Want to advocate for cannabis legalization? Join the CULTA team at the National Cannabis Festival! The National Cannabis Festival, or NCF, is an annual event for education and advocacy for legalized cannabis. There’s also live music, info booths, product demonstrations, and opportunities to socialize with other patients who use medicinal cannabis.
This year, the 2022 National Cannabis Festival will be held Saturday, April 23 through Sunday, April 24 in Washington, D.C. It’s going to be a great weekend for anyone interested in cannabis culture.
“Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious about the health benefits of cannabis and the movement to legalize it, the NCF is the perfect event for you,” said Georgia Asmar, Field Marketing Events Manager at CULTA. “This is one of those events our team is excited about each year because it gives us a chance to connect one-on-one with the cannabis community.”
History of the National Cannabis Festival
In 2015, activists from around the country banded together to celebrate the movement for legalizing cannabis. They envisioned a festive gathering with live entertainment, games, food and drinks, educational seminars, and more. The event would be a time to enjoy the progress made by activists and build momentum to continue lobbying for legalization.
Founded by Caroline Phillips, the first NCF was held in August 2016. Musical groups including De La Soul, Jesse Royal, and BackYard Band headlined the event while vendors offered delicious food, drinks, apparel, cannabis accessories, and more. In addition to founding the festival and serving as Executive Producer, Phillips also serves as Deputy Director and is on the Board of Directors for Supernova Women, an organization formed by and for Women of Color. Their goal is to empower women of color to become self-sufficient shareholders in the evolving cannabis economy.
“Each year, the National Cannabis Festival brings together some of the greatest thinkers and advocates in the cannabis industry,” said Phillips. “Over the years it’s grown and expanded into the largest festival of its kind in the country, and we hope it helps move the needle on cannabis legalization on a federal level.”
Although legal in Washington DC, cannabis use is prohibited in public spaces, so the first NCF was a cannabis-free event. However, attendees could enjoy cannabis-themed panels, entertainment, educational seminars, and giveaways.
At the “CannaTank'' competition, entrepreneurs pitched ideas to a panel of investors in the style of the popular show Shark Tank, and the winner received $1000 toward their cannabis company. CannaTank continues to be one of the most popular events at the NCF.
Where is the National Cannabis Festival held?
In 2022, the National Cannabis Festival will be held in Washington, DC at the RFK Festival Grounds at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. Gates open to the public at 12pm, or 11am for Early Entry ticket holders.
Parking is limited, so the festival encourages carpooling, ride-shares, and public transportation. The event is also “rain or shine,” so you may wish to bring a poncho or collapsible umbrella.
How to attend the National Cannabis Festival
Getting excited about the National Cannabis Festival? We are, too! So how do you attend this incredible cannabis event? It’s easy. Visit the National Cannabis Festival’s website to buy tickets.
Attendees can choose from a 1-Day general admission pass or 2-Day general admission pass, with add-on options for early entry and VIP experiences. If you’re attending with a group, special discount admission rates apply. The NCF also offers private “CannaCabanas” for VIP passes, where up to 10 attendees can enjoy a private lounge space, elevated view of the concert stage, complimentary beverages, access to catered meals, gift bags, and more.
If you’re interested in traveling to the NCF from another state, the event has partnered with local hotels for discount room rates. You can also find many cozy AirBNBs near the festival site.
Please note that due to the nature of the event, all NCF attendees must be age 21 or older. Attendees must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to attend. Ticket purchases are nonrefundable.
Events at the National Cannabis Festival 2022
At this year’s National Cannabis Festival, several amazing musical artists are scheduled to perform. The Day 1 lineup includes:
- Wiz Khalifa
- Lettuce
- Ghostface Killah
- Backyard Band
- Dupont Brass
- Shamans of Sound
- And more
On Sunday, the Day 2 entertainment includes:
- Slick Rick
- Footwerk
- Live comedy
During both days of the festival, guests can enjoy an exhibitor fair, a “munchies zone” with incredible food and drink vendors, panels like CannaTank, and more.
There will also be a special wedding event, where one lucky couple will be married (or renew their vows) on the mainstage before the headliner performance. This couple was chosen by a fun social media contest on Valentine’s Day and the winners will be publicly revealed at the festival.
“One of my favorite parts about the NCF is the cannabis policy summit,” said Phillips. “Our panel this year includes information on cannabis interstate commerce, new banking legislation, the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation, among others. We encourage all attendees to check out a panel or two.”
Join CULTA at the National Cannabis Festival 2022
This year’s National Cannabis Festival will be a fun, exciting, educational event that’s perfect for anyone interested in cannabis. Whether you use medicinal cannabis to alleviate an MMCC-approved health condition or you’re interested in learning more about the cannabis industry and cannabis culture, you’ll have a great time celebrating at this festival.
The CULTA team will also be at the 2022 National Cannabis Festival, and we’d love to see you! Stop by our Airstream to say hello, learn about our products and locations, and get some free CULTA cannabis swag.
