OnlyWAI - Weed Grows in DC
As a native Washingtonian, you are fully aware that cannabis has been an issue enforced heavily by the police. Countless teens and young adults have been fed through the judicial system for possession of the plant and many charged with the intent to sell. The unfortunate thing about that is that many were first time, nonviolent offenders whose worlds were changed forever. This left recovering patients, military veterans, wounded civilians and people with psychiatric syndromes to desperately deal with the horrible side effects of pharmaceutical drugs or fend for themselves with illegal cannabis transactions. But 2015 brought forth a dawning of a new age, DC legalized the growth and recreational use of marijuana for DC residents. Enter legal cannabis.
Since the changing of the laws, DC’s party scene has drastically changed. This past Saturday was a perfect example. DC held its first annual Capitol CannaShow, the largest Cannabis conference in the area, at The Mayflower hotel downtown. With a ballroom full of vendors passing out everything from handmade glassware to infused treats, and a conference room packed full of people listening to seminars on business and agriculture, the experience was like no other. By the end of the day, the CannaShow gave Disney World a run for the title of happiest place on earth. An estimated 2,000 people walked into the Mayflower to enjoy this historic event. To the general public, this event was an exciting Saturday afternoon but to those more deeply involved in the marijuana community, this was a big step in the right direction.
“Right now, we’re lightyears ahead of everyone on the East Coast” , Allen Amsterdam, the owner of The Noon & Capitol Hemp told. The cannabis community has positioned DC to be the marijuana checkpoint on this side of the country. Not only have they done their due diligence to provide safe environments to recreationally use cannabis but also providing plants and educating the public on how to grow healthy plants. It has been a full service experience throughout the community to ensure that its users are properly educated on the laws and the most beneficial ways to intake the substance. Now that we have reached this point, the only thing to do is keep pushing for change. 2016 should bring a lot more conferences completely surrounding marijuana and it's safe use.
Much thanks to Capitol Canna Show (@capitolcannashow), DC Norml, Let's Grow DC, Phone Homie (@phonehomie) & OnlyWAI (@onlyWAI) for this wonderful experience.