Ontario Cannabis Festival was held on September 7 2019
I attended the Ontario Cannabis Festival held at Bingemans in Kitchener Ontario. It was widely advertised as the first legal Cannabis Festival in Ontario. According to Kitchener Today, the organizers planned to roll the longest joint. The website asked for people to bring at least 3.5 grams which equaled a foot, or up to 28 grams. I volunteered to participate and bring some Cannabis for the longest joint and see history in the making. But things did not go as planned.
First of all, I can’t imagine what hurdles the organisers needed to jump through to get permits, insurance, security and all the other requirements that the Kitchener officials would ask of an event this size. But lets start from the beginning, as an attendee with VIP tickets.
Ontario Cannabis Festival parking
We arrived at Bingemans an hour before the event so that we could get good parking. It took over 15 minutes to find out where the actual event was, due to the size of the property. After circling around several times, we finally found an employee who told us it was up on the hill. We headed back up to the entrance and ended up at the camping office. They told us we could not park there and they gave us directions for another gate. There were NO SIGNS for the event or for parking so we found a spot near where some bands were setting up as it appeared to be the closest to the event. It was on the grass, with no one supervising spots. So my second observation, was no disabled parking. It is something you would think to consider when you are planning an event for Cannabis as there so many people with disabilities who use it. We walked up the street as we saw a large crowd assembling at a gate, so we assumed it was for the Cannabis Festival.
Ontario Cannabis Festival – VIP Tickets
I thought it was great that this Festival decided to offer discounted tickets to anyone who had planned to attend the (cancelled) Vaughan Cannabis Music Festival. We chose VIP tickets as we like to attend in style. We always enjoy getting sunglasses, rolling papers and other vendor products. Thank you OCB for the bag of goodies. At this event, there was a lot of confusion as to where the VIP ticket holders would be let in. We were given a different colour wristband, but nothing was explained as to what our “perks” would be, and we were not given bags at the entrance. Several VIP ticket holders were confused and I decided to track down one of the organisers. The person we spoke to was obviously very busy and seemed aggravated that we flagged him down. He told us there was a VIP area, VIP bags were down the hill, and that we would also get 2 free drinks. After negotiating the steep walk down the hill, we walked through some unmanned gates to a trailer where a girl gave us each a bag. She said they were limited to the first 50 people. Not sure how many VIP tickets they issued. The area was a large paved area with a trailer that had bongs in it , VIP bags, some chairs with umbrellas, a very large empty area, and another trailer fenced in which we assume was a beer section. This area would not be wheelchair accessible, and it is also where the longest joint was going to be rolled. (a long structure with legs in this photo)
Again, there were no signs regarding the VIP area so we made a point of telling other VIP guests where they could go to get their bags.
Ontario Cannabis Festival to grow the longest joint
I can’t tell you how sore I was to grind the 28 grams I promised to bring. I measured and put it all in 4 gram sealed bags for the journey. We were asked at the gate what we were contributing and gave our names. But there was no information as to WHERE it was going to happen on the grounds, WHEN it was going to happen, or any information as to HOW we got it back. We finally found a hand made trough on legs which was set up right on the hill . Several people stood at this trough waiting for something to happen. One man was ready with his camera and tripod, but nothing happened. There were NO announcements, nor anyone laying their joints on the trough so we walked away (disappointed) History was NOT made today.
Ontario Cannabis Festival ~ Vendors
We were very happy to see vendors that we have met at other events, as well as some new companies.
Great vendor who supplies great smell proof bags for women who want to carry their medicine in a stylish bag and also want to be able to keep it secure with a lock. Great variety of colors and awesome product
What an amazing lady. This business helps connect people who grow. Maybe you want to try an OG Kush and want to trade your Girl Scout Cookies. There is a place you can trade (which is legal) or maybe you have an overabundance with your grow and want to help others who are in dire medical need. She gives away seeds and she only asks that when you grow that you donate some back to the exchange program.
This company is very well known in the Cannabis community as they make the famous “Shatterbar” One thing that impresses me about this company is that all their products are “lab tested” you know your getting 250 or 500 mg in either Indica or a Sativa strain. Their website is very informative and “hip” . They attend all the best events and always happy to chat. Check out their website for their full line of bars.
One of the busiest booths, there was always a line up. Talked to the vendors who were eager to share information about their company. They offer private and public parties, extraction and infusion services, apparel and accessories.
This is a Mom and Pop business that I love. They saw a need in the community and they jumped right in. Thousands of customers are glad they did. What do they do? They will come to your house, set up a complete growing system, tent, lights, fan, growing container (everything you need except the seeds) They have glowing testimonials from customers What could be better than growing your own medicine and learning from a professional. No hassle, and no question is ever considered a stupid one. We were all newbies at some point in our life and it is great to have a couple who saw that people needed help to grow. #growyourownmedicine #growinabox
I laughed when I saw their booth because my late father always called Cannabis Wacky Tabacky. They have 3 locations and are one of the earliest head shops. They sell clothing, all rolling supplies, bongs, Magic Butter machines and much more. Loved meeting them and got a real nice tray for my collection
A lab testing company for home growers. You buy a kit, test your bud and send it in the mail. Great way to make sure there are no contaminants, mould, and also to find out just how much THC, CBD is in the strain that you grow. 1 gram of flower or 1 Ml of oil is required for the test. I talked to them about the cost as it would be too high for most home growers. Especially those on a limited income or disability.
What a great surprise to find a vendor who we have not met before and is actually local to where we reside. He offers a growing system that is better than Hydroponics. The booth was very busy so I only had a short time to talk to the man behind the grow system. I would love to try one as I am always looking for better ways to grow, with automated systems
Ontario Cannabis Festival workshops
I met the Magic Butter chef, and was looking forward to the workshop, as well as the one on growing. Not sure what time this was held or where but we missed it. We were pretty tired from walking up and down the hill, running around trying to find the organizer, checking out the “longest joint” area to no avail. That was very disappointing as it was advertised
I hope the organisers of this event take my review as constructive criticism. If you plan on having another event, I would love to see a handout at the gate to let people know who the vendors are, when workshops are to take place and show a list of vendors on your website.
My friend Denise and I go to events all over Ontario. We love to learn about new products, growing technique and hearing stories about people who have made amazing recoveries using Cannabis as their medicine. We want to #stopthestigma. We take the time to talk to all of the vendors, and talk to a variety of age groups who visit these events. Many people say how important these events are and why more people should go to them. Education is the big attraction at most events we have been at. From learning how to roll your own joint, to learning how to use a Magic Butter machine, or how a Rosin press works. Many people do not know they can get a prescription for Cannabis, and one to grow. They have no idea of what strain would work for their condition, and many want to know what to do once they have grown their medicine – they want to learn how to make something with it. Most of all we lend an ear for those who are being stigmatised by family and friends. After events, we are able to recommend even more companies and send them some link love. We have also been seen jumping in to vendors booths and started to sell for them. Sun Parlour Cannabis Grower Supply can vouch for that
Finally a shout out to Jacqui Childs who I finally got to meet in person with her husband at this event. We are both #Cannabisadvocates and love to share our stories and attend events.
How I became a Cannabis blogger
