Foxy’s HempFest aims to spark more cannabis conversations
But even as the conversation surrounding cannabis and its benefits is often frowned upon by locals, organisers want increased awareness and to spark more conversations about the legalisation of cannabis in the VI.
Victimless Crimes
The General Manager of Foxy’s Bar, Thomas Warner, points to a recent case in Virgin Gorda (VG) where four members of the same family were arrested for cultivation. “Where is the crime if there is no victim?” asked Mr Warner.
According to a release on the upcoming events, “There are so many other crimes where people are hurt, robbed, beaten, and injured…but who is harmed by cultivation? No one.”
Mr Warner’s view is that police resources could be better spent on other matters. He proposes to let cannabis be legalised and rebuild what he deemed as the broken agriculture sector of the economy.
Bar owner, Philicianno Callwood aka “Foxy”, for years has propagated the legalisation of cannabis.
“He has been speaking of this for many years and is happy to host this festival that brings everyone together to learn about cannabis, hemp, and the many products that can be made from them,” the release notes.
To help this, Mr Warner has arranged industry leaders in jurisdictions around the Caribbean to come and mingle with the guests and help to explain how cannabis can benefit the small island economy in the modern world. The hope is that business connections will help this sector to grow more quickly when and if it becomes possible.
Keynote Speakers
With US Virgin Islands (USVI) lobbyist and Senator, Terrance P. Nelson aka 'Positive Nelson' fighting for the legalisation of marijuana for many years, he will deliver a keynote on how the USVI approached the challenge.
VI legislator Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), a long-time proponent for cannabis legalisation in the VI, will also deliver remarks for a second year.
In his comments last year, Dr Wheatley pointed out that cannabis is not dangerous, and that criminalising it has created crime as opposed to preventing it.
“Sending non-violent offenders to prison for possession places them in an environment where violence is common, so they learn in jail how to be a more dangerous person upon their release,” the release notes.
The HempFest will kick off on July 13, 2019, and transportation to the island will be handled by New Horizons Ferry Service from West End, with return ferries after the show.
5 Responses to “Foxy’s HempFest aims to spark more cannabis conversations”
Ban vodka too, your logic only tolerates beer. Just saying!
Its time to stop the fear and misinformation.