As Coachella music festival comes around again, the question of marijuana has emerged. This is the first year that recreational marijuana is legal in the state of California after voters approved a measure to legalize it in last November’s election. Despite this, it is still banned from being brought in to Coachella much to many people’s disappointment. Marijuana and all other drugs are banned from the grounds and an amnesty box will be available by the entrance to take any pot or other drugs that people may have “forgotten” they were carrying. Deposits can be made into the box with no questions asked. However, VIP event goers have another option.
The WeedMaps Weed Tent
Marijuana and music festivals go hand in hand like movies and popcorn and while many will no doubt attempt to sneak some of their stash into the festival, another option has opened up
courtesy of WeedMaps, the “Yelp of marijuana dispensaries.” The company is planning to open a “Marijuana Oasis.” They have joined forces with a marketing firm called Talent Resources to open a weed tent approximately six miles away from the festival grounds that will be used to enjoy marijuana in various ways, including vaping, eating edibles and regular smoking.
The Set Up of the Marijuana Oasis
The weed tent will provide guests with a comprehensive marijuana experience. It will contain two grow houses, a greenhouse and five geodesic domes that will feature all the various ways that marijuana can be enjoyed. The marijuana will come from GenX, Brass Knuckle and West Coast Cure and, on top of all this, it will be provided for free. Six miles may seem like a bit of a hike for an endeavor of this nature, especially in the middle of a festival, but no doubt there will be plenty of people willing to take that trip in order to be able to enjoy some weed during the event.
Public vs. Private
Indio police Sgt. Dan Marshall tried to explain how marijuana was still being banned from the festival, even though it is legal to possess and use it in California on private property, which is where the festival is held. “The promoter has a standing right to the property, and they can determine what can and cannot be brought onto the premises,” says Marshall. “(For instance) you have the right to bear arms, but you don’t have the right to bear arms in my house.” The question of whether the festival becomes a public event, due to the nature of how many people will be in attendance, is a matter for lawyers to discuss. In the meantime, the festival is playing it safe.
Weed is something that many are likely to try and sneak into the event anyway. It’s hard to keep it out of music festivals, regardless of what state law decrees. Now, after marijuana has been officially legalized for adults over 21 in the state, it places a lot of pressure to allow the legal use of it on the grounds. Next year may prove to be the one that ends prohibition at the festival. In the meantime, festival goers can enjoy the weed tent provided by WeedMaps and bliss out anyway.
