As global attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve, fascinating marijuana festivals and cannabis expos are springing up around the world. They range from educational workshops and industry conferences, to 420 events marked by live music and celebrations. If you’re up for cannabis-friendly vacations and cannabis-inspired art shows, this guide takes you on a worldwide tour of such destinations. Replete with colourful experiences, they represent the new wave of cannabis tourism.
In North America, one of the largest and most well-known events is the High Times Cannabis Cup. This event, which originated in Amsterdam, is now held in different locations across the United States. The Cannabis Cup is more than just a festival; it’s a competition where various cannabis strains are judged by experts, as well as an exposition for new marijuana related products.
San Francisco’s Outside Lands music festival, which made history in 2019 by becoming the first major music festival to allow marijuana sales and consumption onsite, takes the concept of music and cannabis events to another level. It features ‘Grass Lands’, where attendees can explore different strains of marijuana, get educated on the science of cannabis, sample different products, and attend cooking demos — all while enjoying the best of live music.
As cannabis continues to gain legal recognition in Canada, various cannabis expos and 420 events have sprouted to celebrate this growing acceptance. The Lift & Co. Expo in Toronto is a notable example. It features over 200 industry leaders providing insights into the latest development in the cannabis industry, and exhibitions showcasing cannabis products and accessories.
Europe has long harbored a more liberal stance towards cannabis, with marijuana festivals and expos being staple events in many countries. Spannabis in Barcelona, Spain, is the most influential cannabis trade show of its kind in Europe, blending educational workshops and exhibitions featuring the latest cannabis technology. Attendees can delve into sessions on agricultural techniques, medicinal uses of cannabis, and even the legal aspects of the industry.
Amsterdam, the city that has long been synonymous with cannabis legalization, hosts the Cannabis Liberation Day, a free public festival dedicated to celebrating cannabis culture. This event offers visitors music performances, a cannabis-inspired art show, activist speeches, and a cannabis university that presents several educational sessions.
Australia’s cannabis scene is also growing, headlined by events like the Nimbin MardiGrass, a cannabis protestival (protest and festival). This two-day event features a cannabis cup, hemp ropes tug of war, a seminar on cannabis law reforms, and a Global Marijuana March, promoting peaceful protest for reforming cannabis laws.
Jamaica, with its Rastafarian community’s spiritual affinity to cannabis, is a burgeoning hotspot for cannabis tourism. Its Kaya Fest is a music and awareness festival aimed at educating people on the benefits of cannabis, with performances by renowned reggae artists.
Several Asian countries are slowly showing a more receptive stance towards cannabis as well, with Thailand hosting its first cannabis festivals like the 420 Festival, which focuses on the cannabis industry, awareness campaigns, and seminars on the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana.
To sum up, these global cannabis events and festivals highlight the changing perspective toward this green plant. Whatever aspect of cannabis culture you’re interested in — be it the entrepreneurial side, the scientific aspect, the artistic inspirations, or the recreational use, there’s an event somewhere in the world catering to it. As we continue to unlock the potential benefits and uses of cannabis, we can only expect an increase in these cannabis inspired gatherings, fuelling an era of informed and responsible cannabis usage worldwide.