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Las Vegas Cannabis Cup Threatened by Federal Officials

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Cannabis conventions and trade shows are an essential part of cannabis culture. Now that cannabis has been legalized in states like Nevada, it opens up new opportunities to celebrate the industry and the progress it has made over the past few decades. However, it seems that even in areas that have seen successful cannabis business conventions and celebrations, the federal government is still watching. As a result, the Cannabis Cup that’s slated to occur on Saturday, March 4-Sunday, March 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada is facing some last-minute hurdles.

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden sent a letter to the Moapa Paiute Tribe on February 16. His note claims that because the festival will be held on tribal land, that the event would be in violation of law. “I am informed that the tribal council is moving forward with the planned marijuana event referred to as the 2017 High Times Cannabis Cup because it is under the impression that the so-called ‘Cole Memorandum’ and subsequent memoranda from the Department of Justice permit marijuana use, possession and distribution on tribal lands when the state law also permits it. Unfortunately, this is an incorrect interpretation of the Department’s position on this issue.”

Since the tribe received that letter, it has been working with the state U.S. Attorney’s office to seek a resolution. Tribal Chairman Darren Daboda is making sure to approach the issue the right way, “To us, we’re looking at it as utilizing our sovereignty.”

High Times, the company that hosts the Cannabis Cup, has also reached out to warn attendees about the issue. “Vendors, guests, performers and attendees are advised to comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the use and distribution of cannabis and cannabis-related products. In order for the cannabis industry to continue to earn legitimacy and social acceptance, we understand that rules and laws need to be abided,” it read. “High Times will continue to stand up for our civil liberties and advocate for our inalienable rights to cultivate and consume cannabis. We urge you to join us.”

Currently there are no solid plans set by the federal government to intervene, but all who plan to attend should be wary of the possibility. There have been recent changes in the plans for the event, and Daboda commented in his interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal that they are currently unsure if cannabis will be present at the event. “We’re working on [that] right now,” he said.

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