As soon as we arrived at The MoodRX Retreat in the Hudson River Valley, We, the High Herstory co-founders, were enveloped in a sense of serenity that promised a truly rejuvenating weekend. Nestled in an idyllic setting and gorgeous views, the retreat took place in a beautiful home that seemed like it was straight out of a dream. With two hot tubs, a pool, a plethora of rooms including a karaoke bar and direct river access, the ambiance was nothing short of enchanting. Our room was perfect, with two large and comfortable beds in the room and the MoodRX Retreat goody bags provided all the essentials for a relaxing weekend and even included some gummies and goodies to take home.

Our excitement reached new heights when we were greeted with a sumptuous spread prepared by Chef Jaci and our host, Holly. Holly showed us around the property and introduced us to their "bud bar," fully and thoughtfully stocked with a variety of Camino edibles, Hudson Cannabis Pre-rolls, 1906 Bliss and other curated cannabis products. You can read our reviews of the cannabis products we tried at the end of this article. Of course these accoutrements added an extra layer of enjoyment and we were stoked to get this retreat started and meet the fellow guests!

MoodRx Mood Bar stocked with Cannabis Goodies

Holly, the visionary founder behind MoodRX Retreats, embarked on her cannabis journey after finding solace from corporate burnout through the power of cannabis. She initially established Moodporium, a hemp dispensary, and later pioneered Cannamood Apparel, a line of uniquely designed merchandise reflecting her low-key persona. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women aged thirty and above in the cannabis community, she ventured into MoodRX Retreats, crafting a space and products that cater to this demographic. With her entrepreneurial flair, digital expertise, and a passion for cannabis wellness, Holly aspires to become a prominent figure in the industry, fostering a space for balance and celebration of the women and cannabis. You can learn more about Holly by reading her feature in FORBES here.

The first day was all about embracing leisure and forging connections. We arrived around 4:20 and sipped on THC sparkling sodas, engaged in heartfelt conversations around the bonfire, and found an instant camaraderie with the other cannabis enthusiasts at the retreat. The atmosphere was laid-back and inviting, encouraging everyone to unwind and recharge on their own terms. Next up was dinner, prepared by the talented chef, was a culinary masterpiece that left our taste buds dancing. Following the delightful meal, we indulged in the luxury of the hot tubs while enjoying joints and watching the sun set over the picturesque landscape. It was a moment of sheer bliss, and we couldn't help but imagine making this a regular part of our lives. The night wound down with a sound healing led by AJ, the Spiritual Wellness Educator at the retreat.

We really felt at the end of the first day that this retreat was something special. We haven’t attended many cannabis retreats, but attend cannabis events and shows often. There was something more personal and bespoke about this experience, it didn’t feel like it was manufactured around getting as lit as possible and getting into trouble. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just we prefer a more conscious consumption space and we really felt like the MoodRX Retreat understood that we love the plant but we want to have a mindful connection and experience when we consume. Our night slumber was amazing and we used the weighted eye mask from Camino to relax into a deep sleep, we woke up well rested and ready to have an adventure filled day.

The next day began with a plunge into first hot and then cold water, a practice that was new to us and remarkably invigorating. Our gracious host, Holly, embraced this practice daily, and we quickly understood why. The sense of rejuvenation was unparalleled, setting the stage for a fulfilling day ahead. We seriously felt like our bodies were recharged from dipping first into the hotter and after in a cooling tub set to 60 degrees. After a nourishing breakfast, we engaged in journaling, a practice enhanced by the prompts provided in our goody bags. For journaling and the morning cold/hot dunk, we smoked our Hudson Cannabis Pre-roll filled with a wonderful Sativa dominant strain called “juicy diesel”, I have to say Hudson Cannabis is one of our favorite NYC cannabis companies and this joint was the perfect way to start our Saturday.

Jaci grilled us up some healthy lunch and we ate outside on the porch and took in the lovely scenery. Another thing that struck us about the MoodRX Retreat, was that the food was so healthy but not in a restrictive way. A lot of retreats go over board with vegan, gluten free and frankly, not exciting options for food. We felt like the food was of the highest quality and it was actual food. For example dinner the first night was steak, veggies, and a wedge salad that made us feel nourished and satisfied. Holly asked us if we had any food preferences or restrictions before the trip so we know that would accommodate your diet if needed.

The camaraderie among the attendees continued to grow as we smoked or indulged in the CQ Cannabis Infused sparking drinks by the pool, while reading books or doing leisure activities. We then embarked on individual tarot readings with AJ. AJ's insights and the sound healing meditation from the previous night created an ethereal experience that left us inspired and contemplative. We love consulting the stars and AJ really has an inspiring grasp on the spiritual realm, we felt like we were in great hands. We also loved hearing the other guests Big 3, shout out to our astro-girls, they will know what that means.

Following our tarot readings, we ventured to the dock for a High Herstory photoshoot, embracing the tranquil beauty that surrounded us. The retreat's flexible schedule allowed us to flow between structured activities and moments of personal reflection, a perfect balance for us as self-proclaimed "introvert-extrovert woo-woo girlies." As the day drew to a close, we relished in another delectable dinner, followed by a rejuvenating evening of karaoke and s'mores. The performances were nothing short of magical, showcasing the radiant auras of each participant. What struck us most was the absence of pressure—everyone was free to participate or simply bask in the positive energy. We really liked the energy of the whole group, everyone was understanding and fun and we all seemed able to connect even though we had just met.

Reflecting on our time at The MoodRX Retreat, we couldn't help but feel that it was tailored to suit every individual's desires and the perfect getaway for women who love to consume the plant in the name of wellness. The retreat is geared toward women in the over thirty crowd as opposed to younger people who might be seeking a less relaxing experience, and we loved that there was a blend of ages in attendance. We learned so much about how the plant was viewed in the past, how far it has come and how we can utilize it for conversation and camaraderie. We felt truly enveloped in safety as we shared our life stories and bonded with this group of fantastic women. The blend of holistic practices, leisurely pursuits, and the freedom to choose our path made this retreat truly exceptional.