PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
47th HASH BASH TO INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, AND NEW MOBILE APP. ACADEMIC PANELS ANNOUNCED FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 8th.
Hash Bash Planning Committee issues statement in advance of April 7th political rally
March 19th, 2018
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN- The Hash Bash Planning Committee has released a new mobile app detailing this year’s lineup of speakers, entertainment, and related events. Recently announced are the appearances of Detroit Lion Mike James, The Voice finalist and Ann Arbor favorite, Laith Al-Saadi, amongst many more.
“Hash Bash has grown each year since the passage of Michigan’s medical cannabis laws. The event has also gained importance as a venue for activists, patients, and public figures to speak out against the horrors of cannabis prohibition. With the question of legalization likely on the ballot, this could very well be the last Hash Bash where cannabis is illegal in the State of Michigan. The qualifications and reputations of this year’s speakers are unparalleled by years past and add legitimacy and diversity to the counter-cultural event,” explained committee co-chair Nick Zettell.
The 47th installment of the annual Ann Arbor event is expected to draw upwards of 10,000 people to the University of Michigan DIAG between the hours of Noon and 4:19 pm. Continued efforts to accommodate a larger crowd and complex cannabis legal framework mean Hash Bash will be longer than ever. The 47th will feature leading activists from around the country, many of whom are new faces at this event. New to this year’s lineup are gubernatorial candidates Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Anqunette Jamison Sarfoh, Ann Arbor City Council person Anne Bannister, Detroit Lions Running Back Mike James, National Cannabis Industry Association board member Khurshid Khoja, Attorney General candidate Dana Nessel, and University of Michigan professor Gus Rosania, Ph.D.
Returning speakers include beat poet John Sinclair, DJ Short, Darren McCarty, State Senate candidate Jeff Irwin, and Nick Zettell. Attendees can also expect the return of entertainers Laith Al-Saadi (playing the National Anthem) and Cosmic Knot along with local bands Ma Baker and Honey Monsoon. Full lineup of speakers can be found on the Hash Bash Mobile App.
“NFL players are 4 times more likely than the general population to develop an opioid addiction,” Said Mike James of the Detroit Lions. “It’s time for change!”
In addition to the political rally, the Hash Bash Planning Committee is hosting two academic panels at the University of Michigan on Sunday, April 8th, following the Hash Bash. The first of two panels is titled ‘Athletes and Cannabis’ and panelists include NFL player Mike James (Detroit Lions), former NFL player Eugene Monroe (Jaguars/Ravens), and former NHL player Darren McCarty (Red Wings). The second is a panel of medical professionals including top cannabis researcher Dr. Sue Sisley MD, U of M Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Gus R. Rosania Ph.D., and Dr. Evan Litinas MD. The panels will begin at 2:00 PM, April 8th in the Koessler Room of the University of Michigan League (911 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor). Event Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/events/545572445835817/
4 time Stanley Cup winner, Darren McCarty added, “This plant saved my life. Cannabis is an exit strategy, I’m proof of that!”
This year also includes participation of several marijuana policy organizations including:
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) at the University of Michigan
Green Wolverine at U of M’s Ross School of Business
MILegalize
Michigan NORML
Student Advocates for the Medical and Responsible use of Cannabis (SAMRC)
Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol (CRMLA)
To learn more about this year’s Hash Bash, download the mobile app on iPhone and Android.
MEDIA CONTACT
Nick Zettell nzettell@umich.edu 231.286.7898
Lisa Conine lisa@omofmedicine.org 517.614.5881