3rd annual Lebanon medical marijuana fest set for Aug. 19-21

LEBANON - Entertainment including renowned area musician Ron Jones and Friends, a food truck with hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled chicken with cannabis condiments for those with medical licenses and a surprise comedian will highlight Lebanon's 3^rd Annual Medicinal Marijuana celebration set for Aug. 19-21 in Lebanon.

The theme of this year's festival is, "Live, Love, Laugh," said organizer Teri Poirier today, in honor of her daughter, Charlee Rae, who died in December 2014.

The event, which drew a little over 100 people a day last year, is designed to help the public understand the positive effect cannabis can have on treatment of various ailments.

"We want to educate the public on the medicinal benefit of cannabis, besides just smoking it," Poirier said.

But beyond the educational aspects of the event which brings together, medical professionals, cannabis caregivers, patients and potential patients, there will be a lot of entertainment, food and fun, Poirier added.

A food vendor will be on site during the event with plenty of typical offerings like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and pulled chicken, but also available for those with medical marijuana cards will be cannabis edibles, also called "medibles." Breakfast will also be available.

It should be noted that while there will be plenty of drinks available, no alcohol will be sold, however patrons can bring their own, Poirier said.

The entertainment lineup boasts a number of talented area groups, highlighted by the return of Ron Jones, who was seriously injured in a head-on car crash on River Road in Lebanon last August.

Jones will appear with Ron Jones and Friends on Friday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. and other unannounced times on Saturday and Sunday.

Later on Friday the Gypsy Owls will perform from 7-11 p.m.

On Saturday rock and country band Texas Pete takes the stage from 5-9 p.m., followed by Illusion who will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

There will also be Open Mic times between bands and during both weekend days.

"We want to give people the opportunity who play guitar or something the chance to get up play in front of an audience," said Poirier, who added that patriotic songs will be played each morning and Taps would end the festivities each night.

A comedian will also drop by to do a show, however the exact showtime was not yet determined.

The guest speaker for the weekend will be Andrew McIntyre who will talk about the state of medicinal usage in Maine and also try to help festivalgoers understand the repercussions of a November vote that could legalize recreational use of marijuana in the state. McIntyre will speak during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

There are two admission packages this year, including $24.20 for a day pass for all three days; or $34.20 for all three days and nights, which includes a tent site, vendor site and all the entertainment. Day/night pass holders can also set up their tent or stay overnight on Thursday. It should also be noted that day passes run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only.

The festival takes place at Wind Shadows Farm at the corner of Center and Shapleigh roads in Lebanon.

For more info click here.