, blending fun with purpose.
6. Cannamunity Charity Golf Scramble
The Cannamunity Charity Golf Scramble is billed as a first-of-its-kind open-consumption golf scramble (in a state where that is allowed).
Held at Carriage Green Country Club, it attracts cannabis brands, budtenders, customers, and advocates who want to mingle, support causes, and expand community ties.
It’s a reflection of how charity, advocacy, and the cannabis lifestyle are becoming increasingly intertwined across the U.S.
Why These Tournaments Are Rising Stars in Cannabis Journalism
- Mission-Led Marketing: These events allow brands to wrap their marketing in a mission narrative—justice for those incarcerated for cannabis, community uplift, and industry legitimacy.
- Authentic Engagement: Rather than only sponsoring conferences, these events offer in-person experiences that combine business, fun, and cause.
- Storytelling Moments: For a journalist or blogger, these tournaments generate rich content—interviews with activists, theatrical activations, and emotional philanthropy moments.
- Networking with Impact: Attendees get to rub shoulders with decision-makers, explore innovation, and contribute to real causes all in one outing.
As the cannabis industry matures, its charitable golf circuit reflects something greater than sport—it symbolizes unity, reform, and community impact. Whether it’s funding prisoner reentry programs, supporting social-equity entrepreneurs, or simply giving back through a day on the green, these tournaments demonstrate that the cannabis community knows how to drive change—and do it in style.
