Community Corner
Major Cannabis Expo In Edison Friday Will Focus On Social Justice
Over 100 vendors are expected to attend the expo to be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
EDISON, NJ — The Northeast’s largest Bring Your Own Cannabis (BYOC) consumer event will Begin in Edison on Friday. The last day for the event is Sunday, Oct. 1.
The 420 Expo was founded as a stigma-free celebration of the legal cannabis lifestyle.
The expo is open to attendees aged 21 and over and will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center. Over 100 vendors from the cannabis world and beyond are expected to attend.
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The legendary Cheech Marin will guest host the event.
This year, the event will focus on social justice for the cannabis community by presenting free Expungement Clinics for attendees.
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Marin, who himself has his own cannabis line “Cheech’s Stash,” has long been pushing for social equity for cannabis users.
“Now that recreational cannabis is finally legal in many states and making other strides toward acceptance, it’s so important to fight against social injustices. The existence of 420 Expo is a huge step in the right direction. I can’t wait to be there to celebrate with fellow cannabis enthusiasts,” Marin said in a statement.
The Expungement Clinics at 420 Expo will be conducted by legal experts. They will share how important free information is for supporting social justice.
“People with cannabis convictions often find it impossible to find jobs, housing, or college loans. They often lose their right to vote and the ability to receive public assistance,” said Andrew Cooper, Esq., LL.M. – Chair, Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP.
“Many employers won’t hire anyone with a drug conviction or have policies requiring immediate termination if a past drug arrest is discovered – with or without a conviction. The issue is even more profound when you consider that a significant majority of those arrested for cannabis have been simple possession charges.”
Additional attorneys from the region will also be taking part in the clinics as well as offering legal advice.
“We are thrilled to bring this type of necessary social support to our three-day cannabis celebration,” said Dan Davis, co-founder of 420 Expo.
“In addition to bringing together live entertainment, celebrity appearances, cool vendors, educational seminars, and a huge BYOC outdoor smoking section with food trucks, our Expungement Clinics will provide access to legitimate support that can help people take advantage of their legal rights and make huge steps in achieving their social justice.”
Apart from the free expungement clinics, attendees can meet and greet with Marin on Friday and Saturday.
Other guest appearances include David Faustino (“Married with Children”), Jason Gann (“Wilfred”), Jason London (Dazed and Confused), Jeremy London (Mallrats, “7th Heaven”), Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue,” The Longest Yard, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry), Rachel True (Half Baked, The Craft), Shawna Waldron (Little Giants, The American President, “Ladies Man”), Keith Coogan (Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, Toy Soldiers, Adventures in Babysitting), professional wrestling legends The Sandman and Blue Meanie, activist and champion racecar driver, Randy Lanier, and Troma Films characters “The Toxic Avenger” and “Sgt. Kabukiman,” among others.
There will also be live performances, interactive events, food trucks, games and more.
Last year’s inaugural 420 Expo saw 17,000 people in attendance. This year, organizers expect to draw almost 20,000 attendees.
Ribbon-cutting will take place Friday, Sept. 29, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. by Marin.
Here are timings:
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
To learn more about the expo to buy tickets, visit 420Expo.com.
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