First cannabis fair in the Netherlands in 13 years
UTRECHT – For the first time since 2007 a cannabis fair will take place on Dutch soil: GROWLANDS, in the last weekend of August in Utrecht, in the heart of the Netherlands. From CBD oil to hemp clothing, cannabis seeds to vaporizers, grinders to hemp cosmetics: you can find it all under one roof at GROWLANDS.
The two-day cannabis fair takes place on Friday August, 28 and Saturday August, 29 in Hall 3 and the adjacent outdoor area of the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.
The founders of GROWLANDS, Derrick Bergman and Rens Hoppenbrouwers, are no strangers to the world of cannabis. Bergman has published about cannabis culture for over 25 years and is chairman of the VOC, the Union for the abolition of cannabis prohibition. He was the driving force behind Cannabis Liberation Day, the free VOC festival in Amsterdam (2009-2018). Rens Hoppenbrouwers ran the market area at Cannabis Liberation Day and is co-founder of the HomeGrown Cup.
Bergman: “We thought it absurd that you can visit a cannabis fair anywhere in Europe, except in the Netherlands. The cannabis fair is a Dutch invention: long before Spannabis and Cannafest existed, there was the annual Highlife Fair, but this event stopped in 2007. Since then, we’ve only had Cannabis Liberation Day here, but not a real fair.” Hence the motto of the event: Cannabis comes home.
“Europe has a wide variety of fully legal companies producing and selling cannabis and hemp products”, Bergman explains. “More and more people are getting to know the plant, for example through CBD products. We’re aiming at a very wide audience.” Weed and hashish, or any other products containing more than 0.2% THC, are expressly prohibited at GROWLANDS. This is no different from other cannabis fairs in the rest of Europe.
What can visitors to GROWLANDS expect? Bergman: “In addition to over a hundred booths from companies and organizations, we present a conference program with master classes, panel debates and stand-up comedy. There’s a comfortable outdoor Smokers Lounge, a Game Area and a Wellness Area, excellent catering… Everything you’d expect at a modern cannabis fair, but just a little better. After all, we have a reputation to uphold.”
The Jaarbeurs is the second biggest Dutch event complex and offers first class facilities for both visitors and exhibitors. Utrecht’s central train station, hotels and restaurants are within walking distance. The city is situated in the middle of the Netherlands, some 60 kilometers from Amsterdam, and is very well connected by roads and public transport. Utrecht is home to eleven cannabis coffeeshops, open to all visitors aged 18 or older. Under Dutch law, possession of 5 grams of cannabis or less is officially tolerated for adults and use is legal.
GROWLANDS is only accessible to adults (18+). Tickets can be ordered online at www.growlands.nl. Pre-sale: €7.50 for one day or €10 for both days. An early bird discount applies up to and including April 20 (‘420’): €4,20 for one day, €7,10 for both days!
Website: www.growlands.nl
