This Canadian City Is Hosting a Fully Legal Pot Festival This Year

Pot Fest Montreal intends to highlight the versatility of marijuana, and it will be designed as part trade show and part celebration. There are plans for exhibitions and demonstrations from over 50 industry-related businesses and merchants, including licensed producers, seed companies, hydroponic equipment manufacturers, nutrient and fertilizer suppliers, dispensaries, health and wellness providers, medical clinics, and more.

There will also be how-to demonstrations for making marijuana-based butter, oils, and producing hashish. Local Montreal chefs will be present, creating their own signature marijuana-based dishes. A tropical Massage Spa is also in the works, and participants will be able to enjoy curated edible cuisine pairings in the “Munchies Village.”

Canada has regulated medical marijuana since 2001, with users required to get a prescription to purchase from approximately 40 federally regulated producers. The call for legalizing recreational use was one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s major campaign promises; he has long been an advocate for both the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana.

Studies show that Canadians are among the world’s biggest consumers of marijuana, with around 44% of the country admitting to having used weed in some form at least once. Additionally, according to a poll conducted last year, about five million Canadian adults now smoke pot at least once a month. It has been projected that around 900,000 could join them when legalization is finalized, counting at a 19% increase.

Both the date and location of Pot Fest Montreal are still to be determined, but co-organizers Perennial Productions (responsible for creating unique Montreal festivals such as Lobster Clam Jam, Dog Fest Montreal, and La Pizza Week) and the smoking accessories retailer Prohibition, project that the event will take place soon after the legalization of marijuana is officially announced.

With legalization having been projected for mid-2018, then, Pot Fest Montreal could become the first of many large-scale and legal marijuana celebrations across the country.