Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2016
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Orillia Packet and Times
Contact: http://www.orilliapacket.com/letters
Website: http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Author: Andrew Philips
Page: A1

POT PARTY PROMOTER MUM ON DETAILS

A festival celebrating marijuana will take place this weekend just
east of Orillia, but details about the event remain somewhat hazy.

Called Budstock 2016, the three-day event presented by
Cannabispreneurs Production International (CPI) Promotions promises a
range of activities along with live performances at a private farm
location in Ramara Township.

"It's a private show," said CPI founder Trevor Herbz, who declined to
confirm whether that's his real last name or just a clever play on the
pointy, leafed plant at the centre of the event that begins Friday and
is free to CPI members.

During a rather hostile interview, Herbz said the festival is about
educating attendees and promoting the use of medical marijuana. He
said that means it doesn't particularly matter that Canada has yet to
make pot legal, also noting that there will be "no booze on site."

Rather than traditional tickets, those attending are required to
purchase CPI memberships. According to the Eventbrite ticket-buying
site, memberships cost $150 apiece and are now completely sold out.

He said media, other than those loyal to the cause, would be denied
entry to the event, which he emphasized was being held on private
property with about five kilometres separating the farm's main
entrance and the actual event site.

"We're not accepting media; we have our own. Everybody's handpicked.
Basically, you're not welcome to come."

Further to not allowing traditional media to cover the event, Herbz
said a journalistic presence would bring attention from law
enforcement, with organizers forced to "deal with a bunch of f-----'
thugs." And should someone have slipped through the membership or
vendor checks, Herbz said he has the right to refund money to any
undesirables who show up at the gate.

Despite actually kicking off Friday, the website states, during the
"two dayz of haze, you will be amazed" with fun and entertainment
including live performances from musicians and standup comedians at
the 47-acre farm. There will also be "fun mellow games," the chance to
hang out with cannabis celebrities as well as the chance to connect
with medical cannabis doctors and learn about medicinal marijuana all
while being treated like royalty as CPI members enjoys catered food
and luxury camping, or "glamping."

Canada's oft-proclaimed "prince of pot," Marc Emery, and his wife,
Jodie, are slated to attend, according to the website, something Herbz
wouldn't confirm.
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MAP posted-by: Matt