News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: The countdown is on to a Caribbean cannabis festival set for next month in the Eastern Caribbean.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will host its first Cannabis Expo CannaBliss Festival SVGfrom November 1-3, 2024, at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. This innovative three-day event will focus on the promotion of medicinal cannabis and highlight the cultural importance of cannabis, particularly within the Rastafari community.
At the beginning of the festival, Dr. Gerald Thompson, CEO of the Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA), emphasized the importance of educating the public on medicinal cannabis and addressing misconceptions. Dr. Thompson noted that by the end of 2024, almost all English-speaking countries in the Caribbean will have decriminalized or legalized medicinal cannabis. He highlighted the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the 1990s, which has expanded medical understanding of the health benefits of cannabis.
of CannaBliss Festival SVG will present a series of high-level lectures with international, regional and local experts in order to dispel myths and provide accurate information about cannabis. Additionally, the festival will include a traditional grower’s village where local farmers can showcase their cannabis products, and bus tours will offer visitors a first-hand look at the quality of cannabis cultivation across the island.
In addition to educational events, the festival will feature performances by local and regional musical artists, celebrating the cultural aspects of cannabis.
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves spoke about the transformation of the role of cannabis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from demonization to embracement as a valuable asset in medicine, culture, tourism, science and commerce. He praised local growers for their efforts in positioning the country as a world-leading producer of cannabis.
Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar announced that the government has allocated $250,000 in direct support to traditional growers and Rastafari cannabis producers who were affected by Hurricane Beryl. In the following days, officials from MCA and the Ministry of Agriculture will meet with these growers to offer assistance.
