RASTAFARI ROOTZFEST RETURNS TO NEGRIL WITH GANJAMAICA CUP

The second staging of Rastafari Rootzfest™ returns to Long Bay Beach Park in global ganja capital Negril from December 9-11, 2016. The three day and night festival opens at 12noon daily and will feature over 50 exhibitors and ital food vendors in the Ganja Expo and Rastafari Village. The daily seminar series will include two growers workshops, two nights of Reggae concerts ending with the awards ceremony to announce the winners of the inaugural Ganjamaica Cup. Strategic brand partners for Rastafari Rootzfest™ includes Oaksterdam University, the festival’s International Education Partner and America’s first cannabis college.

Rastafari Rootzfest™, was the first legally exempt ganja event in Jamaica and was designed as a celebration of indigenous Rastafari livity including the spiritual and physical importance of cannabis as a sacramental herb. Last year, the festival hosted the ‘High Times Cannabis Cup™ and welcomed thousands of visiting and Jamaican guests to Negril. Conceptualized as a strategic annual calendar event for the indigenous community and the cannabis industry, Rastafari Rootzfest is an authentic 3 day immersion experience and important platform for Jamaica’s cannabis, tourism, wellness and entertainment industries.

The annual festival platform was established is focused on the mobilization, education and connection of Jamaica’s emerging legitimate Cannabis Industry, including the Rastafari, indigenous and grassroots communities, by providing networking opportunities to share best practices, increase access to the latest research and investment and educational opportunities. Booth prices have been reduced for 2016 and space is still available for interested companies.

The festival has launched its own cannabis competition – Ganjamaica Cup – inviting island-wide submissions from the country’s best growers to showcase indigenous plant strains to be judged by an expert panel. The competition will judge submissions in ten categories including Best Sativa | Best Indica | Best Hash | Best Oil | Best Innovation | Best Product. Three categories – People’s Choice | Best Booth | Best International Collaboration – are open to overseas growers who partner with Jamaican growers. Cup entry is J$10,000/submission with a completed entry form and is open to December 2, 2016. For more information visit www.rastafarirootzfest.com,

Positioned as a rallying call for individuals, organizations and communities islandwide and from around the world who, like Rastafari, have been denied the free exercise of their rights, including sacramental rights, Rastafari Rootzfest™ provides a harmonious platform for bridging the historical and contemporary gap.

The cultural immersion festival was designed as an authentic cultural experience for Jamaicans and visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of indigenous Rastafari culture and Jamaica’s ganja and wellness legacy.

Rastafari Rootzfest™ is approved by the Ministry of Justice and endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Negril Chamber of Commerce and the Westmoreland Hemp & Ganja Farmers Association (WHGFA). Tickets will go on sale island-wide on November 18th at Fontana Pharmacies and Western Sports Centre Negril. Must be 18 years or older to attend.