Licensed marijuana event and cannabis concert heading to Cassopolis this weekend

CASSOPOLIS, Mich. -- The largest licensed marijuana event of the year is happening this weekend right here in Michiana. High Indotainment is hosting The GOATS of Cannabis Concert on September 17 at the Cass County Fairgrounds. It is expecting to bring in thousands from across the mitten state, along with dispensaries, local crafts and food. For the first-time in the area, you can buy and consume weed on the fairgrounds!

Justin Smith of High Indotainment says one of the main goals of the event organizers is to bring a big-city event to our own backyard.

“So, we really wanted to give back to the community,” said Smith. “When we set out to have these types of events, it was to have it here in Cassopolis, and reason being, we always travel to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis for these types of artists, these types of concerts of this magnitude. And we wanted to give people in our area the opportunity to not have to travel, to have a concert that’s affordable in our own backyard.”

The event will include a meet-and-greet with Cheech Marin of Cheech and Chong and will feature hip-hop artist, Redman, and the Rapper and CEO of cookies, Berner. On top of the concert, there will also be celebrity guest judging for vendors throughout Michigan. While on the fairgrounds you can get a taste of fair food before fair season ends. Local art and craft vendors will also be there, and if you’re a local vendor that is interested in attending, contact High Indotainment.

While the performances on stage and activities provide entertainment, organizers hope to serve as a place people can feel comfortable learning about cannabis and asking questions about the budding industry.

Aside from the concert, there will be many processors and cultivators at the event. Smith sees the presence of these brands as a hands-on approach of introducing their product to people with hopes of educating them and reducing stigma surrounding marijuana.

“So, all first-time customers--or people that haven’t been to dispensaries or thought about going to the dispensaries--we really want this to be the place where you can come get an understanding, get educated on what’s to be here, how to use marijuana properly, and what brands that you should be using,” said Smith. “What we really wanted to do was start branding. You know, you get familiar with your beers you get at a restaurant, you get familiar with your pops when you go to the gas station. We really wanted to get the customer base with what brands are really good to be carrying throughout the state.”

The event is from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event is for ages 21 and older.

The concert includes performances by Redman, Trick Trick, Dreka and OG Boobie Black.

Tickets are available at the gate for $50 or for pre-sale online at $20.

Read more here.