Explore Wellness Benefits of Weed at Louisiana Cann Fest in Baton Rouge
Louisiana Cann Fest offers Expungements, Education, Free Medical Cards and more in State’s Capitol
Louisiana Cann Festival returns to Baton Rouge, LA on May 17 to teach the community about the wellness benefits of cannabis. This annual event is the perfect mix of live performances, information, legal assistance and wellness activities and will be held from 10am-6pm at Galvez Plaza. Louisiana Cann offers something for everyone, even if you’ve never smoked or tried a gummy. Iconic Jamaican DJ and singer Sister Nancy is headlining and there will be a fashion show, yoga, and lots of local vendors. Whether you’re curious about cannabis or an industry professional you’ll learn plenty and free medical cannabis cards are available for all ticket holders.
“I grew up with D.A.R.E. and the ‘war on drugs’ and was thinking, ‘I’m going to lose my career and be on the front page of the paper, ‘Teacher Caught with a Pound of Weed.’” Louisiana Cann Festival Founder Jessica Potts said. She lived with decades of chronic pain until being introduced to cannabis. Potts was taking a cocktail of heavy drugs daily to make her multiple sclerosis pain tolerable but was just maintaining. After three years in pain management, she was taking six to eight Percocet, two morphine and a dose of fentanyl daily while teaching special education.
“I could walk in the school and sit down but I was still hurting,” Potts said. “I was so depressed and isolated from being in pain so my mom sent me to University of Southern California.” Jessica was happy to feel better but still concerned because of the stigma around weed. This concern pushed Potts down a rabbit hole of research about the medical benefits and legal aspects of cannabis and she wanted to educate others because she’s a Dellllltaaaaaa.
People with current marijuana charges can speak to a lawyer about expungement options and there’s a lineup of educational sessions covering everything from the science of cannabis to entrepreneurship and spiritual use. There will also be festival experiences like Puff & Paint, a rolling contest and a wellness garden for relaxing with tea, breathwork, sound baths, and more. “Community and education are the main goals - We have a great line up of entertainment. Attendees will be entertained, educated, and receive services. I want people to have fun and more than anything, leave with a community of like-minded people,” Potts said. To purchase tickets, make a donation or learn more, visit the Louisiana Cann Festival website.
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