Long before 20th April i.e. 4/20 became the unofficial Cannabis Day in the west, Mahasivarathri was the official ganja day in India. This was a tradition practiced for thousands of years where the day and new moon night dedicated to Siva, the god of ganja, was celebrated with consumption of copious amounts of ganja and bhang by his followers. Many of the consumers were religious mendicants who habitually consumed ganja. Others were persons from all walks of life, and all social and economic strata, who consumed ganja and bhang occasionally, but who considered Mahasivarathri as an occasion which was not complete without partaking in the holy communion with Siva through cannabis. This was a custom practiced across the length and breadth of the country, and by persons of nearly all religions. Besides the occasion of Mahasivarathri, it was common for cannabis to be consumed during the festivals of Durga Puja, Dusehra, Holi, Anjaneya Jayanthi, Krishna Janmashtmi, Diwali, Chait Sankranti, Pous Sankranti, Sripanchami, Ramnavami, Trinath mela and Muharram. All these are major festivals in India dedicated to the various gods that Indians worship. Besides the use of cannabis on these occasions, it was quite common for cannabis to be used during weddings, funerals and other special occasions involving local communities. Cannabis was consumed not just in the form of ganja or bhang, but it was also consumed in the form of sweetmeats and added to curries. This was the form in which women and children who were averse to smoking ganja or drinking bhang usually consumed it. The use of charas, by and large, appears to be quite negligible, considering that it was mostly in the North western parts of India and Nepal that charas was more readily available, especially since it was quite often imported from other parts of Asia and Nepal into India, with Indian production of charas mostly limited to the Northern parts of the country.
Regarding the use of cannabis at religious and social events across India until the 19th century - when the British decided to prohibit cannabis in order to promote their alcohol, tobacco, opium and suppress traditional Indian customs and culture - there is widespread evidence available in the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report of 1894-95. Reporting the usage of cannabis at events across the country, the Commission reports that 'Bengal. 432. In Bengal there is a considerable body of evidence dealing with these customs, and more particularly with the custom of offering an infusion of bhang on the last day of the Durga Puja. Some few witnesses, it is true, state either that no social or religious custom with which hemp drugs are connected exists, or that they are unaware of any such custom; but the great majority of the witnesses either give an account of them more or less full, or allude to them briefly as matters of common notoriety. Durga Puja. 433. The custom of offering an infusion of the leaves of the hemp plant to every guest and member of the family on the Bijoya Dasami, or last day of the Durga Puja, is common in Bengal, and may almost be said to be universal. It is alluded to by many of the witnesses who refer to its use on this occasion as well as on other days of the Durga Puja festival. But, while there can be no doubt as to the existence of the custom, there is considerable divergence of opinion as to the true nature of it. The custom itself is a simple one. On the last day of this great festival the male members of the family go forth to consign the image to the waters, and on their return the whole family with their guests exchange greetings and embrace one another. During this rejoicing a cup containing an infusion of the leaves of the hemp plant is handed round, and all are expected to partake thereof, or at least to place it to the lips in token of acceptance. Sweetmeats containing hemp are also distributed. Opinion is almost equally divided as to whether the custom is a mere social observance, or whether it is an essential part of the religious ceremonial of the festival. There is difference of opinion among the witnesses as to whether there is any injunction in the Shastras rendering obligatory the consumption of hemp; but Tantric religious works sanction the use, and the custom, whatever be its origin, may now be said from immemorial usage to be regarded by many people as part of their religious observances. From the evidence of the witnesses it would appear that there is no specific direction in the Shastras of the manner in which the drug should be used, but from the references quoted it would appear that the use alluded to is that of bhang in the form of an infusion. Witnesses who can speak with authority on the subject, such as Mahamahopadhya Mahesa Chandra Nyayaratna, C.I.E., Principal of the Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta, testify to religious sanction for the use of bhang or siddhi, while many witnesses of high social position, well acquainted with the habits of the people, as, for example, Maharaja Sir Jotindra Mohan Tagore, K.C.S.I., Maharaja Durga Charan Law, Raja Piari Mohan Mukharji, C.S.I., Rai Rajkumar Sarvadhikari Bahadur, Rai Bahadur Kanai Lall Dey, C.I.E., and others, speak to the prevalence of the custom, its intimate association with the religious devotions of the people, and the innocent harmlessness of the practice. Other occasions on which bhang is used. 434. The custom described above, and which refers solely to bhang as distinguished from other preparations of the hemp plant, is the most important occasion on which bhang is used as a part of social or religious ceremonies; but there is evidence to show that the drug in this form is used at other festivals. For example, at the Holi festival, which is observed more generally in Behar than in other parts of the Lower Provinces, bhang is commonly consumed; and, according to many witnesses, at such festivals as the Diwali, Chait Sankranti, Pous Sankranti, Sripanchami, Sivachaturdasi, Ramnavami, and indeed on occasions of weddings and many other family festivities. But, so far as the evidence shows, the use on those occasions is a matter of social custom observed more generally in some parts of the province than in others, and, although no doubt there may be some who consider it essential to their devotions, partaking but little of the nature of general religious observance. In Orissa bhang is largely used by the attendants and worshippers at the temple of Jagannath at Puri; and there appears also to exist a custom, somewhat similar to that of the Durga Puja in Bengal, of offering siddhi or bhang in the form of sweetmeats to the god Ganesh, which are then eaten by the worshippers and their friends and relatives. This festival, called the Ganesh Chaturthi, occurs in the month of Bhadro (August-September). Connection of ganja with the worship of Siva. 435. It is chiefly in connection with the worship of Siva, the Mahadeo or great god of the Hindu trinity, that the hemp plant, and more especially perhaps ganja, is associated. The hemp plant is popularly believed to have been a great favourite of Siva, and there is a great deal of evidence before the Commission to show that the drug in some form or other is now extensively used in the exercise of the religious practices connected with this form of worship. Reference to the almost universal use of hemp drugs by fakirs, jogis, sanyasis, and ascetics of all classes, and more particularly of those devoted to the worship of Siva, will be found in the paragraphs of this report dealing with the classes of the people who consume the drugs. These religious ascetics, who are regarded with great veneration by the people at large, believe that the hemp plant is a special attribute of the god Siva, and this belief is largely shared by the people. Hence the origin of many fond epithets ascribing to ganja the significance of a divine property, and the common practice of invoking the deity in terms of adoration before placing the chillum or pipe of ganja to the lips. There is evidence to show that on almost all occasions of the worship of this god, the hemp drugs in some form or other are used by certain classes of the people. It is established by the evidence of Mahamahopadhya Mahesa Chandra Nyayaratna and of other witnesses that siddhi is offered to the image of Siva at Benares, Baidynath, Tarakeswar, and elsewhere. At the Shivratri festival, and on almost all occasions on which this worship is practised, there is abundant evidence before the Commission which shows not only that ganja is offered to the god and consumed by these classes of the worshippers, but that these customs are so intimately connected with their worship that they may be considered to form in some sense an integral part of it. Trinath. 436. The special form of worship by the followers of Siva, called the Trinath or Tinnath Mela, in which the use of ganja is considered to be essential, is mentioned by many witnesses, and deserves more than a passing notice. A full account of this religious practice given by Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji will be found in Vol. III Appendices of this Report. The origin of the rite, which it is said sprang up first in Eastern Bengal, appears to be of recent date, about the year 1867. It appears to be observed at all times and at all seasons by Hindus and Muhammadans alike, the latter calling it Tinlakh Pir. When an object of special desire is fulfilled, or when a person recovers from illness, or a son is born, or a marriage or other ceremony is performed, the god Trinath, representing in one the Hindu trinity, is worshipped. Originally one pice worth of ganja, one pice worth of oil, and one pice worth of betel-nut was offered to the god. But now ganja—it may be in large quantities—is proffered, and during the incantations and the performance of the ritual it is incumbent on all present to smoke. This form of worship is shown to have spread extensively throughout Eastern Bengal and the Surma Valley of Assam, and, according to one witness, it has penetrated even to Orissa. On the other hand, there are a few witnesses who say [that the practice is gradually dying out. Assam. 438. In Assam, where the use of hemp drugs is but little practised by the Assamese proper, there appear to be no indigenous customs connected with the drugs. But the customs prevailing in Bengal are also found in Assam. There is evidence as to the use of bhang or siddhi at the Durga Puja, and of ganja by the worshippers of Siva. In Sylhet the Trinath form of worship appears to prevail to a considerable extent. With reference to this practice, one witness (Prasanno Kumar Das) observes that " in the Surma Valley ganja is offered in the name of Pir (Muhammadan saint) for the benefit of the cattle." North-Western Provinces. 439. In the North-Western Provinces, where the celebration of the Durga Puja is not so generally observed as in Bengal, a considerable number of witnesses (some fifty in all) state that there are no customs, religious or social, with which these drugs are connected. But, on the other hand, there is overwhelming evidence to establish the almost universal use by the people of bhang at the Holi festival, and some evidence as to the common use of ganja by certain classes of the followers of Siva at their festivals and seasons of worship. Of the witnesses who speak to the use of ganja in connection with religious observances, 22 state that it is essential and 92 that it is not essential. As to whether the use of bhang should be regarded as a purely social custom or as essential to religious observance, the opinion of witnesses who speak on the point is about equally divided. It is sufficient to say that the custom is now a general one, and that where the Holi festival is observed, there the practice of consuming bhang during its observance is common. On other occasions, such as the Diwali festival, marriages, and family festivities, there is evidence to show that among certain classes the consumption of bhang is common. Allusion is also frequently made to the habit of using bhang, to which, for example, the Chaubes of Mathra and Brindaban are notoriously addicted, but how far the habit is connected with the religious observances at the temples the evidence does not justify the formation of an opinion. A custom is mentioned by a Kumaon witness, Dharma Nand Joshi, who states that a class of people called Kouls, who worship spirits, meat, fish, etc., have the bhang plant as one of the objects of their worship. Punjab. 440. In the Punjab there is evidence as to the general use of hemp by some of the followers of Siva, and especially of bhang, at the Holi, Dasehra, Diwali, and other festivals, and on the occasion of marriages and other family festivities. Among the Sikhs the use of bhang as a beverage appears to be common, and to be associated with their religious practices. The witnesses who refer to this use by the Sikhs appear to regard it as an essential part of their religious rites having the authority of the Granth or Sikh scripture. Witness Sodhi Iswar Singh, Extra Assistant Commissioner, says:— "As far as I know, bhang is pounded by the Sikhs on the Dasehra day, and it is ordinarily binding upon every Sikh to drink it as a sacred draught by mixing water with it..."Bhang is also used on the Chandas day, which is a festival of the god Sheoji Mahadeva. The Sikhs consider it binding to use it on the Dasehra day. The quantity then taken is too small to prove injurious." As Sikhs are absolutely prohibited by their religion from smoking, the use of ganja and charas in this form is not practised by them. A unique custom of dispensing bhang at a religious charitable institution is that mentioned by witness Baba Kirpa Singh. The institution, as a relic of old Sikh times, is annually permitted to collect without interference a boat load of bhang, which is afterwards distributed throughout the year to the sadhus and beggars who are supported by the dharamsala. Central Provinces. 441. The evidence as to social or religious customs in the Central Provinces is somewhat discrepant, but on the whole points to the existence of customs akin to those existing in the North-Western Provinces. The use of bhang at the Holi and Diwali festivals and at marriages and such occasions, and of ganja or bhang in connection with the worship of Siva, is frequently mentioned by the witnesses. A few local customs are also mentioned by some witnesses. Regarding a custom of the Chamar caste, the Rev. Mr. Jacob says: "At Chanda, the Chamars use ganja dust in the preparation of a beverage called gulabpani, which is drunk at a ceremony called dadhi (the first shaving of the beard), when no liquor is permitted." Among the Gonds, Cowasjee Nusserwanjee Hattidaru describes the following custom as existing: "In the funeral ceremony amongst the Gonds of these provinces, kalli or flat ganja is placed over the chest of the dead body of the Gond, and when the funeral party returns home, a little of the ganja is burnt in the house of the dead person, the smoke of which is supposed to reach the spirit of the dead." Another Satpura witness, Hosen Khan, mentions a custom of offering "a little ganja at the Chitarai Debis, or collections of stones with rags tied to some tree above. They offer either a cock or a cocoanut or some ganja. It is a custom among travellers. These Chitarai Debis are in the open, and the travellers have a smoke at the same time." Madras. 442. In the Madras Presidency, where the use of hemp drugs is less common than in most other provinces, many witnesses assert that there are no customs, social or religious, with which they are connected, and the evidence as a whole fails to establish the prevalence of any customs so general as those connected with the Durga Puja and the worship of Siva in Bengal or the Holi festival in the North-Western Provinces. But there is evidence as to the existence of customs of a less general or widespread nature. In Ganjam, the witnesses speak to the, common use of bhang on the Mesha Sankranti day in honour of Siva and Anjanayya, and also in the worship of Durga. Several also allude to a custom of offering a confection or draught containing bhang to the image at the temples of Hanuman. At the festival of Kama, the Indian cupid, bhang is freely made and drunk according to several witnesses. The Rajputs or Bondilis are particularly referred to in connection with this custom. On occasions of holidays or galadays, and at the Mohurram, a number of witnesses say it is usual for Muhammadans as well as Hindus to take bhang. It is also said that various intoxicants, including ganja, are sometimes offered to the gods in worship, and then swallowed by those offering them. Witness M. Sundaram Iyer, Deputy Tahsildar (60), says: "Some of the lower orders make use of ganja as an offering, like cocoanut, plantains, liquor, and such other articles, for certain deities, such as Mathuraveeran, Muniappan, etc., according to the vow taken by each person. This cannot be considered as essential, but is only a practice observed in very rare cases. Such practice is not followed by many people, and it is not injurious.' Others allude to the offering of ganja to Karuppannam, Kali, Mathuraveeran, Muniappan, Karuannaswami, and Aiyaswami, more particularly in the south of the Presidency. Mr. Azizuddin, Sahib Bahadur, Deputy Collector, says: " Neither the Musalman nor the Hindu religion requires the use of these drugs on religious occasions. On the other hand, it is prohibited. Nevertheless, in the maths of bairagis, such as at Tripati, and of Muhammadan saints, such as at Nagore, Conjeveram, Arcot, and other places, the manager of the shrine distributes ganja to all the fakirs who assemble during the festival. In none of these places, religiously speaking, ganja should be distributed, but, according to custom among the fakirs, its distribution is essential." The Rev. Mr. Campbell says that ganja is used in connection with the funeral ceremonies observed by certain classes, but that the use is not essential. Mr. Merriman alludes to a custom of offering and consuming bhang at the funeral of bhang consumers. Bombay. 443. An interesting note, entitled " The Religion of Hemp," by Mr. J. M. Campbell, C.I.E., will be found in Vol. III Appendices. In the Bombay Presidency the use of hemp in, connection with the worship of Siva, Mahadev or Shankar appears to be very common. It is referred to by many witnesses. The following description of this custom as prevailing in part of Gujarat, Kaira, and probably Ahmedabad has been furnished to the Excise Commissioner by Mr. B. E. Modi, Deputy Collector:— " On the Shivratri day (the last day but one of the month of Magh), sacred to the god Mahadev or Shankar, bhang water is freely poured over the lingam. Mahadev is an ascetic, and is fond of bhang, and on this day it is considered a religious duty to offer him his favourite drink. From this day to the tenth day of Ashad, on which day gods go to sleep, water is kept constantly dripping upon the lingam of Mahadev from an earthen pot kept above it." Somewhat similar accounts varying in detail are given by many witnesses coming from different parts of the province, of whom some also refer to the habit which ganja smokers have of invoking the deity before placing the pipe to their lips. Others also refer to hemp as required in the worship of Baldeo and to its use at the Shimga or Holi festival. The Marwaris and some other classes appear to use bhang at marriages and other festivities. Mr. Charles, Collector of Belgaum, says that among Musalmans and Marathas the ganja plant is offered to dead relatives who used it in their lifetime at the time of the anniversary ceremonies of their death. Sind. 444. In Sind the customs, both religious and social, appear to be much the same as in Bombay. In Karachi and some other places bhang is generally offered to all comers on occasions of marriages, panchayats, and other gatherings; and the custom of freely distributing bhang as a charity to all who care to partake is common both at temples and at other places of resort. Berar. 445. In Berar there is evidence as to the use both of ganja and bhang at the Shivratri and Holi festivals and at social gatherings. The hemp plant itself is not worshipped, but, according to one witness, when a consumer dies, the plant is kept near his corpse during the funeral ceremony. Ajmere-Merwara. 446. At the Holi and the Shivratri and at family festivities the drugs, especially bhang, are used. Native States. 448. From Native States there is but little information regarding customs, either social or religious, with which these drugs are connected. No purely local or indigenous customs have been brought to the notice of the Commission, but there is sufficient information to show that practices similar to those existing in British provinces at the Holi and Shivratri festivals and on occasions of family rejoicings are observed by certain classes of the people in many Native States. General conclusions. 450. In summing up their conclusions on this chapter, the Commission would first remark that charas, which is a comparatively new article of consumption, has not been shown to be in any way connected with religious observance. As regards Northern India, the Commission are of opinion that the use of bhang is more or less common everywhere in connection with the social and religious customs of the people. As regards ganja, they find that there are certain classes in all parts, except the Punjab, who use the drug in connection with their social and religious observances. The Commission are also of opinion in regard to bhang that its use is considered essential in some religious observances by a large section of the community, and in regard to ganja that those who consider it essential are comparatively very few. The Commission have little doubt that interference with the use of hemp in connection with the customs and observances above referred to would be regarded by the consumers as an interference with long established usage and as an encroachment upon their religious liberty. And this feeling would, especially in the case of bhang, undoubtedly be shared to some extent by the people at large. Regarding Southern India, the same remarks apply with this reservation, that the difference between ganja and bhang as materials for smoking and drinking respectively is much less marked there, and the distinction between the two forms of the drug is much less clearly recognised, although by the term "bhang" is generally meant the drug as used for drinking, and by "ganja" the drug as used for smoking.'
Regarding the use of cannabis at religious and social events across India until the 19th century - when the British decided to prohibit cannabis in order to promote their alcohol, tobacco, opium and suppress traditional Indian customs and culture - there is widespread evidence available in the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report of 1894-95. Reporting the usage of cannabis at events across the country, the Commission reports that 'Bengal. 432. In Bengal there is a considerable body of evidence dealing with these customs, and more particularly with the custom of offering an infusion of bhang on the last day of the Durga Puja. Some few witnesses, it is true, state either that no social or religious custom with which hemp drugs are connected exists, or that they are unaware of any such custom; but the great majority of the witnesses either give an account of them more or less full, or allude to them briefly as matters of common notoriety. Durga Puja. 433. The custom of offering an infusion of the leaves of the hemp plant to every guest and member of the family on the Bijoya Dasami, or last day of the Durga Puja, is common in Bengal, and may almost be said to be universal. It is alluded to by many of the witnesses who refer to its use on this occasion as well as on other days of the Durga Puja festival. But, while there can be no doubt as to the existence of the custom, there is considerable divergence of opinion as to the true nature of it. The custom itself is a simple one. On the last day of this great festival the male members of the family go forth to consign the image to the waters, and on their return the whole family with their guests exchange greetings and embrace one another. During this rejoicing a cup containing an infusion of the leaves of the hemp plant is handed round, and all are expected to partake thereof, or at least to place it to the lips in token of acceptance. Sweetmeats containing hemp are also distributed. Opinion is almost equally divided as to whether the custom is a mere social observance, or whether it is an essential part of the religious ceremonial of the festival. There is difference of opinion among the witnesses as to whether there is any injunction in the Shastras rendering obligatory the consumption of hemp; but Tantric religious works sanction the use, and the custom, whatever be its origin, may now be said from immemorial usage to be regarded by many people as part of their religious observances. From the evidence of the witnesses it would appear that there is no specific direction in the Shastras of the manner in which the drug should be used, but from the references quoted it would appear that the use alluded to is that of bhang in the form of an infusion. Witnesses who can speak with authority on the subject, such as Mahamahopadhya Mahesa Chandra Nyayaratna, C.I.E., Principal of the Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta, testify to religious sanction for the use of bhang or siddhi, while many witnesses of high social position, well acquainted with the habits of the people, as, for example, Maharaja Sir Jotindra Mohan Tagore, K.C.S.I., Maharaja Durga Charan Law, Raja Piari Mohan Mukharji, C.S.I., Rai Rajkumar Sarvadhikari Bahadur, Rai Bahadur Kanai Lall Dey, C.I.E., and others, speak to the prevalence of the custom, its intimate association with the religious devotions of the people, and the innocent harmlessness of the practice. Other occasions on which bhang is used. 434. The custom described above, and which refers solely to bhang as distinguished from other preparations of the hemp plant, is the most important occasion on which bhang is used as a part of social or religious ceremonies; but there is evidence to show that the drug in this form is used at other festivals. For example, at the Holi festival, which is observed more generally in Behar than in other parts of the Lower Provinces, bhang is commonly consumed; and, according to many witnesses, at such festivals as the Diwali, Chait Sankranti, Pous Sankranti, Sripanchami, Sivachaturdasi, Ramnavami, and indeed on occasions of weddings and many other family festivities. But, so far as the evidence shows, the use on those occasions is a matter of social custom observed more generally in some parts of the province than in others, and, although no doubt there may be some who consider it essential to their devotions, partaking but little of the nature of general religious observance. In Orissa bhang is largely used by the attendants and worshippers at the temple of Jagannath at Puri; and there appears also to exist a custom, somewhat similar to that of the Durga Puja in Bengal, of offering siddhi or bhang in the form of sweetmeats to the god Ganesh, which are then eaten by the worshippers and their friends and relatives. This festival, called the Ganesh Chaturthi, occurs in the month of Bhadro (August-September). Connection of ganja with the worship of Siva. 435. It is chiefly in connection with the worship of Siva, the Mahadeo or great god of the Hindu trinity, that the hemp plant, and more especially perhaps ganja, is associated. The hemp plant is popularly believed to have been a great favourite of Siva, and there is a great deal of evidence before the Commission to show that the drug in some form or other is now extensively used in the exercise of the religious practices connected with this form of worship. Reference to the almost universal use of hemp drugs by fakirs, jogis, sanyasis, and ascetics of all classes, and more particularly of those devoted to the worship of Siva, will be found in the paragraphs of this report dealing with the classes of the people who consume the drugs. These religious ascetics, who are regarded with great veneration by the people at large, believe that the hemp plant is a special attribute of the god Siva, and this belief is largely shared by the people. Hence the origin of many fond epithets ascribing to ganja the significance of a divine property, and the common practice of invoking the deity in terms of adoration before placing the chillum or pipe of ganja to the lips. There is evidence to show that on almost all occasions of the worship of this god, the hemp drugs in some form or other are used by certain classes of the people. It is established by the evidence of Mahamahopadhya Mahesa Chandra Nyayaratna and of other witnesses that siddhi is offered to the image of Siva at Benares, Baidynath, Tarakeswar, and elsewhere. At the Shivratri festival, and on almost all occasions on which this worship is practised, there is abundant evidence before the Commission which shows not only that ganja is offered to the god and consumed by these classes of the worshippers, but that these customs are so intimately connected with their worship that they may be considered to form in some sense an integral part of it. Trinath. 436. The special form of worship by the followers of Siva, called the Trinath or Tinnath Mela, in which the use of ganja is considered to be essential, is mentioned by many witnesses, and deserves more than a passing notice. A full account of this religious practice given by Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji will be found in Vol. III Appendices of this Report. The origin of the rite, which it is said sprang up first in Eastern Bengal, appears to be of recent date, about the year 1867. It appears to be observed at all times and at all seasons by Hindus and Muhammadans alike, the latter calling it Tinlakh Pir. When an object of special desire is fulfilled, or when a person recovers from illness, or a son is born, or a marriage or other ceremony is performed, the god Trinath, representing in one the Hindu trinity, is worshipped. Originally one pice worth of ganja, one pice worth of oil, and one pice worth of betel-nut was offered to the god. But now ganja—it may be in large quantities—is proffered, and during the incantations and the performance of the ritual it is incumbent on all present to smoke. This form of worship is shown to have spread extensively throughout Eastern Bengal and the Surma Valley of Assam, and, according to one witness, it has penetrated even to Orissa. On the other hand, there are a few witnesses who say [that the practice is gradually dying out. Assam. 438. In Assam, where the use of hemp drugs is but little practised by the Assamese proper, there appear to be no indigenous customs connected with the drugs. But the customs prevailing in Bengal are also found in Assam. There is evidence as to the use of bhang or siddhi at the Durga Puja, and of ganja by the worshippers of Siva. In Sylhet the Trinath form of worship appears to prevail to a considerable extent. With reference to this practice, one witness (Prasanno Kumar Das) observes that " in the Surma Valley ganja is offered in the name of Pir (Muhammadan saint) for the benefit of the cattle." North-Western Provinces. 439. In the North-Western Provinces, where the celebration of the Durga Puja is not so generally observed as in Bengal, a considerable number of witnesses (some fifty in all) state that there are no customs, religious or social, with which these drugs are connected. But, on the other hand, there is overwhelming evidence to establish the almost universal use by the people of bhang at the Holi festival, and some evidence as to the common use of ganja by certain classes of the followers of Siva at their festivals and seasons of worship. Of the witnesses who speak to the use of ganja in connection with religious observances, 22 state that it is essential and 92 that it is not essential. As to whether the use of bhang should be regarded as a purely social custom or as essential to religious observance, the opinion of witnesses who speak on the point is about equally divided. It is sufficient to say that the custom is now a general one, and that where the Holi festival is observed, there the practice of consuming bhang during its observance is common. On other occasions, such as the Diwali festival, marriages, and family festivities, there is evidence to show that among certain classes the consumption of bhang is common. Allusion is also frequently made to the habit of using bhang, to which, for example, the Chaubes of Mathra and Brindaban are notoriously addicted, but how far the habit is connected with the religious observances at the temples the evidence does not justify the formation of an opinion. A custom is mentioned by a Kumaon witness, Dharma Nand Joshi, who states that a class of people called Kouls, who worship spirits, meat, fish, etc., have the bhang plant as one of the objects of their worship. Punjab. 440. In the Punjab there is evidence as to the general use of hemp by some of the followers of Siva, and especially of bhang, at the Holi, Dasehra, Diwali, and other festivals, and on the occasion of marriages and other family festivities. Among the Sikhs the use of bhang as a beverage appears to be common, and to be associated with their religious practices. The witnesses who refer to this use by the Sikhs appear to regard it as an essential part of their religious rites having the authority of the Granth or Sikh scripture. Witness Sodhi Iswar Singh, Extra Assistant Commissioner, says:— "As far as I know, bhang is pounded by the Sikhs on the Dasehra day, and it is ordinarily binding upon every Sikh to drink it as a sacred draught by mixing water with it..."Bhang is also used on the Chandas day, which is a festival of the god Sheoji Mahadeva. The Sikhs consider it binding to use it on the Dasehra day. The quantity then taken is too small to prove injurious." As Sikhs are absolutely prohibited by their religion from smoking, the use of ganja and charas in this form is not practised by them. A unique custom of dispensing bhang at a religious charitable institution is that mentioned by witness Baba Kirpa Singh. The institution, as a relic of old Sikh times, is annually permitted to collect without interference a boat load of bhang, which is afterwards distributed throughout the year to the sadhus and beggars who are supported by the dharamsala. Central Provinces. 441. The evidence as to social or religious customs in the Central Provinces is somewhat discrepant, but on the whole points to the existence of customs akin to those existing in the North-Western Provinces. The use of bhang at the Holi and Diwali festivals and at marriages and such occasions, and of ganja or bhang in connection with the worship of Siva, is frequently mentioned by the witnesses. A few local customs are also mentioned by some witnesses. Regarding a custom of the Chamar caste, the Rev. Mr. Jacob says: "At Chanda, the Chamars use ganja dust in the preparation of a beverage called gulabpani, which is drunk at a ceremony called dadhi (the first shaving of the beard), when no liquor is permitted." Among the Gonds, Cowasjee Nusserwanjee Hattidaru describes the following custom as existing: "In the funeral ceremony amongst the Gonds of these provinces, kalli or flat ganja is placed over the chest of the dead body of the Gond, and when the funeral party returns home, a little of the ganja is burnt in the house of the dead person, the smoke of which is supposed to reach the spirit of the dead." Another Satpura witness, Hosen Khan, mentions a custom of offering "a little ganja at the Chitarai Debis, or collections of stones with rags tied to some tree above. They offer either a cock or a cocoanut or some ganja. It is a custom among travellers. These Chitarai Debis are in the open, and the travellers have a smoke at the same time." Madras. 442. In the Madras Presidency, where the use of hemp drugs is less common than in most other provinces, many witnesses assert that there are no customs, social or religious, with which they are connected, and the evidence as a whole fails to establish the prevalence of any customs so general as those connected with the Durga Puja and the worship of Siva in Bengal or the Holi festival in the North-Western Provinces. But there is evidence as to the existence of customs of a less general or widespread nature. In Ganjam, the witnesses speak to the, common use of bhang on the Mesha Sankranti day in honour of Siva and Anjanayya, and also in the worship of Durga. Several also allude to a custom of offering a confection or draught containing bhang to the image at the temples of Hanuman. At the festival of Kama, the Indian cupid, bhang is freely made and drunk according to several witnesses. The Rajputs or Bondilis are particularly referred to in connection with this custom. On occasions of holidays or galadays, and at the Mohurram, a number of witnesses say it is usual for Muhammadans as well as Hindus to take bhang. It is also said that various intoxicants, including ganja, are sometimes offered to the gods in worship, and then swallowed by those offering them. Witness M. Sundaram Iyer, Deputy Tahsildar (60), says: "Some of the lower orders make use of ganja as an offering, like cocoanut, plantains, liquor, and such other articles, for certain deities, such as Mathuraveeran, Muniappan, etc., according to the vow taken by each person. This cannot be considered as essential, but is only a practice observed in very rare cases. Such practice is not followed by many people, and it is not injurious.' Others allude to the offering of ganja to Karuppannam, Kali, Mathuraveeran, Muniappan, Karuannaswami, and Aiyaswami, more particularly in the south of the Presidency. Mr. Azizuddin, Sahib Bahadur, Deputy Collector, says: " Neither the Musalman nor the Hindu religion requires the use of these drugs on religious occasions. On the other hand, it is prohibited. Nevertheless, in the maths of bairagis, such as at Tripati, and of Muhammadan saints, such as at Nagore, Conjeveram, Arcot, and other places, the manager of the shrine distributes ganja to all the fakirs who assemble during the festival. In none of these places, religiously speaking, ganja should be distributed, but, according to custom among the fakirs, its distribution is essential." The Rev. Mr. Campbell says that ganja is used in connection with the funeral ceremonies observed by certain classes, but that the use is not essential. Mr. Merriman alludes to a custom of offering and consuming bhang at the funeral of bhang consumers. Bombay. 443. An interesting note, entitled " The Religion of Hemp," by Mr. J. M. Campbell, C.I.E., will be found in Vol. III Appendices. In the Bombay Presidency the use of hemp in, connection with the worship of Siva, Mahadev or Shankar appears to be very common. It is referred to by many witnesses. The following description of this custom as prevailing in part of Gujarat, Kaira, and probably Ahmedabad has been furnished to the Excise Commissioner by Mr. B. E. Modi, Deputy Collector:— " On the Shivratri day (the last day but one of the month of Magh), sacred to the god Mahadev or Shankar, bhang water is freely poured over the lingam. Mahadev is an ascetic, and is fond of bhang, and on this day it is considered a religious duty to offer him his favourite drink. From this day to the tenth day of Ashad, on which day gods go to sleep, water is kept constantly dripping upon the lingam of Mahadev from an earthen pot kept above it." Somewhat similar accounts varying in detail are given by many witnesses coming from different parts of the province, of whom some also refer to the habit which ganja smokers have of invoking the deity before placing the pipe to their lips. Others also refer to hemp as required in the worship of Baldeo and to its use at the Shimga or Holi festival. The Marwaris and some other classes appear to use bhang at marriages and other festivities. Mr. Charles, Collector of Belgaum, says that among Musalmans and Marathas the ganja plant is offered to dead relatives who used it in their lifetime at the time of the anniversary ceremonies of their death. Sind. 444. In Sind the customs, both religious and social, appear to be much the same as in Bombay. In Karachi and some other places bhang is generally offered to all comers on occasions of marriages, panchayats, and other gatherings; and the custom of freely distributing bhang as a charity to all who care to partake is common both at temples and at other places of resort. Berar. 445. In Berar there is evidence as to the use both of ganja and bhang at the Shivratri and Holi festivals and at social gatherings. The hemp plant itself is not worshipped, but, according to one witness, when a consumer dies, the plant is kept near his corpse during the funeral ceremony. Ajmere-Merwara. 446. At the Holi and the Shivratri and at family festivities the drugs, especially bhang, are used. Native States. 448. From Native States there is but little information regarding customs, either social or religious, with which these drugs are connected. No purely local or indigenous customs have been brought to the notice of the Commission, but there is sufficient information to show that practices similar to those existing in British provinces at the Holi and Shivratri festivals and on occasions of family rejoicings are observed by certain classes of the people in many Native States. General conclusions. 450. In summing up their conclusions on this chapter, the Commission would first remark that charas, which is a comparatively new article of consumption, has not been shown to be in any way connected with religious observance. As regards Northern India, the Commission are of opinion that the use of bhang is more or less common everywhere in connection with the social and religious customs of the people. As regards ganja, they find that there are certain classes in all parts, except the Punjab, who use the drug in connection with their social and religious observances. The Commission are also of opinion in regard to bhang that its use is considered essential in some religious observances by a large section of the community, and in regard to ganja that those who consider it essential are comparatively very few. The Commission have little doubt that interference with the use of hemp in connection with the customs and observances above referred to would be regarded by the consumers as an interference with long established usage and as an encroachment upon their religious liberty. And this feeling would, especially in the case of bhang, undoubtedly be shared to some extent by the people at large. Regarding Southern India, the same remarks apply with this reservation, that the difference between ganja and bhang as materials for smoking and drinking respectively is much less marked there, and the distinction between the two forms of the drug is much less clearly recognised, although by the term "bhang" is generally meant the drug as used for drinking, and by "ganja" the drug as used for smoking.'
The mother of all cannabis events (the father being Mahasivarathri, obviously) is the Kumbh mela that happens in India once every 12 years. This happens at times deemed as auspicious when tens of millions of people congregate on the banks of the Ganga river to take a ritual dip in it. The cities on the banks of the river see huge throngs of people. There are the sadhus of the various religious sects that use the opportunity to set up camp and interact with the people of the outside world. There are millions of persons who travel from far and wide, including all parts of the country, as well as international travelers, tourists, reporters and scientific researchers. Then there are the citizens themselves of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, etc. This event has been happening for as long back as we can see. Cannabis is an integral part of the event. The various sadhus - for whom cannabis is part of life - smoke chillums, within their groups, and also with any outsider who would like to sit down and enjoy their hospitality and spend some time with them. Thandai is available for those who wish to enjoy a cool refreshing drink. Cannabis sweetmeats are also available. Small vendors set up shops to sell cannabis in its various forms as well as related accessories. For many persons who are not regular cannabis consumers, the Kumbh offers an opportunity to experience the wonders of the herb. The administration turns a blind eye on all this even though in India cannabis flower and hashish possession, sale and consumption is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. They are powerless against the force of tradition, so they say that this is all done in the name of god so it is acceptable. For a few days the Kumbh location experiences what cannabis normalization is all about, and how things were till about 150 years ago when the authorities decided to go against the deep rooted culture and tradition of India and implement cannabis prohibition. A few days before and after the event it is business as usual everywhere, with law enforcement arresting and imprisoning poor persons, minorities and indigenous people for cannabis.
Today, in western countries and US states where cannabis has been legalized, we find a mirroring of the association of cannabis with important festivals. So, cannabis is increasingly getting associated with Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Easter and St. Patrick's Day. In this way, Christian festivals have now joined the traditional Indian religious festivals as occasions and events where cannabis is consumed as a part of the celebrations. The main cannabis event in the US, however, continues to be 4/20, the unofficial Cannabis Day world wide. They call it Stoner Christmas these days, and I like the sound of that. Leafly reports 4/20 celebrations during the fake pandemic Covid lock down, saying that 'Stoner Christmas came and went yesterday, with the presents gone as fast as they were opened. Millions of cannabis fans in the US, and millions more worldwide, packed bowls, laughed at comedy shows, live-streamed a concert or two, or just watched a movie for the unofficial stoner holiday of 420. Weed sessions started before dawn in the East Coast time zones and went on after dark in the West. While most celebrated at home, a few scattered public events helped make the second pandemic 420 memorable. The stoner code for “time to get high” 420 began 50 years ago this year, slowly morphing over the decades from an underground signal to a cultural rallying cry for cannabis liberation. Folks sparked up joints, pipes, bongs, bubblers, and bit edibles or hit vape pens at precisely 4:20 pm in each time zone. (And, let’s face it, they smoked plenty before, and after.)'
Cannabis has been unofficially associated with social, cultural and business events for time immemorial. With the prohibition of cannabis worldwide, the usage of cannabis at events these days has become more discrete and, in many cases, it has been replaced by more dangerous drugs like alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and novel psychotropic substances. Sellers of drugs prefer to sell the dangerous synthetics at events since this vastly improves their profit margins. For lack of alternatives, event attendees buy these drugs. Adulteration is common and the numbers of persons who suffer adverse events as a result of synthetic drug consumption at events is significant, especially at music events that see large numbers of vulnerable youth and young adults. Instead of doing the obvious right thing, which is legalizing cannabis for recreational use everywhere so that people have a medicinal, traditional recreational herb to safely consume, authorities introduce all kinds of ineffective measures, putting on an external facade of concern for society, that fail to address the root of the problem.
Slowly with the lifting of prohibition in some places, especially in the
US where 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis at the time of
writing, we are starting to see official acceptance of cannabis at
various events. Not only this, a number of cannabis centered events are
starting to gain immense popularity.
There are business events that bring various cannabis businesses together with consumers and markets as well as cultural, sports and social events where cannabis is used as a recreational
drug. Many city municipalities in the US are starting to issue permits
to event organizers of social, sports and cultural events involving
cannabis. Permits allow allow the legal consumption of cannabis at
venues by attendees, and in many cases, also permit the legal retail sales of the plant and its products by licensed businesses. This is seen as a win-win situation for all. The municipality earns revenue through the sale of permits, sales taxes on revenues and also can have regulatory oversight. The event organizers can execute the event without running into legal
and compliance issues and increase the footfall due to the growing
interest among event attendees towards cannabis consumption. Event
attendees are able to access good quality cannabis from licensed sellers or can bring their own thus not having to consume high risk synthetic drugs or adulterated cannabis from the black market.
In legalized societies, we find a number of cannabis events that are hosted by cannabis businesses. These business events offer cannabis businesses opportunities to network, make their presence felt and leverage the collective expertise and experience of the cannabis business community. MJBzDaily reports, regarding its cannabis business conference MJBizCon that '“It marks the largest gathering of global cannabis professionals by far in nearly two years and reflects the industry’s growth, resilience and maturation during one of the most difficult periods of our lifetimes.” MJBizCon will be the venue where, Walsh noted, “movers and shakers across all segments of the cannabis business ecosystem – from investors to promising new entrants and industry veterans to everyone in between – will gather.”' Regarding the ever increasing scope of MJBizCon, MJBizDaily reported in 2018 that 'Every sector of the industry, meanwhile, is represented at this year’s MJBizCon, including retailers, cultivators, financial services, infused product manufacturers and testing labs. Attendees are expected from all 50 U.S. states as well as representatives from more than 60 countries, including China, Israel, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Australia and the Central African Republic.' Regarding the success of the 2018 MJBizCon, MJBizDaily reported that 'More than 1,000 – 1,028 to be exact – companies exhibited at the event, a 38% increase from 2017’s show. To put that in perspective, more businesses were added to the 2018 show (350) than the total number of companies that exhibited at MJBizCon in 2016 (321). Exhibiting companies spanned all sectors of the industry, from legal, technology, investing and marketing firms to consultants, extraction machinery manufacturers and cultivation equipment providers.' CannaTech is another prominent international cannabis event. PRNewswire reports that '"I am thrilled that CannaTech will be co-hosting the Canada Cannabis House along with the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), OTC markets, and Kapoor Capital in Davos. CannaTech has been widely claimed as the "Davos" of Cannabis conferences and it is an honor to participate there and help regulators and industry giants understand the impact of this emerging industry on a global level. The burgeoning cannabis industry is poised to revolutionize patient care and the leisure industry and these changes are creating new international ecosystems that will have massive impact, from local farm workers to the world's largest corporations. Cannabis is part and parcel of the next wave of globalization and a serious discussion in Davos could not be more timely," said iCAN's Saul Kaye.' Regarding Spannabis, supposedly the biggest EU cannabis business event, High Times reported some time back that 'Today, Hightimes Holding Corp., the parent company of High Times, announced its plan to acquire the assets and business of Feria Del Canamo, S.L., doing business as Spannabis—the European Union’s largest Cannabis industry event. Billed as part trade show and part research conference, Spannabis has plans to return to Barcelona for its 16th edition of the celebration this March. The festival, which also includes its own award ceremony crowning the best cannabis and cannabis-related products in the region, attracts tens of thousands of consumers annually from across the globe.' Marijuana Moment reported in 2019 that 'South by Southwest (SXSW) has announced its conference sessions for next year’s festival, and this time the annual Austin gathering has boosted its marijuana panel selections bigtime.' MGRetailer reports that 'What a welcome to Meadowlands, a grassroots event thoughtfully organized by Meadow, a software solutions provider known for its handy cannabis delivery platform and its status as Y Combinator’s first start-up in the legal marijuana space. The loose schedule stood out for its star-gazing night hikes, ganja yoga seshes, and infused cooking demonstrations, though its three (total!) panels stood out for the legitimate depth they attracted, including top state cannabis regulator Lori Ajax and influential city marijuana officials from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.' Even traditional beer brewing companies are getting onto the cannabis event bandwagon. Pilot Online reports that 'Hops aren’t the only green O’Connor Brewing Co. wants its customers to support. The Norfolk-based brewery will host a five-day festival beginning Monday on marijuana policy changes. The event, dubbed the Legalize Virginia Festival, includes panel discussions and workshops each night on topics such as “Marijuana Saved My Life: Cannabis as Medicine in Virginia” and “Activist School: Becoming a Kick Ass – and Majority Effective – Marijuana Reform Advocate.”'
Some of the most popular cannabis events are the cannabis competitions such as the Emerald Cup and Cannabis Cup. These events allow cannabis growers to pit their produce against others, and a team of judges decide the winners who produce the best cannabis. These have come back even stronger after the Covid hiatus. A number of new competitions are bursting onto the scene as well. Soon after the fake pandemic Covid, Leafly reported that 'COVID restrictions are lifting and the cannabis events dam has burst! This summer and fall, millions of weed fans will have more chances than ever to be the judge of their state’s best herb. Marijuana awards offer a rare data point on cannabis quality with history tracing back to the first Cannabis Cup held in Amsterdam in 1988. Now, with 18 legal US states and counting, America’s weed contests have evolved into fully legal ‘people’s choice’ formats. A slew of new cannabis competitions—like High Times Cannabis Cups, Grow-Offs, Terptown Throwdowns, and Emerald Cups—are coming back after a gnarly hiatus, and encouraging more participation than ever. Anyone age 21 and older can purchase a judge’s kit, smoke the contestants, and rank the winners; as opposed to a private group of industry judges.' Stressing the growing significance of the Emerald Cup in California, Leafly reports that ''With great flower comes great responsibility. And nobody on Earth has a greater collection of flower than the judges at the Emerald Cup, the annual cannabis celebration and competition that tasks a panel of experts with identifying California’s finest buds from among hundreds of entries. Judging all that weed is a grind (pun intended) that’s equal parts glorious and grueling. But rest assured, those entrusted with this awesome responsibility do everything in their power to honor both the privilege of their position and the importance of the task at hand.'
Other traditional events are now including cannabis as a part of of the program in places where cannabis has been legalized for adult recreational use. State Fairs in New York and California are making the necessary changes now that adult recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in these states, thus recognizing the inherent cannabis culture that has existed in these US states all along, prohibition or otherwise. Regarding the New York State Fair, Marijuana Moment reports that 'The New York State Fair will be a little different—and a lot more marijuana friendly—this year. An official confirmed to Marijuana Moment on Monday that, since cannabis was legalized in the state earlier this year, adults will be able to consume marijuana in any place where tobacco use is permitted. The policy change was first reported by Spectrum News. “State law allows marijuana use anywhere tobacco use is permitted,” Dave Bullard, a spokesperson for the Fair, told Marijuana Moment.'
The California State Fair finally saw legalized cannabis featuring as a part of the events in 2024. The state government passed a bill in May 2024 enabling this to happen. NORML reported that 'Lawmakers in the State Assembly have overwhelmingly voted in favor of
legislation, Assembly Bill 1775, permitting cannabis retailers to expand
their operations to include serving food and beverages and holding live
events.Lawmakers voted 56 to 6 to advance the bill to the Senate.The
measure authorizes eligible retailers to hold musical and other live
performances on their premises. It also permits them to serve
non-cannabis infused food and beverages to patrons. State law already permits authorized facilities to engage in on-site cannabis use. Subsequently, Marijuana Moment reported that 'This year’s California State Fair will make history, with marijuana
sales and on-site consumption being allowed for the first time. While
the annual fair has featured cannabis competitions and educational
booths in recent years, this will be the first time that the
state-sanctioned event will permit adults to consume and purchase
marijuana. “Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a
groundbreaking milestone in destigmatization by facilitating a deeper
connection between consumers and the farmers who cultivate their
products with such care,” Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of the cannabis
company Embarc, which is the fair’s partner on the expanded marijuana
offerings, said in a press release.' Finally, reporting on the success of the event, MJBizDaily reported that 'California cannabis is getting its day in the sun. Over the past
few weeks, marijuana retailer Embarc has organized dozens of
award-winning cannabis brands to sell their products at the California
State Fair in Sacramento, marking a new feature at the 170-year-old
annual event and a new chapter for the industry as a whole. The
landmark development, which encompasses more than 30,000 square feet at
the Cal Expo fairgrounds, has attracted hundreds of daily consumers,
novices and the cannabis curious to the July 12-28 event, according to
organizers and vendors.' Regarding the California State Fair, Marijuana Moment reported in 2022 that 'This announcement comes about five years after California voters approved an initiative to legalize marijuana for adult use. Marijuana competitors who attend the 2022 State Fair will be treated the same way as wine, beer and cheese vendors—a strong sign of the normalization of the cannabis industry. “We are pleased to celebrate California’s legal and licensed cannabis industry as part of the CA State Fair in 2022,” California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee said in a press release. “For the past 166 years, the CA State Fair has always been a first mover, leading the State Fair circuit with innovative programming and large-scale competitions that celebrate the best the state has to offer, making the addition of cannabis cultivation a natural new category.” The California Exhibition & State Fair, which is an independent state agency established by law under California’s food and agriculture code, will be working with the marijuana marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands to give out awards for the event.' Regarding the California State Fair, Leafly reports that '“Cal Expo is thrilled to be adding California Cannabis to our list of competitions at the State Fair, which includes our best-in-class wines, cheeses, craft beers, olive oils, and fine arts, among others,” said California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee. “We look forward to recognizing California’s legal cannabis industry with a science-based and first-of-its-kind event.” Developed in partnership between the California Exhibition & State Fair and the California-based marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands, the competition will be open to all licensed growers in the state. Submissions will be accepted across three categories, organized by light source—indoor, mixed light, and outdoor—with 77 bronze, silver, gold and double gold medals issued exclusively for cannabis flower but no other product categories.' Of course, there is still the stereotypical mindset that needs to be contended with, that thinks that alcohol and tobacco are harmless, but cannabis is dangerous. As Auburn Publications reports ''The fair could also explore a ban without establishing designated smoking areas. Another option is to not change the policy, but Waffner said he doesn't believe that's "a realistic thing to do." "I do agree with everybody who said we have to do something to try to control the smoking of marijuana around kids and families because this is a family event," he added.' Boston Herald reports on the tensions between anti-cannabis members of the public and cannabis users at public events when it reports that 'Tempers flared among city councilors and organizers of the annual Boston Freedom Rally yesterday as neighbors called for tighter controls and marijuana proponents defended their right to gather on the public park for their annual event.'
The policy with regard to cannabis at traditional events essentially should be that wherever tobacco is allowed, cannabis must be allowed because it is far less harmful than tobacco. If this means designated smoking areas, then so be it. Some places are issuing cannabis specific permits for cannabis sale and use in public events such as fairs. In San Francisco, The San Francisco Examiner reports that 'The local permit would be issued by the Office of Cannabis director Nicole Elliott and would require approval by the city agency with oversight of the area where the event takes place, such as the Recreation and Park Department for events in public parks. “In light of the amount of unregulated cannabis event activity occurring in our City now, I am encouraged that the Board is interested in seeing the sales and consumption of cannabis at events be regulated,” Elliott told the San Francisco Examiner in an email. “The lack of existing regulation around events is to the detriment of our common goals; decriminalization, public safety, consumer safety and preventing youth access.”' San Francisco Examiner further reports that 'Smoking and selling cannabis at San Francisco events have gone hand-in-hand for decades, but now The City will attempt to regulate it through permits. Legislation introduced by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman creating the first ever permit for cannabis sales and consumption at events was approved 9-2 Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. The proposal implements state legislation that took effect Jan. 1, giving cities throughout the state this legal authority. The Office of Cannabis will administer the permits, which will initially only be available for events that have traditionally involved unpermitted pot smoking and cannabis sales, such as Outside Lands, Hardly Strictly, 420, How Weird, Clusterfest, Carnaval and Pride.'
In the days of Woodstock 1969, the drugs that were around were mostly LSD, cannabis, alcohol and tobacco. Today, we find in many music festivals that synthetic drug use is a great concern. Today we have heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and a whole range of synthetic pharmaceutical prescription medicine that are used as 'uppers' and 'downers' to prime concert attendees. Besides these drugs, there is the great concern of a whole range of novel psychotropic substances (NPS) that are being churned out of laboratories at such a rate that they have necessitated the setting up of Early Warning Systems (EWS) in the EU. Harm Reduction Journal reports that 'Apart from the drug checking services, the EWS also plays a crucial role in the EU. The system currently monitors 560 substances, which accounts for more than half of the substances monitored within the framework of the United Nations Convention. In the light of the emergence of numerous new substances and the results of our research on the importance of informing users on the substances that they use, the EWS could be complemented, based on experience from Slovenia. In this sense, the system would, given that it is the closest system to the integrated warning regime and that it is operating in numerous Member States, collect and transmit not only the information on NPSs, but also information on harmful adulterants present in traditional illicit drugs.' Harm Reduction Journal reports, regarding music festivals in Australia, that 'Consistent with previous research in Australia and internationally, the results demonstrate high levels of illicit drug use among this sample of festival attendees, with the rate of illicit drug use being almost three times higher (73.4 vs 28.2%) among festival attendees than in the young adult Australian population (20- to 29-year-olds). Of particular note are the differences in the prevalence of cannabis (63.9 vs 22.1%), ecstasy (59.8 vs 7.0%) and cocaine (34.1 vs 6.9%) in the current study compared to the Australian general population.' It is increasingly seen that - especially at music events - drug testing
centers and safe consumption rooms are being set up. The testing centers
test the purity and potency of synthetic drugs that consumers would
like tested. The centers promise anonymity and immunity from legal
action to encourage consumers to get their drugs tested before
consumption. How many consumers actually submit the drug before
consumption for testing is anybody's guess. The safe consumption rooms
on the other hand provide a place for synthetic drug users to consume
their drugs safely. Fresh needles are provided so that needle sharing is
minimized. Medical staff are available on stand by to provide any
medical assistance that may be required in case of an emergency. Again,
as with the test centers, it is anybody's guess as to how many persons
will avail of the safe drug consumption rooms. All such measures do nothing to address the root cause of the problem, which is that an individual who wants to consume a drug does not have a choice but to go for the dangerous synthetic drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, etc. Legalizing the use of cannabis, and permitting its sale and usage in music festivals will reduce the attraction of these dangerous synthetic drugs - as well as alcohol and tobacco - for attendees, many of whom are from the younger generations. Most attendees to concerts today buy the harmful synthetic drugs, and even potentially adulterated cannabis from drug peddlers in the black market and use them when they attend music concerts and festivals. No amount of regulation or control has been able to prevent this. It appears that Woodstock has decided to have its own brand of cannabis products. Business Wire reports that “We’ve been looking for the right partner—one with our values and our quality standards. When we were introduced to MedMen, we knew that our search was over,” said Michael Lang and Joel Rosenman, co-producers of the 1969 Woodstock Festival and all Woodstock reunion festivals. “They are tireless innovators of new products who never lose sight of the number one focus for both of our companies – quality.'
But the places where cannabis is permitted at events are very few and far between as of now. Nearly everywhere, cannabis sellers and consumers are promptly hauled up by the law and inflicted with legal action. It is imperative that cannabis is legalized recreationally worldwide so that it can become a part of any sort of event that organizers and users wish to make it a part of. Cannabis as an event attendee will ensure that the event is safe, less likely to result in violence and crime due to alcohol, less likely to result in harm to health through the use of synthetic drugs, and less likely to become a gathering place for drug cartels that trade in the dangerous synthetic drugs.
Cannabis events can pretty much bring together cannabis with a diverse array of activities - walking, reading, music, sports, film viewing, art, science, eating and drinking, you name it. Some events involve the coming together of sports and cannabis. As Leafly reports, 'The idea was pretty simple: get a bunch of awesome cannabis businesses together and put them under one roof for a bowling tournament and voila: CannaBowl was born.' Others involve film making and cannabis. Metro reports that 'According to founder Michael Zaytsev, the festival aims to “reverse the stigmas that have been perpetuated against Cannabis for decades” and “provide a safe space for filmmakers and enthusiasts to celebrate cannabis-positive art.”' Besides cannabis specific events, to me just smoking cannabis is an event, one of the most pleasurable events in this world. There is no limit to the events to which cannabis can be added. At a minimum, cannabis must be allowed in any event where tobacco and/or alcohol use is permitted. The simple reason is that alcohol kills 3 million people every year and tobacco kills 7 million. If people had a choice of cannabis, tobacco or alcohol, many would choose cannabis and that would reduce the harm caused to them and others. Most people use cannabis responsibly, and the risk of anti-social behavior as a result of cannabis usage is almost zero, unlike alcohol. Cannabis users tend to become more sensitive, aware and meditative, immersing themselves into the moment and giving their full attention to what is happening around them. They are the best event attendees and also the best event organizers and managers...
Related articles
The following set of articles related to cannabis events are taken from various media. Words in italics are the thoughts of yours truly at the time of reading the article.
'California cannabis is getting its day in the sun.
Over the past few weeks, marijuana retailer Embarc has organized dozens of award-winning cannabis brands to sell their products at the California State Fair in Sacramento, marking a new feature at the 170-year-old annual event and a new chapter for the industry as a whole.
The landmark development, which encompasses more than 30,000 square feet at the Cal Expo fairgrounds, has attracted hundreds of daily consumers, novices and the cannabis curious to the July 12-28 event, according to organizers and vendors.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/california-state-fair-pairs-cannabis-consumption-with-retail/
This year’s California State Fair will make history, with marijuana sales and on-site consumption being allowed for the first time.
While the annual fair has featured cannabis competitions and educational booths in recent years, this will be the first time that the state-sanctioned event will permit adults to consume and purchase marijuana.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in destigmatization by facilitating a deeper connection between consumers and the farmers who cultivate their products with such care,” Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of the cannabis company Embarc, which is the fair’s partner on the expanded marijuana offerings, said in a press release.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-state-fair-will-allow-marijuana-sales-and-on-site-consumption-for-first-time/
Lawmakers in the State Assembly have overwhelmingly voted in favor of legislation, Assembly Bill 1775, permitting cannabis retailers to expand their operations to include serving food and beverages and holding live events.
Lawmakers voted 56 to 6 to advance the bill to the Senate.
The measure authorizes eligible retailers to hold musical and other live performances on their premises. It also permits them to serve non-cannabis infused food and beverages to patrons.
State law already permits authorized facilities to engage in on-site cannabis use.
https://norml.org/news/2024/05/23/california-state-assembly-overwhelmingly-approves-bill-permitting-cannabis-retailers-to-hold-live-events/
Despite the weekend bump in sales and anecdotal successes, it appears total sales for April 20, 2024, will not eclipse the 2023 mark.
Seattle-based cannabis industry analytics provider Headset tallied $83.6 million worth of cannabis product sales across the markets it tracks in the United States and Canada.
That total is down 16% year-over-year, as 4/20 revenue in 2023 eclipsed $100 million in 10 states and four Canadian markets alone.
Infused beverages were a surprise breakout category for sales this 4/20, with unit sales skyrocketing 206% from last year.
https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-retailers-report-robust-sales-from-4-20-weekend/
Over the past few weeks, marijuana retailer Embarc has organized dozens of award-winning cannabis brands to sell their products at the California State Fair in Sacramento, marking a new feature at the 170-year-old annual event and a new chapter for the industry as a whole.
The landmark development, which encompasses more than 30,000 square feet at the Cal Expo fairgrounds, has attracted hundreds of daily consumers, novices and the cannabis curious to the July 12-28 event, according to organizers and vendors.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/california-state-fair-pairs-cannabis-consumption-with-retail/
This year’s California State Fair will make history, with marijuana sales and on-site consumption being allowed for the first time.
While the annual fair has featured cannabis competitions and educational booths in recent years, this will be the first time that the state-sanctioned event will permit adults to consume and purchase marijuana.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in destigmatization by facilitating a deeper connection between consumers and the farmers who cultivate their products with such care,” Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of the cannabis company Embarc, which is the fair’s partner on the expanded marijuana offerings, said in a press release.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-state-fair-will-allow-marijuana-sales-and-on-site-consumption-for-first-time/
Lawmakers in the State Assembly have overwhelmingly voted in favor of legislation, Assembly Bill 1775, permitting cannabis retailers to expand their operations to include serving food and beverages and holding live events.
Lawmakers voted 56 to 6 to advance the bill to the Senate.
The measure authorizes eligible retailers to hold musical and other live performances on their premises. It also permits them to serve non-cannabis infused food and beverages to patrons.
State law already permits authorized facilities to engage in on-site cannabis use.
https://norml.org/news/2024/05/23/california-state-assembly-overwhelmingly-approves-bill-permitting-cannabis-retailers-to-hold-live-events/
Despite the weekend bump in sales and anecdotal successes, it appears total sales for April 20, 2024, will not eclipse the 2023 mark.
Seattle-based cannabis industry analytics provider Headset tallied $83.6 million worth of cannabis product sales across the markets it tracks in the United States and Canada.
That total is down 16% year-over-year, as 4/20 revenue in 2023 eclipsed $100 million in 10 states and four Canadian markets alone.
Infused beverages were a surprise breakout category for sales this 4/20, with unit sales skyrocketing 206% from last year.
https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-retailers-report-robust-sales-from-4-20-weekend/
'Beloved traditions like San Francisco’s Hippie Hill are still effectively off the table, but check out these virtual and or/distanced events that are all a year in the making.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/the-best-420-events-in-major-cannabis-markets
'Stoner Christmas came and went yesterday, with the presents gone as fast as they were opened. Millions of cannabis fans in the US, and millions more worldwide, packed bowls, laughed at comedy shows, live-streamed a concert or two, or just watched a movie for the unofficial stoner holiday of 420.
Weed sessions started before dawn in the East Coast time zones and went on after dark in the West. While most celebrated at home, a few scattered public events helped make the second pandemic 420 memorable.
The stoner code for “time to get high” 420 began 50 years ago this year, slowly morphing over the decades from an underground signal to a cultural rallying cry for cannabis liberation.
Folks sparked up joints, pipes, bongs, bubblers, and bit edibles or hit vape pens at precisely 4:20 pm in each time zone. (And, let’s face it, they smoked plenty before, and after.)'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/420-highlights-photos-across-america
'COVID restrictions are lifting and the cannabis events dam has burst! This summer and fall, millions of weed fans will have more chances than ever to be the judge of their state’s best herb.
Marijuana awards offer a rare data point on cannabis quality with history tracing back to the first Cannabis Cup held in Amsterdam in 1988. Now, with 18 legal US states and counting, America’s weed contests have evolved into fully legal ‘people’s choice’ formats.
A slew of new cannabis competitions—like High Times Cannabis Cups, Grow-Offs, Terptown Throwdowns, and Emerald Cups—are coming back after a gnarly hiatus, and encouraging more participation than ever.
Anyone age 21 and older can purchase a judge’s kit, smoke the contestants, and rank the winners; as opposed to a private group of industry judges.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/cannabis-cups-dates-locations-2021
'With great flower comes great responsibility. And nobody on Earth has a greater collection of flower than the judges at the Emerald Cup, the annual cannabis celebration and competition that tasks a panel of experts with identifying California’s finest buds from among hundreds of entries.
Judging all that weed is a grind (pun intended) that’s equal parts glorious and grueling. But rest assured, those entrusted with this awesome responsibility do everything in their power to honor both the privilege of their position and the importance of the task at hand.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/what-i-learned-sitting-courtside-at-the-emerald-cup
'The New York State Fair will be a little different—and a lot more marijuana friendly—this year.
An official confirmed to Marijuana Moment on Monday that, since cannabis was legalized in the state earlier this year, adults will be able to consume marijuana in any place where tobacco use is permitted. The policy change was first reported by Spectrum News.
“State law allows marijuana use anywhere tobacco use is permitted,” Dave Bullard, a spokesperson for the Fair, told Marijuana Moment.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-yorkers-can-smoke-marijuana-at-this-years-state-fair-post-legalization-officials-confirm/
'The fair could also explore a ban without establishing designated smoking areas. Another option is to not change the policy, but Waffner said he doesn't believe that's "a realistic thing to do."
"I do agree with everybody who said we have to do something to try to control the smoking of marijuana around kids and families because this is a family event," he added. '
https://auburnpub.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ny-state-fair-reviewing-smoking-policy-after-marijuana-was-an-issue/article_6d02ddde-dc14-5658-b9b9-d007027df9c8.html
'This announcement comes about five years after California voters approved an initiative to legalize marijuana for adult use. Marijuana competitors who attend the 2022 State Fair will be treated the same way as wine, beer and cheese vendors—a strong sign of the normalization of the cannabis industry.
“We are pleased to celebrate California’s legal and licensed cannabis industry as part of the CA State Fair in 2022,” California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee said in a press release. “For the past 166 years, the CA State Fair has always been a first mover, leading the State Fair circuit with innovative programming and large-scale competitions that celebrate the best the state has to offer, making the addition of cannabis cultivation a natural new category.”
The California Exhibition & State Fair, which is an independent state agency established by law under California’s food and agriculture code, will be working with the marijuana marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands to give out awards for the event.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-state-fair-will-host-marijuana-competition-for-the-first-time-at-2022-event-officials-announce/
'“Cal Expo is thrilled to be adding California Cannabis to our list of competitions at the State Fair, which includes our best-in-class wines, cheeses, craft beers, olive oils, and fine arts, among others,” said California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee. “We look forward to recognizing California’s legal cannabis industry with a science-based and first-of-its-kind event.”
Developed in partnership between the California Exhibition & State Fair and the California-based marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands, the competition will be open to all licensed growers in the state. Submissions will be accepted across three categories, organized by light source—indoor, mixed light, and outdoor—with 77 bronze, silver, gold and double gold medals issued exclusively for cannabis flower but no other product categories.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/california-state-fair-cannabis-competition-2022-details
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/the-best-420-events-in-major-cannabis-markets
'Stoner Christmas came and went yesterday, with the presents gone as fast as they were opened. Millions of cannabis fans in the US, and millions more worldwide, packed bowls, laughed at comedy shows, live-streamed a concert or two, or just watched a movie for the unofficial stoner holiday of 420.
Weed sessions started before dawn in the East Coast time zones and went on after dark in the West. While most celebrated at home, a few scattered public events helped make the second pandemic 420 memorable.
The stoner code for “time to get high” 420 began 50 years ago this year, slowly morphing over the decades from an underground signal to a cultural rallying cry for cannabis liberation.
Folks sparked up joints, pipes, bongs, bubblers, and bit edibles or hit vape pens at precisely 4:20 pm in each time zone. (And, let’s face it, they smoked plenty before, and after.)'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/420-highlights-photos-across-america
'COVID restrictions are lifting and the cannabis events dam has burst! This summer and fall, millions of weed fans will have more chances than ever to be the judge of their state’s best herb.
Marijuana awards offer a rare data point on cannabis quality with history tracing back to the first Cannabis Cup held in Amsterdam in 1988. Now, with 18 legal US states and counting, America’s weed contests have evolved into fully legal ‘people’s choice’ formats.
A slew of new cannabis competitions—like High Times Cannabis Cups, Grow-Offs, Terptown Throwdowns, and Emerald Cups—are coming back after a gnarly hiatus, and encouraging more participation than ever.
Anyone age 21 and older can purchase a judge’s kit, smoke the contestants, and rank the winners; as opposed to a private group of industry judges.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/cannabis-cups-dates-locations-2021
'With great flower comes great responsibility. And nobody on Earth has a greater collection of flower than the judges at the Emerald Cup, the annual cannabis celebration and competition that tasks a panel of experts with identifying California’s finest buds from among hundreds of entries.
Judging all that weed is a grind (pun intended) that’s equal parts glorious and grueling. But rest assured, those entrusted with this awesome responsibility do everything in their power to honor both the privilege of their position and the importance of the task at hand.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/what-i-learned-sitting-courtside-at-the-emerald-cup
'The New York State Fair will be a little different—and a lot more marijuana friendly—this year.
An official confirmed to Marijuana Moment on Monday that, since cannabis was legalized in the state earlier this year, adults will be able to consume marijuana in any place where tobacco use is permitted. The policy change was first reported by Spectrum News.
“State law allows marijuana use anywhere tobacco use is permitted,” Dave Bullard, a spokesperson for the Fair, told Marijuana Moment.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-yorkers-can-smoke-marijuana-at-this-years-state-fair-post-legalization-officials-confirm/
'The fair could also explore a ban without establishing designated smoking areas. Another option is to not change the policy, but Waffner said he doesn't believe that's "a realistic thing to do."
"I do agree with everybody who said we have to do something to try to control the smoking of marijuana around kids and families because this is a family event," he added. '
https://auburnpub.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ny-state-fair-reviewing-smoking-policy-after-marijuana-was-an-issue/article_6d02ddde-dc14-5658-b9b9-d007027df9c8.html
'This announcement comes about five years after California voters approved an initiative to legalize marijuana for adult use. Marijuana competitors who attend the 2022 State Fair will be treated the same way as wine, beer and cheese vendors—a strong sign of the normalization of the cannabis industry.
“We are pleased to celebrate California’s legal and licensed cannabis industry as part of the CA State Fair in 2022,” California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee said in a press release. “For the past 166 years, the CA State Fair has always been a first mover, leading the State Fair circuit with innovative programming and large-scale competitions that celebrate the best the state has to offer, making the addition of cannabis cultivation a natural new category.”
The California Exhibition & State Fair, which is an independent state agency established by law under California’s food and agriculture code, will be working with the marijuana marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands to give out awards for the event.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-state-fair-will-host-marijuana-competition-for-the-first-time-at-2022-event-officials-announce/
'“Cal Expo is thrilled to be adding California Cannabis to our list of competitions at the State Fair, which includes our best-in-class wines, cheeses, craft beers, olive oils, and fine arts, among others,” said California Exposition & State Fair Board of Director Jess Durfee. “We look forward to recognizing California’s legal cannabis industry with a science-based and first-of-its-kind event.”
Developed in partnership between the California Exhibition & State Fair and the California-based marketing and events agency Cultivar Brands, the competition will be open to all licensed growers in the state. Submissions will be accepted across three categories, organized by light source—indoor, mixed light, and outdoor—with 77 bronze, silver, gold and double gold medals issued exclusively for cannabis flower but no other product categories.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/california-state-fair-cannabis-competition-2022-details
'“It marks the largest gathering of global cannabis professionals by far in nearly two years and reflects the industry’s growth, resilience and maturation during one of the most difficult periods of our lifetimes.”
MJBizCon will be the venue where, Walsh noted, “movers and shakers across all segments of the cannabis business ecosystem – from investors to promising new entrants and industry veterans to everyone in between – will gather.”'
https://mjbizdaily.com/mjbizcon-marks-10th-year-with-return-to-in-person-event-new-marijuana-retail-experience/
'When members of the cannabis industry descended upon Las Vegas last week for the biggest trade show in the business, there was something stirring in the air. It wasn't the aroma of a freshly lit joint, but rather a sense that everything seems to be coming up roses for the industry.
Despite a global pandemic, discombobulated supply chains, ballooning inflation and an ongoing fight to legalize marijuana on a federal level, the cannabis industry in America is flourishing.'
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/28/business/cannabis-booming-industry-mjbizcon/index.html
'Every year on 4/20, cannabis retailers across the U.S. gear up to celebrate the unofficial April 20 marijuana holiday with promotions, deals and in-store events aimed at attracting new customers and keeping the ones they have.
While this year is no exception – coming three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – many retailers are shifting their focus from 4/20 being a one-day event to a week- or even monthlong celebration with different daily promotions and other straightforward pitches intended to attract customers.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-retailers-extend-420-promotions-from-1-day-to-up-to-a-month/
'The marijuana holiday 4/20 is going to be a little different this year as the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, prompting orders to avoid public gatherings and take social distancing measures.
But that doesn’t mean the celebration can’t go on. A host of organizations have announced that they’ll host virtual events where individuals can listen to live musical performances and hear about reform plans from lawmakers while consuming cannabis from the safety of their own homes.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/how-to-celebrate-the-4-20-marijuana-holiday-virtually-this-year-amid-covid-social-distancing/
But that doesn’t mean the celebration can’t go on. A host of organizations have announced that they’ll host virtual events where individuals can listen to live musical performances and hear about reform plans from lawmakers while consuming cannabis from the safety of their own homes.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/how-to-celebrate-the-4-20-marijuana-holiday-virtually-this-year-amid-covid-social-distancing/
Checking the quality of the illicit drug at the festival venue after it has already been procured by the user from an illegal drug seller is too late if the objective is to protect the consumer. Legalizing the most prevalent drug i.e. cannabis and putting it through quality control checks before sales is much more effective in terms of minimizing damage from harmful additives to the health of the music festival goer and the general consumer. It is also likely to reduce dangerous synthetic drugs seeking behaviour..
'Consistent with previous research in Australia and internationally, the results demonstrate high levels of illicit drug use among this sample of festival attendees, with the rate of illicit drug use being almost three times higher (73.4 vs 28.2%) among festival attendees than in the young adult Australian population (20- to 29-year-olds).Of particular note are the differences in the prevalence of cannabis (63.9 vs 22.1%), ecstasy (59.8 vs 7.0%) and cocaine (34.1 vs 6.9%) in the current study compared to the Australian general population.'
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-017-0205-7
Legalizing cannabis and putting it through quality control before it is out in the market will have a much greater impact in terms of harm reduction from adulterants for drug users. It will also significantly reduce usage of harmful synthetic drugs and their dangerous cocktails
'Apart from the drug checking services, the EWS also plays a crucial role in the EU. The system currently monitors 560 substances, which accounts for more than half of the substances monitored within the framework of the United Nations Convention.
In the light of the emergence of numerous new substances and the results of our research on the importance of informing users on the substances that they use, the EWS could be complemented, based on experience from Slovenia. In this sense, the system would, given that it is the closest system to the integrated warning regime and that it is operating in numerous Member States, collect and transmit not only the information on NPSs, but also information on harmful adulterants present in traditional illicit drugs.'
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-018-0208-z#Sec9
'South by Southwest (SXSW) has announced its conference sessions for next year’s festival, and this time the annual Austin gathering has boosted its marijuana panel selections bigtime.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/sxsw-goes-big-on-marijuana-panels-for-2019/
'Every sector of the industry, meanwhile, is represented at this year’s MJBizCon, including retailers, cultivators, financial services, infused product manufacturers and testing labs.
Attendees are expected from all 50 U.S. states as well as representatives from more than 60 countries, including China, Israel, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Australia and the Central African Republic.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/mjbizcon-2018-begins-with-record-attendance-that-reflects-marijuana-industrys-rapid-growth/
'More than 1,000 – 1,028 to be exact – companies exhibited at the event, a 38% increase from 2017’s show. To put that in perspective, more businesses were added to the 2018 show (350) than the total number of companies that exhibited at MJBizCon in 2016 (321).
Exhibiting companies spanned all sectors of the industry, from legal, technology, investing and marketing firms to consultants, extraction machinery manufacturers and cultivation equipment providers.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/chart-another-record-setting-year-for-mjbizcon-mirrors-massive-marijuana-business-potential/
'"I am thrilled that CannaTech will be co-hosting the Canada Cannabis House along with the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), OTC markets, and Kapoor Capital in Davos. CannaTech has been widely claimed as the "Davos" of Cannabis conferences and it is an honor to participate there and help regulators and industry giants understand the impact of this emerging industry on a global level. The burgeoning cannabis industry is poised to revolutionize patient care and the leisure industry and these changes are creating new international ecosystems that will have massive impact, from local farm workers to the world's largest corporations. Cannabis is part and parcel of the next wave of globalization and a serious discussion in Davos could not be more timely," said iCAN's Saul Kaye. '
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-international-cannabis-industry-leaders-to-convene-at-the-cannatech-house-in-davos-switzerland-300777713.html
'Today, Hightimes Holding Corp., the parent company of High Times, announced its plan to acquire the assets and business of Feria Del Canamo, S.L., doing business as Spannabis—the European Union’s largest Cannabis industry event. Billed as part trade show and part research conference, Spannabis has plans to return to Barcelona for its 16th edition of the celebration this March. The festival, which also includes its own award ceremony crowning the best cannabis and cannabis-related products in the region, attracts tens of thousands of consumers annually from across the globe.'
https://hightimes.com/news/high-times-to-acquire-spannabis-europes-largest-cannabis-event/
'The local permit would be issued by the Office of Cannabis director Nicole Elliott and would require approval by the city agency with oversight of the area where the event takes place, such as the Recreation and Park Department for events in public parks.
“In light of the amount of unregulated cannabis event activity occurring in our City now, I am encouraged that the Board is interested in seeing the sales and consumption of cannabis at events be regulated,” Elliott told the San Francisco Examiner in an email. “The lack of existing regulation around events is to the detriment of our common goals; decriminalization, public safety, consumer safety and preventing youth access.”'
http://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-may-start-permitting-cannabis-sales-consumption-events/
'The idea was pretty simple: get a bunch of awesome cannabis businesses together and put them under one roof for a bowling tournament and voila: CannaBowl was born.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/cannabowl-is-bringing-cannabis-and-bowling-together
California cannabis event guidelines.
https://www.bcc.ca.gov/about_us/documents/19-072_cannabis_factsheet.pdf
“We’ve been looking for the right partner—one with our values and our quality standards. When we were introduced to MedMen, we knew that our search was over,” said Michael Lang and Joel Rosenman, co-producers of the 1969 Woodstock Festival and all Woodstock reunion festivals. “They are tireless innovators of new products who never lose sight of the number one focus for both of our companies – quality.”
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180822005169/en/MedMen-Gains-Exclusive-Rights-Woodstock-Cannabis-Products
'What a welcome to Meadowlands, a grassroots event thoughtfully organized by Meadow, a software solutions provider known for its handy cannabis delivery platform and its status as Y Combinator’s first start-up in the legal marijuana space. The loose schedule stood out for its star-gazing night hikes, ganja yoga seshes, and infused cooking demonstrations, though its three (total!) panels stood out for the legitimate depth they attracted, including top state cannabis regulator Lori Ajax and influential city marijuana officials from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.'
https://mgretailer.com/embracing-the-next-generation-of-cannabis-business-events/
'Hops aren’t the only green O’Connor Brewing Co. wants its customers to support.
The Norfolk-based brewery will host a five-day festival beginning Monday on marijuana policy changes. The event, dubbed the Legalize Virginia Festival, includes panel discussions and workshops each night on topics such as “Marijuana Saved My Life: Cannabis as Medicine in Virginia” and “Activist School: Becoming a Kick Ass – and Majority Effective – Marijuana Reform Advocate.”'
https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/article_791b50e6-b12f-11e8-ada1-3b0fa4ca9ccf.html
'Tempers flared among city councilors and organizers of the annual Boston Freedom Rally yesterday as neighbors called for tighter controls and marijuana proponents defended their right to gather on the public park for their annual event.'
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2018/11/hempfest_sparks_high_anxiety
“We’re excited to continue our tradition of celebrating the accomplishments and highlighting the challenges still facing cannabis activists around the country,” said Caroline Phillips, Founder and Executive Director of National Cannabis Festival,“Not only do our attendees have a great time listening to music and meeting our exhibitors, but we hope that they leave having learned something new about cannabis policy, criminal justice reform and how they can be active advocates in their own communities.”'
https://nationalcannabisfestival.com/press
'According to founder Michael Zaytsev, the festival aims to “reverse the stigmas that have been perpetuated against Cannabis for decades” and “provide a safe space for filmmakers and enthusiasts to celebrate cannabis-positive art.”'
https://www.metro.us/things-to-do/new-york/year-of-marijuana-nyc-cannabis-film-festival-2019
'Smoking and selling cannabis at San Francisco events have gone hand-in-hand for decades, but now The City will attempt to regulate it through permits.
Legislation introduced by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman creating the first ever permit for cannabis sales and consumption at events was approved 9-2 Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. The proposal implements state legislation that took effect Jan. 1, giving cities throughout the state this legal authority.
The Office of Cannabis will administer the permits, which will initially only be available for events that have traditionally involved unpermitted pot smoking and cannabis sales, such as Outside Lands, Hardly Strictly, 420, How Weird, Clusterfest, Carnaval and Pride.'
http://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-start-permitting-cannabis-smoking-sales-events-not-time-years-420/
'If you are heading to Burning Man this year, you may be thinking about bringing cannabis to the playa, since Nevada has legalized marijuana. Not so fast! Before you head out, there are some important things you need to know:'
https://blog.mpp.org/general/burning-man-and-marijuana-laws/
Greta Post On Cannabis
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