The Great Midwest Hemp Fest – 54 years of Cannabis Advocacy
Photos Courtesy of Author
Hope you didn’t (or did) just light one up because I have a pop quiz for you.
What is the longest running cannabis rights festival?
Answer: The Great Midwest Hemp Fest!
Cannabis Advocacy in Wisconsin
The Great Midwest Hemp Fest is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate voters and advocate for change in Wisconsin’s legislation surrounding THC laws. Their goal is to deliver educational resources and awareness about the positive effects of THC legalization in Wisconsin.
Ben Masel, Founder, Yippie and cannabis activist, ran and organized the fest from its inception in 1971 to his death in 2011. Masel was a champion of Liberty and he also knew the laws better than the police who were sworn to uphold them. He pushed harder against the limits on dissent in what was supposed to be a free society.
Over his life, Masel was arrested 137 times for his political activism. Masel liked to push the limits. So, knowing federal law prohibited arrest while voting, in 1976 he lit up in a voting booth much to the dismay of the polling officials.
Midwest Hemp Fest: 53 Years of Cannabis Advocacy
Throughout Hemp Fest's history, one thing has remained consistent: Advocacy for freeing non-violent criminals. From fellow Yippie Dana Beal, to Jack Herer the fest consistently brings in some of the finest cannabis activist and advocates with this years fest being no different.
Speakers featured this year include Anthony Alegrete – COO & Co-Founder of 40 Tons Brand, Megan Mbengue aka The Trusted Canna Nurse, multiple certified Ganjies and many other interesting and educational industry professionals.
In addition to enjoying the panels and speakers, there is a great lineup of music to set the vibe.
For decades, activists have marched down State Street to tell policy makers that we want safe, affordable, legal access to THC. This year, the fest will at James Madison Park marching down N. Hamilton St. to the Capitol steps.
Hemp Fest is a free event running both Saturday and Sunday September 28th and 29th. There will be THC beverage and product sampling, THC vendors, a camper hot box to sesh with your friends, craft vendors, food trucks and a merch booth. A limited amount of VIP packages are available as well.
Music Lineup:
Saturday Sept 28th, 2024
11:30 PM - 12:00 PM: Morrow
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM: Dreamhouse
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Lilac & Lotus
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: Kenny Cobb
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Keystones
Sunday Sept 29th, 2024
11:30 PM - 12:00 PM: Rydawgbeatz
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM: Down 2 Hearse Collective
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM: KINGBLVKE
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Morrow
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Kid Vibe
