California may have legalized cannabis for adult-use on January 1, but it seems that Coachella organizers aren’t keen to adapt.
Instead, they’ll uphold a ban on cannabis at the festival, while of course permitting the sale and consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
A question on the festival website’s FAQ section asks, ‘Hey since marijuana is legal now, that means I can use it at Coachella right?’
‘Sorry bro,’ reads the answer. ‘Marijuana or marijuana products aren’t allowed inside the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Even in 2018 and beyond. If that changes we will update this answer.’
The site links to a story by the Los Angeles Daily News from April 2017 that explains why concert promoter Goldenvoice has opted to ban the substance.
“The promoter has a standing right to the property, and they can determine what can and cannot be brought onto the premises,” Indio police Sgt. Dance Marshall told the paper.
While the ban has been in place in previous years, we’re sure more than a few hopeful festivalgoers were excited to legally light up while tuning into the sounds of The Weeknd or Queen Bey.
But California’s new state laws give towns the authority to say ‘no’ to legal cannabis, and Coachella’s host city of Indio has opted to keep the sale and public consumption of cannabis illegal, for now.
Unfortunately for organizers, everyone with a brain knows that the notion of ‘banning’ any drug at a music festival is laughable. We’re sure security will have to contend with more than a few tokers in a spirit hoods and flower crowns.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place from April 13 to 15, and again a week later from April 20 to 22.
