The Situation with Coachella

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the nation’s largest music concerts. Running since the new millennium began, it has transformed from a local desert get-together to a highly sought-after experience. It takes place in the heart of the Southern California desert, but even though its located in a newly recreational state, cannabis (among other federally illegal substances) will not be allowed on the premises.

According to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival FAQ, the answer is short and sweet: “Sorry bro. Marijuana or marijuana products aren’t allowed inside the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Even in 2018 and beyond.  If that changes we will update this answer.”

The solution to this statement are “amnesty cans” that will be available outside the festival gates, allowing carrying consumers to ditch their cannabis and other substances prior to entering. Law enforcement officers like Sgt. Dan Marshall believe this is better for everyone who attends. “We just wanna provide a safe environment where people can enjoy the show and we’re there to protect their well-being,” said Marshall. “Selling of narcotics is illegal. If you’re caught selling narcotics in Coachella, you will be arrested.” He also noted in an interview with Daily News that the promoter of the festival, Goldenvoice, and through the property owner Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), simply has the right to make the rules.

The Founder of AEG, Philip Anschutz, has gone further than just denying cannabis consumers. In the past, he donated $200,000 to anti-cannabis supporters in 2016. AEG has made other aggressive moves toward cannabis businesses in the past, too. According to Merry Jane, the company sent out cease-and-desist letters to cannabis business marketing their own personal “Coachella blend” pre-rolls.

Additionally, Anschutz has been known to donate money toward anti-LGBTQ groups until outrage on social media brought negative attention. He made a brief announcement stating “We have immediately ceased all contributions to such groups.” Reports believe that Anschutz had been donating to such organizations as early as 2000.

Tickets to Coachella have long since sold out for 2018, and although it’s looking to be a record-breaking two weekends of music from The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Eminem and more, it will be slightly less exciting without cannabis by concert-goers’ sides. But don’t forget that as a result of Coachella’s exclusivity, many more local parties have become a staple of the desert during the festival weekends. And you can bet that these parties, unlike Coachella, will likely be much more forgiving about cannabis consumers.