This weekend’s 2017 High Times Cannabis Cup outside of Las Vegas is going ahead as planned despite a letter sent by Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden to its hosts, the Moapa Paiute Tribe, warning the event would violate federal law.
High Times said yesterday it had been told the event can go ahead as planned, “but vendors, guests, performers and attendees are advised to comply with applicable law concerning the distribution of cannabis in any amount at the event.”
The March 4-5 celebration comes just months after Nevada voted 54 percent in favour of legalizing recreational, adult-use cannabis, and a new law allowing the possession of up to one ounce of weed took effect Jan. 1. Cannabis is not yet available at retail outlets as the lawmakers are still working on taxation issues.
High Times posted the following statement on the event’s website: “After direct consultation with local and state authorities, High Times, along with our partner Ultra Health, was confident we would have an event that was a safe celebration of cannabis within Nevada’s medical cannabis statutes. We have been in regular consultation with Nevada Medical Marijuana Establishments (MMEs), the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), which oversees NV MMEs, and the Department of Taxation, and we have been very clear that we have always been prepared to host a compliant event.”
The gathering will also be “fully compliant” with Moapa Paiute Tribal Law.
Founded in 1988 by magazine editor Steven Hager, it was traditionally held each November in Amsterdam but in recent years has moved to the U.S. after Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational use. Anyone attending must be 21 or older.
Although the Cannabis Cup is geared toward consumers, plenty of businesses will be on hand to sell their wares, including at least eight corporate sponsors.