Celebrating 4/20 2018 with Scarce Commodity Festival & Expo
Jamaica has a well-known reputation in the global cannabis community. It is then little surprise that on April 20th, popularly known as 420 in the stoners circles that events celebrating the occasion would take place. One such event was the Scarce Commodity Festival and Expo hosted at the beautiful Hope Botanical Gardens in St. Andrew, Jamaica. Patrons came in droves to experience the second annual 420 festival and were not disappointed.
Having events like these engages the regulatory bodies on the importance of legalizing the plant and sensitizes general shareholders on our ability to take advantage of this budding US3 billion dollar industry.
Comparatively, Jamaica has always had an advantage with being branded synonymous with cannabis for many decades, organizing member of the festival I-Kush said about the country’s prospects. The Scarce Commodity Festival showcased some of the best ganja and ganja by-products that the country has to offer. Benefits of the plant and Jamaica’s potential in the global market was discussed and industry authorities freely shared their knowledge on the plant.
It could not have happened on a more scenic day at the Hope Botanical Gardens and featured the most delicious smelling buds and innovative ganja by-products I have seen in a long time. It was surely a stoner's dream come true and had something for everyone. International ganja growers, producers, investors, entrepreneurs, interest groups and enthusiasts alike attended to be entertained and learn more about how cannabis can grow the country’s economy.
Presentations
Dr. Latisha Jenkins, a Traditional Naturopathic doctor and registered Master herbalist, main sponsor Tweed Jamaica representative, Lesley-ann Welsh, and Rupert Walters from the Ganja Growers and Producers Association Jamaica (GGPJ) were some of the presenters who shared their work or findings on cannabis with the attentive audience.
They spoke about the impact Jamaica can have on the global cannabis industry, best practices, facts about the plant and its usage and what to look forward to in Jamaica’s industry.
Entertainment
High on good vibes and premium ganja, patrons were kept entertained with a selection of groovy music ganja lovers love. Songs from Chronixx, Jah9, Sizzla, and I-Wayne set the mood for people scanning booths, sampling products, socializing and playing games.
It was a joy to see children, adults, and elders having a wholesome, happy time without the negative stereotypes of what a festival like that might be like. The experience was a positive one with patrons praising the organizers for curating a space for ganja that was safe, educational and explorative. One attendee said he ‘loved the openness and how people can freely explore the culture without fear.’ A talent show later that evening had some patrons showcasing their musical talents for fun and were entertaining.
Exhibitions
There were some 25+ exhibitors showcasing their goodies at the Scarce Commodity Festival. Tents with ganja-infused food, snacks, desserts, drinks, wines and other recreational, medical and therapeutic items entice event supporters to sample or buy them. From delicious cupcakes and ice creams to therapeutic oils and tinctures, there was something for everybody’s preference.
If smoking isn’t your ideal, there were other ways to consume your cannabis to fulfill your needs. Key to point out here that all the tents I visited encouraged responsible consumption especially if its recreational and quite a few were vegan or vegan-friendly.
The day ended with the screening of a docu-series screening from the THC Project Jamaica called “Verballistics’, featuring people from all walks of life discussing their relationship and views on ganja. It was well received and a representative from the Project encouraged remaining patrons to watch more on their Youtube channel.
The festival was brilliant and a success. With a rapidly growing cannabis industry, it makes sense for Jamaica to be a part of it in as many ways possible. However, there is much to be done to undo the myths and stereotypes propagated for decades as it relates to the dangers of the plant and what it represents. Events like Scarce Commodity Festival and Expo is a move in the right direction as the trend changes and the country positions itself to partake in the cannabis evolution. If you missed this year’s staging of the festival, make sure not to miss it next year. It comes highly recommended.