Blending education with vibrant entertainment, the inaugural Nashville CannaFestival proved to be more than just a gathering; it was a powerful communal experience. From April 19th to 21st, the festival unfolded, leaving a lasting impact and generating excitement for the next year’s event..
The idea for the festival was the brainchild of Marley Sims, aka CannaBae Marley. While living in Washington D.C. a region known for its robust community spirit and collaborative vendor environment, she gained experience curating cannabis-themed events and saw a need for the same in Nashville. “The full objective of my event was to educate and empower the community on the holistic benefits of cannabis.”
Sims felt that cannabis was burdened by negative stereotypes, so she opted for ‘Canna’—a more lighthearted, approachable term, and Nashville CannaFestival was born. “It’s short, it’s catchy, it’s cute, it rolls off the tongue,” she explained.
Friedd Fridaze: A Symphony of Sounds and Scents
The festival began under the expansive Tennessee sky, kicking off with the Friedd Fridaze music concert at Thompson Place LLC. As dusk fell over the Nashville skyline, the field came alive with sounds, souls, and the sweet scent of freedom that only a gathering of like-minded individuals can manifest.
The event’s music director, Rapper Lyrical Savage, known as the Tennessee Joker, articulated the essence of the festival: “The jails are entirely too full of people on petty marijuana crimes, so I feel like having this event, spreading the education [with music and entertainment], is extremely important,” she explained. “There are lot of times that we don’t get the education and the knowledge that we need and events like this help with that,” emphasizing the power of music intertwined with cannabis culture in creating a potent platform for education and change.
A Shift in Venue, an Amplification of Spirit
The festival initially kicked off amidst the lush backdrop of Nashville but found its true home in Madison at Simplie Majikal’s expansive space. Initially to take place on Jefferson Street in North Nashville, this change allowed for a more dynamic exchange between vendors, participants, and enthusiasts, setting a strong precedent for future iterations.
During Saturday the festival pulsed with a vibrant energy. Vendors displayed an array of products, from apothecary herbs to CBD oils, each piece a testament to natural healing and artisanal craft. The stage came alive with captivating performances that resonated with the festival’s ethos – celebrating the freedom and creativity fostered by cannabis culture.
Interactive Panels Provided a Platform for Crucial Discussions
Highlights of Saturday included two panel discussions with topics that ranged from legal nuances to sustainable business practices within the industry, echoing the festival’s objective to demystify cannabis and promote informed dialogue. Medicinal uses and the potential benefits of responsible cannabis consumption were also central themes. Lyrical Savage echoed this sentiment, stating, “It helps me not only perform better, but also helps me get in my zone when I’m writing or in the studio. It just helps me focus.” Sims, reflecting on the event’s purpose, stated, “I want us to know the information that was withheld from us. It’s time to break that, and it’s time to let our people know.”
A Tapestry of Cannabis, Food, and Fashion
Sunday’s focus turned to two cornerstones of cannabis culture: food and fashion. The day kicked off with the Bluntz & Brunch Fashion Show. Attendees savored a brunch spread, with the option to add cannabis-infused oil to their plates. While indulging in their meals, they were treated to a cannabis-inspired fashion show presented by Myzahria Waller, affectionately known as Hottie. Sharing her vision, she said, “Cannabis and fashion speaks to people who consider themselves hippie. They often have a kind of over-fitted look, it really gives a disco vibe for me.” Her perspective underscored the diverse ways cannabis culture permeates various facets of life.
Following the fashion show was The Blazin’ Tea Party with social media influencer Minty Bong Water. Minty’s own blended tea, known as MinTea, offered a delightful contrast, providing a chill space for attendees to unwind, sample its unique flavors, and wind down the festival on a relaxed and refreshing note.
A Legacy of Change
The Nashville Canna Festival concluded on a high note, promising future growth and a commitment to fostering a community empowered by knowledge and united by passion. The event’s resounding success has sown the seeds for an annual tradition, poised to become a cornerstone of Nashville’s cultural calendar in the years to come.
Sims looked back on the event with pride and forward with ambition. “My plan for next year is to go bigger, go harder,” she said. “We’re going to actually have workshops for people that want to have cannabis businesses.” Her determination to educate and uplift the community resonated throughout the festival.
