Going green late last year, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. After the approval of Issue 2, Ohio residents can grow up to six marijuana plants in their households, and most revenue from cannabis sales tax will go to supporting social equity initiatives and substance misuse education. Yet, more than home-grown cannabis and support efforts are occurring in the Buckeye State. This summer, the Ohio cannabis community has more reason to celebrate, as the Stargazer Cannabis Festival promises three days of cannabis-loving festivities.
While medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016, taking effect last December, Issue 2 permits adults 21 years of age or older to not only grow up to six cannabis plants within their homes in a secure area (with up to 12 plants in a two-or-more-person household), but Ohioans are also permitted to possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis plant or 15 grams of cannabis extract.
Ohioans looking to celebrate and support the legalization of cannabis use can find fun beyond the ballot box at The Stargazer Cannabis Festival this summer. The festival will take place from July 26 to 28 this year at the Wisteria Event Center in Pomeroy, Ohio, and will include camping, contests, weed education, and peaceful vibes.
This premier event started as a fundraising effort for the Sensible Movement Coalition (SMC), a longtime advocate for cannabis reform in Ohio and famously authored the Sensible Marijuana Ordinance (SMO). This local ordinance reduces fines, jail time, and court costs to $0 for misdemeanor marijuana charges and has been adopted by over 40 municipalities.
Stargazer Festival organizers have stayed at the forefront of advocating for cannabis law reform in Ohio and many other states nationwide. Their goal has been to mobilize, educate, train, and provide support that empowers local citizens to initiate marijuana law changes within their communities. While Stargazer organizers are pretty amazing, the cannabis festival itself is set to be a badass experience for the Ohio weed community.
This year’s festival goers will enjoy culinary learning experiences with cannabis cooking, education on growing at home, and legalization information before the bonfire kickoff at sunset.
All weekend, the Cannabis Farmers Market will be open to visitors, who can stop by before walking through the 80 acres of breathtaking natural surroundings near the event center. Beyond the beautiful landscape, visitors can participate in planned activities on Saturday, July 27, which include a RAW joint rolling contest, a scavenger hunt, and additional workshops. Helping support the cannabis community in Ohio, Stargazer festival goers are encouraged to assemble at 4:20 pm for a smosh sesh before the live music.
What kind of festival would Stargazer be if it did not include the sounds of those who reflect their values? Matt Keegan, a recovery-focused rapper, the reggae-rock ensemble Andy Shaw Band, and headliner Reddy Redd—who will also host a meet-and-greet with festival goers—are set to perform at the festival.
For those ready to be among friends while enjoying great entertainment and learning more about cannabis, the Stargazer Cannabis Festival promises hip vibes for enthusiasts.
