Great Midwest Hemp Fest

media release: The Great Midwest Hemp Fest (and The Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Protest) is a two-day protest against the ongoing prohibition in Wisconsin, and celebration of cannabis culture in the Midwest. 

Admission to the event is now FREE – for prior ticket purchasers, please visit the ticketing page for updates on your refund or upgrade.

For 53 years, activists have poured their hearts and souls into an accessible gathering and protest to demand access to the plant, and this year is no different.  Join us at The Great Midwest Hemp Fest, an entire weekend featuring music and a celebration of the enduring Midwest canna culture. This FREE event will take place at JAMES MADISON PARK, where you'll find: 

• Live Performances
• THC Beverage Sampling
• THC Vendors
• Camper Hot Box
• Education Tent
• Food Trucks + Drinks
• HQ Tent and Merch Booth
• VIP Package (limited to 500)

As we wrap the fest on Sunday, September 29, at 4:20 p.m., we will march to the Capitol to protest cannabis prohibition in Wisconsin during the 54th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Protest. For FAQs click here.

Music Schedule:

Saturday Sept 28, 2024: 11:30 am Morrow, 1:00 PM Dreamhouse, 2:15 PM Lilac & Lotus, 3:30 PM Kenny Cobb, 5:00 PMThe Keystones

Sunday Sept 29, 2024: 11:30 am Rydawgbeatz, 1:00 PM Down 2 Hearse Collective, 1:15 PM KINGBLVKE, 2:15 PM Morrow, 3:00 PM Kid Vibe  

Education Panels: 

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Panel 1 (Noon–1 pm) Cannabis As Medicine - ECS, Major & Phytocannabinoid 101

Exploring the science behind cannabis as a medicinal tool. This panel will cover the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and its vital role in maintaining balance in the body, as well as delve into major cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and emerging phytocannabinoids. Experts will discuss their therapeutic effects, the concept of the ‘entourage effect,’ the current state of research on medical cannabis, and foundational knowledge to understand its medicinal potential.

Panelists: 

Megan Mbengue [Beng] - MSMCT, BSN, RN

Lynn Wachtler RN - MSN, BC-FNP CMCC

Rachel A. Parmelee - MSN, RN, CNE, AHN-BC

Dr. Anna McConville - DPT, PNE, CHC

Panel 2 (1:30 pm–2:30pm) Creating A Movement - How People and Businesses Can Join Forces to Legalize in WI

This dynamic panel will focus on the collaborative efforts needed to drive cannabis legalization in Wisconsin. Industry leaders, activists, and community organizers will discuss effective strategies for building coalitions, mobilizing grassroots support, and advocating for policy change. Attendees will gain insights into how individuals and businesses can unite their voices and resources to create a powerful movement for reform, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and political advocacy.

Panelists:

Jen Randolph Reise -  Head of Business & Cannabis Law at North Star Law Group

Bob "Bobby Beans" Hickey Jr. - Exec. Dir. of Advocacy - Let’s Legalize Wisconsin

Anthony Alegrete - COO & Co-Founder of 40 Tons Brand

Andrew Hysell - Wisconsin 48th District Democratic Nominee

Leili Fatehi - Partner & Principal, Blunt Strategies

Panel 3 (3 pm–4 pm) Cannabis Myths Debunked

In this session, panelists will tackle common misconceptions about cannabis and hemp. From stigmas, to safety, growing, genetics, and misunderstandings about its effects, this panel will provide evidence-based insights to clarify confusions regarding cannabis. This panel empowers attendees to engage in informed discussions and challenge stereotypes within their own understandings and within the communities of Wisconsin.

Panelists:

Shelby Ellison, PhD - UW Madison

Angelique Zerillo - Certified Ganjier

Rachel A. Parmelee, MSN, RN, CNE, AHN-BC

Dana Thompson - Founder/CEO, Heti Products

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Panel 1 (Noon–1 pm) The Cost Benefit of Legalizing in WI - Charting a Path to Legalization

This panel will explore the economic and social implications of cannabis legalization in Wisconsin. Experts will discuss potential tax revenue, job creation, and the reduction of criminal justice costs associated with prohibition. Attendees will learn about successful legalization models from other states and how Wisconsin can chart its own path forward, considering the benefits not only for the economy but also for public health and social justice.

Panelists:

Jason Tarasek - JD, Counsel at Vicente LLC

Megan Mbengue [Beng] - MSMCT, BSN, RN

Kurtis Hanna - Dir. of Govt Relations & Pub. Policy, Blunt Strategies

Phillip Scott - President/Founder, WI Hemp Farmers & Manufacturers Assoc.

Panel 2 (2 pm–3pm) Products, Modalities, and Dosing - How to Be an Informed Consumer

As the cannabis market evolves, consumers need to navigate a variety of products and consumption methods. This panel will educate attendees on the different types of cannabis products available, including edibles, tinctures, and topicals, as well as effective dosing practices for various needs. Panelists will provide tips on how to read labels, understand cannabinoid profiles, and make informed decisions about safe and effective consumption, empowering consumers to maximize their cannabis experience responsibly.

Panelists:

Patricia Scallon-Brown - RN, BSN, NC-BC, Certified Cannabis Nurse

Molly Taylor -The Kush RN

Jesse Christiansen - DPN, RN

Ghislaine Ball - Certified Ganjier

Jake Diener - Founder, A Good Plug MFG