Global Warming

The World’s Best Cannabis Parties

The rest of the world still has to play catch up with North America’s 420 celebrations, but that doesn’t mean they lack quality cannabis parties. For those ready for a road trip, these are the world’s best cannabis-themed events:

MardiGrass (Australia)

Held annually since the early ’90s, MardiGrass takes place in the Australian town of Nimbin and features events like the Bong Throw, Pot Poetry and the Million Marijuana March. This year’s event (May 4-5) features music acts like Anarchist Duck and the Rusty Datsons as well as the first-ever “Let’s pretend we’re in Colorado minute.” Purchase a Golden Bud wristband for entrance to exclusive areas like the Hemp Bar and Mullaways Magic Medicine Tent.

High Times Cannabis Cup (Amsterdam)

Celebrating its 26th year this November, the Cannabis Cup is the ultimate tasting party. Events happen around the city during the five-day fest, and the Judge’s Pass allows regular folk to assist in picking the best buds. Barney’s and Green House won the most awards as of late, though Wiz Khalifa’s “Daytoday” videos suggest he personally likes The Bulldog.

Spannabis (Barcelona)

Portugal may have decriminalized cannabis, but neighboring Spain has the parties. Celebrating its 10th year last February, the three-day Spannabis event featured the Cannabis Champions Cup and science-driven lectures like “Protocol for the Preparation of Medical Cannabis” and “Latest Biomedical Research on Cannabinoids.”

Expocannabis (Madrid)

Apparently one cannabis event is not enough for the Spaniards. Each fall, Expocannabis comes to the capital city with vendors, speakers, workshops and nighttime partying. A second event, Expocannabis Sur, takes place in the early summer (May 31 to June 2) in Picasso’s hometown, Malaga, on the shores of the Mediterranean. No, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to visit Spain.

Cannafest (Prague)

Last month, we highlighted the Czech capital as the “Amsterdam of the East,” and the city lives up to its rep with Cannafest. Celebrating its third year last November, the event features Dutch seed vendors, art, concerts and workshops. There is even cannabis cinema, which last year included Stoned in Suburbia, Strain Hunters: India Expedition and the acclaimed Super High Me. Thanks to Prague’s more lenient laws, Cannafest draws an international crowd from eastern countries like Ukraine, Slovakia and Poland.

Full Moon Party (Kho Phangan)

Most backpackers know the Thai island for its infamous Full Moon Party, though Kho Phangan throws equally wild parties throughout most of the month. Mushrooms are popular during the night of the werewolves, but the island is always packed with cannabis-loving Australians.

World Hemp Congress (Slovenia)

Per the Slovenia Times, cannabis is widely used and tolerated in Slovenia, making this an ideal country to host the World Hemp Congress. The annual event primarily focuses on hemp, though 2012 workshops like “Medical Marijuana” and “Cannabis in Agriculture and Industry” demonstrate its inclusivity. The Congress is held in Lendava near the border of Hungary and returns this summer on August 24 – 28.

High Times US Cannabis Cup (Denver)

April 20 will mark the first-ever US Cannabis Cup! The two-day event, held at the EXDO Event Center in Denver, will feature outdoor medicating areas. The opening night features a Cypress Hill and Slightly Stoopid concert at Red Rocks, while the second night is the awards show.