Daily Inspiration: Meet Ben Zabin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Zabin.

Hi Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I first discovered magic when I was 6 years old and it continued to be a lifelong passion. When I was 16 years old, I discovered weed (which also became a passion!). Putting magic and weed together was something that always seemed like a no-brainer! I dropped out of college after one year, and after leaving I lived a dual life of doing magic shows on cruise ships all over the world while also selling a lot of weed (among other “pharmaceuticals”) when I was not overseas.

Then the COVID pandemic happened and all my magic shows got canceled. I always wanted to launch Smokus Pocus and figured that Portland, OR would be the place to do it. So I packed up my car, drove across the country to Portland (I had never been and didn’t know anyone), and when they started opening back up in May of 2021, I went full throttle with the show and it’s what I’ve been doing ever since!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have always been struggles and I’m sure there will continue to be struggling! Everything from securing venues to designing lights for the show can present obstacles, but I like to stay flexible and preemptively expect that hurtles may come from any direction.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The thing I love about working in show business is being able to focus on both my artistic/creative side (the show) as well as my producing passions (the business). I’m most proud of Smokus Pocus because I feel like it’s been the culmination of everything I’ve learned over the 15+ years I’ve been in the industry.

It’s also exciting doing something that’s never been done before that is at the crossroads of cannabis, culture, and entertainment! I dropped out of college, and this whole venture has been my version of higher (pun intended) education.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being flexible. There are always going to be obstacles, uncontrollable changes, new opportunities that arise at the most unexpected moments, etc. There is no guidebook for what I’m doing so I like to keep an open mindset while pursuing focused goals.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.SmokusPocus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokuspocusshow/ 

Image Credits
Michael Benabib, JT Anderson, Harrison Kramer, and Shayla Norris-York