Chess Instructor Sam Adler Fuses Cannabis Culture With Educational Events in New York

Sam Adler, a New York-based chess teacher, has made a name for himself by blending his passion for chess with cannabis culture, creating unconventional educational experiences. Raised in Manhattan and taught chess by a Russian janitor at age five, Adler’s early hyperactivity found a productive outlet in the strategic game. His parents, a hip-hop executive and a PBS cooking show host, have watched with pride as their son carved out a unique career path that bridges education, entrepreneurship, and cannabis advocacy

Adler’s journey began with a degree in education from SUNY New Paltz, followed by roles with organizations like Chess in the Schools and a Brooklyn charter school. He later launched The School of Fine Herb, a startup dedicated to producing creative, cannabis-infused events for communities impacted by the war on drugs. According to High Times, Adler’s events include Puff and Chess sessions and workshops like Sew-A-Ting, where participants combine cannabis consumption with hands-on activities such as sewing pillows

The Puff and Chess gatherings have become a signature offering, often held in restaurants or outdoor spaces across New York. Adler believes the combination of cannabis and chess breaks down barriers to learning, making the game more accessible. “People think it’s a crazy idea, that weed and chess don’t mix. Chess can be intellectually intimidating but cannabis helps bring down your guard. It helps you to be vulnerable,” Adler explained. He adds that the relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and deeper engagement with the game

Despite his creative approach, Adler acknowledges the challenges of building a sustainable business in the cannabis sector. Over two years, he balanced his entrepreneurial efforts with part-time roles at Cannaware and the Borough of Manhattan Community College, helping aspiring cannabis license holders navigate regulatory hurdles. Ultimately, he returned to teaching full-time at a Brooklyn charter school to ensure financial stability, but continues to organize School of Fine Herb events on the side

Adler’s family remains supportive, even if their own cannabis use is in the past. His father, Bill Adler, who once wrote record reviews for High Times, said, “I couldn’t possibly tell Sam not to do it.” Meanwhile, his mother, Sara Moulton, prefers to keep her PBS cooking show cannabis-free, citing her audience’s preferences. Adler, however, remains optimistic about cannabis’s culinary and educational potential, having personally enjoyed cannabis-infused ice cream at past events

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Adler’s story highlights the evolving intersections between cannabis culture, education, and community engagement. His efforts demonstrate how creative entrepreneurs can use cannabis as a tool for social connection and learning, especially in communities historically impacted by prohibition. As cannabis normalization continues, such innovative programming could inspire broader acceptance and new opportunities within the industry