Why cities in regulated markets don't host official 'marijuana week'

SAN FRANCISCO – Every vice seems to have its day in this West Coast city infamous for indulgence.But despite widespread acknowledgment of San Francisco as one of the cradles of legal marijuana in the United States with significant cannabis retail and production located within city limits, a “weed week” party remains the odd fun out.

ADVERTISEMENT There’s a whiff of a double standard at play.After all, hop fanatics line up in the rain every February to have an internationally renowned brewer pour them a rare pint during SF Beer Week.

And celebrity chefs with enough Michelin stars to fill a firmament just finished bussing the tables that filled up during Spring SF Restaurant Week.Fashion Week, Pride Week, Folsom Street Fair.

The list goes on and on.And all these occasions enjoy the earnest encouragement of San Francisco City Hall.

Yet there was no “official” 4/20 event in Golden Gate Park for the second year in a row after organizers and city officials failed to reach an acceptable arrangement.That absence is all the more notable given the accepted origin story of the “4/20” term is rooted in nearby Marin County.

Lack of 4/20 events more common than not Granted, industry operators and city officials in Denver put together a ticketed 4/20 festival, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, celebrated its 54th Hash Bash on April 5.But the San Francisco example played out more frequently in otherwise-cannabis-friendly cities across the country.

The general lack of sanctioned cannabis festivals – or some other form of civic celebrations other commodities and industries enjoy – is another demonstration of how regulated marijuana still doesn’t enjoy the same official embrace extended to other retail and hospitality sectors. ADVERTISEMENT Advocates say the situation also underscores the enormous potential opportunity on tap whenever governments do accept and promote...