By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The nation’s capital came alive as thousands of cannabis enthusiasts gathered for the eighth annual National Cannabis Festival, held on April 19 and 20. What made this year’s festival particularly special was its timing, coinciding with the iconic day of April 20 or “4/20,” known as a symbolic day for cannabis enthusiasts around the world.
The festival, held at RFK Stadium, featured an impressive lineup of musical performances, headlined by legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan with Redman and rising artist Noochie.
Known for transforming his front porch into a hot venue for live performances, Noochie brought his unique brand of music to the festival, captivating the audience with his electrifying stage presence.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the festival was the sense of harmony and unity among attendees. Despite the large crowd of over 20,000, there was no chaos or disorder typically associated with events of this magnitude. Instead, the cannabis community came together peacefully to celebrate their shared passion for cannabis liberation.
Kim Smith, a festival attendee from Baltimore, described the experience as “amazing,” highlighting the diverse array of vendors and giveaways that introduced her to new cannabis products.
“I can’t wait to come back next year,” she exclaimed, echoing the sentiments of many festival-goers.
Christopher Price, a disabled veteran from Harpers Ferry, WV, shared his perspective on the festival, emphasizing the importance of the judgment-free environment. “For me, cannabis is not just recreational; it’s medicinal,” he said. “This festival allows me to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate our shared journey.”
The National Cannabis Festival traces its roots back to 2015 when a small group of cannabis enthusiasts came together with the vision of celebrating progress on marijuana legalization. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, from a one-day event with 5,000 attendees to a two-day extravaganza attracting over 20,000 participants.
In addition to the main attractions, the festival also featured several specialized pavilions catering to different demographics within the cannabis community. These included a seniors pavilion for individuals over the age of 65, an LGBTQ pavilion, and a pavilion specifically for veterans, providing resources and support tailored to their unique needs.
Despite being held in Washington D.C., where laws prohibit outside cannabis use, the National Cannabis Festival continues to serve as a beacon of advocacy and celebration for the cannabis community. As marijuana legalization gains momentum across the country, events like the National Cannabis Festival play a vital role in promoting education, awareness and social change.