USA - A massive Las Vegas cannabis convention has been cancelled by its venue due to security concerns.
Billed as “the largest head shop on the planet,” Cannapalooza was expected to bring over 50,000 visitors and cover 4,645sqm. It was due to run from 19 to 21 March this year at Mandalay Bay hotel. Cannabis possession is illegal in Nevada.
Organiser Lou Woznicki says he walked in to a meeting on 27 January only to be confronted by more than 100 police officers, undercover vice cops, surveillance and security staff from Mandalay Bay, as well as gaming control and alcohol bureau officers.
Metropolitan Police spokeswoman Barbara Morgan says the officials were there to voice concerns about marijuana being illegal in Nevada.
Mandalay Bay informed Woznicki the next day that the event would not go ahead.
In an open letter on the event’s website, organiser Lou Woznicki says: “Our show, right from the beginning, has been carefully crafted and nurtured, and at the time we were terminated, had amassed a huge and fervent following both from the attendees and exhibitors from across the country and around the globe.”
However, Woznicki suspected trouble was brewing when he spoke to Mandalay Bay officials in December.
“I felt there was a negative vibe there,” he said. “Even at the meeting, a Mandalay Bay security guy said, ‘Pot smokers don’t drink and gamble and that’s where we make our money. It’s bad for business.’”
Earlier this month, organisers of Michigan’s first medical marijuana exhibition were forced to do away with a key aspect of the event due to concerns over its legality.
