On the 17th of October 2018, Cannabis became legal in Canada. After that, its use started to find its way into festivals and significant events. However, the legality of weed usage in CBD-infused products depends on the municipality. This means that the municipalities could go against the law or not. For those seeking a legal and accessible option, consider exploring the availability of Delta-8 gummies online.
1. Journey Cannabis and Music Festival
The organizers of this were already planning a three-day festival in Ontario. Ontario allows marijuana to be consumed wherever cigarettes are permitted. However, the municipality they were doing the festival was about to shock them. Vaughan City, where the festival would take place, passed a law. The law was going to restrict the consumption of marijuana everywhere. Thus they rendered all their planning useless. The festival was forced to shut down. Still, some other festivals were more successful. Despite the setback in Vaughan City, the organizers regrouped and explored new locations, learning valuable lessons that contributed to the success of subsequent events.
2. Toronto Craft Beer Festival
This became the first festival to have public consumption of marijuana. This festival holds in June every year, and in 2018 allowed public smoking. The smokers’ lounge was changed to the cannabis lounge. Toronto Craft Beef Festival ensured they followed all the stipulations of the legalization. Ironically, the festival became alcohol and tobacco-free. The bold transition not only marked a milestone in embracing marijuana culture but also exemplified Toronto Craft Beer Festival’s commitment to compliance with legalization, transforming it into a unique and unexpected haven, free from traditional vices.
3. Kitchener’s Ever After Festival
This festival allowed attendees to carry at most 10 grams of marijuana. This stipulation is that it had to be pre-rolled. So, this makes it around 20 joints. There was also a smoking area designated for marijuana. This area could take almost 900 people. It was also closed with a fence. The festival made sure to follow the rules of the Health Act. No marijuana was sold there. In prioritizing responsible consumption, the festival’s regulations not only allowed a generous personal allowance of pre-rolled marijuana but also provided a secure and sizable smoking area for up to 900 individuals, all enclosed by a protective fence, ensuring a controlled and enjoyable experience in compliance with the Health Act.
4. Calgary Folk Music Festival
This festival allowed cannabis to be smoked in a designated area. It was fenced and had security stationed around the space. The security was there to make sure everyone inside there was at least 18 years old. The thing about where this festival was held (Calgary) was that it did not allow public consumption of marijuana.
Calgary prohibited it. Nevertheless, they grant permits to enable consumption for a stipulated time. That was the loophole the Folk Music Festival used to bypass. This permit is similar to the ones the city gave for beer gardens. The Calgary Folk Music Festival is seen as a family event. So, the smoking area was used to attract new people and experience. Leveraging a clever loophole in Calgary’s regulations, the Folk Music Festival secured permits akin to those granted for beer gardens, allowing them to create a designated smoking area within the festival grounds. Despite the city’s prohibition on public marijuana consumption, this innovative approach not only adhered to regulations but also added a unique and inclusive element to the family-friendly event, attracting new attendees seeking a diverse and enriched experience.
Using Cannabis at Festivals
The thing we learned from the above is to find a balance. Give people the freedom to smoke while respecting the choice of others not to. Here are some tips to follow:
Do not assume that the city will allow the use of marijuana or CBD products. Municipalities’ decisions differ, and Journey Cannabis and Music Festival learned that the hard way. Make sure to contact the relevant associations.
Make sure you make clear stipulations. What is allowed and what isn’t? Is it only blunts? Are edibles allowed? Achieving a harmonious balance between individual freedoms and collective respect is crucial, as highlighted by the experiences of Journey Cannabis and Music Festival. To navigate potential pitfalls, it’s essential to proactively reach out to relevant associations and avoid making assumptions about a city’s stance on marijuana use. Additionally, when planning events, ensure that clear and comprehensive stipulations are in place, outlining what forms of consumption are permitted, be it smoking blunts or consuming edibles, to create a transparent and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
avoid confusion
Suppose you want to fence in an area that is well and good. However, make sure it is reinforced. This is because strong winds can cause issues and push them down. When considering fencing, it’s not only important to establish boundaries but also crucial to reinforce them adequately. Strong winds have the potential to cause issues by pushing down unsecured fences, highlighting the necessity for robust construction to withstand varying weather conditions and ensure the effectiveness of the enclosure.
Conclusion
The landscape of cannabis at festivals in Canada underwent notable transformations, as highlighted by the experiences of Journey Cannabis and Music Festival and Toronto Craft Beer Festival. The juxtaposition of challenges faced by Journey Festival, stemming from unexpected legal restrictions in Vaughan City, and the innovative approach of Toronto Craft Beer Festival, becoming the first to permit public marijuana consumption, underscores the importance of thorough research and proactive engagement with local regulations. Moreover, the insights gained from the Calgary Folk Music Festival demonstrate the significance of finding creative solutions within legal frameworks, showcasing how permits can be leveraged to introduce designated smoking areas and enhance the overall festival experience.
As event organizers navigate the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization, lessons learned from these festivals emphasize the need for a delicate balance between personal freedoms and respect for others. The inclusion of clear stipulations, reinforced fencing considerations, and proactive communication with relevant associations emerge as crucial aspects for successful cannabis-friendly events. By embracing these principles, festival organizers can not only ensure compliance with varying municipal regulations but also foster an inclusive environment that caters to diverse preferences while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere for all attendees. The experiences of these festivals serve as valuable guideposts for the future of cannabis integration in Canada’s vibrant festival culture.