“Super Friendliness” hash club gathers in Northport to puff (or not) at peace

Rich is a baby boomer whose home features a large heated pool with an outdoor entertainment area and a breathtaking view of Northport Harbor just down the road. On Friday evenings, since the legalization of marijuana use in New York, he has hosted like-minded adults from across Long Island for special events involving music, conversation and cannabis.

Rich, who asked to use his first name only, explained it as a community of cannabis users that have never had an opportunity to meet each other. “It seems like it’s a community that’s ready to be unified,” he said.

The events, or parties, are attended by about 40 adults, but Rich’s following, under the “Long Island Hash Club,” has been growing by hundreds every week since legalization. “The overriding theme has been ‘Super Friendliness,’ as people seem to come just to socialize,” he said. The Long Island Hash Club has hosted four different types of events so far: “Hash Tasting,” which Rich describes as similar to wine tasting, “Cannabiz Networking and Hash Party,” where attendees discuss the industry and topics related to cannabis reform, the “Cannabis Swap Meet” and the “4-20 Sunset Gatherings,” which are located at a scenic local park, with jam sessions and people who “feel free to puff,” said Rich.

“I started the Long Island Hash Club not knowing how things would unfold or what the events would look like. The mission of the club has been to gather like-minded folks together, essentially kindred spirits who are socially available. I can tell you, new friendships have been forming,” he added.

The party attendees are “diverse in every possible way,” according to Rich. With ages ranging from 21 to 70 years old, they come from areas across Long Island to gather in Rich’s quarter-acre backyard. The parties are a natural extension of events that Rich has been hosting for many years. He has produced 46 music festivals on Long Island over the past 20 years and loves a vibrant social setting. “I’m accustomed to gathering people together based around a theme, and the theme du jour is cannabis,” he explained.

Rich, who works as a consultant by day, loves to open up his home and create a welcoming environment. He is, clearly, a supporter of cannabis legalization, and allowing adults to use it socially and responsibly. He does, however, question whether or not Northport Village is an ideal place to have a dispensary, given the limitation of accessible space in the area. “Being a Northport resident, I have an intimate understanding of the logistics, traffic flow and vibe,” he said. “I’m trying to think of what would be feasible from a practical standpoint.” If anywhere, 25A would be the most fitting location for a dispensary, according to Rich, but he also wouldn’t mind driving out of town to get what he needs.

Those interested in attending one of Rich’s events can visit the LongIsland Hashclub Facebook page, where event dates and RSVP information is listed. To Rich, your “vibe attracts your tribe,” and he’s hoping to continue offering a welcoming, friendly space for Northporters and Long Islanders, in general, who want to socialize, listen to music and puff, or not.