Marijuana May Be Legal in California, But Coachella is Still Saying No

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, many are wondering if things will be different for festivals this summer. In California, Washington, and Oregon it is illegal to smoke marijuana in public, but you are able to smoke on private property where it is permitted.

Coachella recently announced their lineup for 2018, and tickets were sold out in no time. As soon as tickets went on sale, people started to plan their trip and think about what they would bring. On Coachella’s Frequently Asked Questions page it reads:

“HEY SINCE MARIJUANA IS LEGAL NOW, THAT MEANS I CAN USE IT AT COACHELLA RIGHT?
Sorry bro. Marijuana or marijuana products aren’t allowed inside the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Even in 2018 and beyond. If that changes we will update this answer.”

Honestly, while probably disappointing, it’s not surprising.

So why can’t we bring it? Though Coachella is held on private property, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, they have the right to choose what can and cannot be permitted on the premise. Promoter Goldenvoice decided against marijuana. Though the site doesn’t specifically say why you are not able to bring it, Seattle’s USC bans marijuana for safety.

The marijuana laws are still pretty new, very from state to state, and will continue to evolve, so who knows what will happen. But this year promoters prefer you keep it at home.