Cannabis may be legal in most states, but many Americans are still waiting for their chance to free the plant. Despite years of activism and political pressure, certain communities have yet to move the needle. One cannabis protest-turned-celebration is marking over five decades of fighting for the cause.
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The Great Midwest Hemp Fest, an extension of The Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Protest, will take place September 28 and 29 in Madison, Wisco. Held at James Madison Park, the free event includes music, education, and a march down North Hamilton Street.
The annual event began in 1971 as a protest for legalization. Similar protest-ivals, such as the Seattle Hempfest and Ann Arbor Hash Bash, served similar purposes in their respective states. And while cannabis is still technically illegal in Wisconsin, the recent proliferation of hemp-based products has made the event look a tad different. A full beer garden-style activation offers attendees sampling of a wide variety of hemp THC drinks.
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A wide range of advocates, thought leaders, and medical cannabis practitioners will present. Topics include the endocannabinoid system, cannabis myth-busting, and the unification of consumers and businesses to advance reform.
Musical performances are scheduled throughout both days, with The Keystones and Kid Vibe serving as headliners. Plenty of food trucks will be on hand for folks who get a case of the munchies.
Wisconsin is currently a legalization island. Neighboring states Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota have all enacted adult use. A recent analysis suggested Wisconsinites spent $36 million on legal weed in Illinois in 2022 alone.
Organizers hope to raise awareness about the consequences of prohibition and the wide potential a legal market would bring to the Badger State. At the same time, they’ll celebrate Wisconsin’s unique hemp space with a wide range of local and national brands exhibiting. It’s a melting pot of weed culture that honors the past and embraces the future.
