Free Marc Fogel

Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival: Advocating for Legalization and Justice

Kutztown, PA – The Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival, one of the state’s largest events, is set to draw over 20,000 enthusiasts to the Berks County region this October. Organized by Zick Pro LLC, the festival aims to achieve two ambitious goals: the legalization of cannabis in Pennsylvania and the release of political cannabis prisoner Marc Fogel, a teacher from western Pennsylvania who has been detained in a Russian penal colony for over three years.

On October 1 starting at 10:00 am, Zick Pro, LLC will partner with Lehigh Valley NORML to hold a full day rally at the steps of the state capitol in Harrisburg. This rally aims to pressure the legislature, which has yet to act on measures to protect Pennsylvania’s cannabis consumers from outdated laws. Neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Ohio have already moved forward with legalization, benefiting from taxation and reduced arrests. The goal is to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over, emphasizing personal liberties such as home cultivation.

A two day event held October 5-6 at Renninger’s Farmers Market in Kutztown will donate $1 from each ticket sale to Freedom Grow, a non-profit dedicated to helping cannabis prisoners regain their freedom. The organization supports prisoners through “The Wish Program,” which provides commissary money, books, magazines, family outreach, and public education.

A significant focus of the festival will be raising awareness and funds for Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania medical cannabis patient serving a 14-year sentence in Russia for possessing 17 grams of legally purchased Pennsylvania dispensary cannabis. Despite being overlooked in several high-profile prisoner swaps, advocates insist that now is the time to bring him home.

Fogel’s family reports that communication with him is challenging due to strict Russian regulations. Freedom Grow is prepared to handle this challenge in hopes that letters from supporters that manage to get to him will brighten his day and offer temporary hope. Each transaction is carefully scrutinized by and has to be approved by Russian authorities before reaching Marc.

Reports indicate that Fogel’s physical and mental health have deteriorated. He suffers from spinal issues and chose to be opioid-free, relying on medical cannabis to remain functional and pain-free. The current Democratic administration has not classified Fogel as wrongfully detained and has no known plans for his return. The Republican nominee has vowed to bring him home but has yet to outline a clear plan. Marc’s 95 year old mom was slated to speak to a national audience at the July 13 Butler rally that ended with the +assassination attempt.

At the gate, every festival attendee will receive a pamphlet detailing how they can help. Freedom Grow will feature a lounge area in the pavilion, encouraging people to sign letters of support and collaborate on efforts to bring Fogel home.

The Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival is not only the Keystone State’s celebration of cannabis culture; it’s a vehicle to action for legalization and justice.