St Petersburg, FL – On Friday, October 27^th, Suncoast NORML is looking to find the Tampa Bay stoner with the best cannabis themed “HalloWEED” costume.  Suncoast NORML is the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and every year they hold a cannabis themed costume party called “HalloWEED”! This year it will be held at the new Chillum Mushroom and Hemp Dispensary in the heart St Pete’s Grand Central District.  Join them for a night of spooky (yet lit) festivities and a costume contest that features some awesome prizes.  The live entertainment will be headlined by the costume contest and include local music acts, a DJ, and vendors from all walks of life.  All proceeds go towards criminal justice reform efforts and to reform marijuana policy in the Sunshine state.

Currently, Floridians have legal access to medical marijuana. Legalization for adults 21 and up without a doctor’s recommendation should be coming to Florida soon due to a new petition initiative that seems to be particularly well funded.  Pushed by Florida’s native country music stars, The Bellamy Brothers, the initiative called Smart and Safe Florida is currently pending review from the Florida Supreme Court.   However, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has gone on the record against legalizing cannabis despite his top donors leading these efforts.  Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed against the amendment reasoning that it misleads voters by supporting a monopoly for currently licensed dispensaries to control the adult use cannabis market.  Arguments begin November 8^th in Tallahassee.

Floridians and their elected representatives need awareness now more than ever on the shortcomings of existing marijuana policy and the best way to spread awareness is to have a bit of cannabis themed Halloween fun!  Suncoast NORML has been advocating for legalization in the State of Florida since 2014. They played a pivotal role in the success of the United for Care’s Medical Marijuana campaign in 2016 and decriminalization efforts in multiple cities and counties including Tampa, Pinellas, and Orange County.

“Cannabis remains the widely used social lubricant in this nation to be criminalized despite its proven medical value.  Our efforts to reform marijuana policy in Florida require the necessary resources to compete with the powers that be influencing our state legislature.  Grassroots organizations like NORML depend on the philanthropy of everyday people like our members to change policy that affects all Americans. What better way to raise that money than in a fun and safe atmosphere?  I invite all cannabis enthusiasts, medical marijuana patients, and those who care about criminal justice reform to come on out for a good time”, said Christopher Cano, executive director of Suncoast NORML.

General admission tickets to the HalloWEED costume Party are only $10 dollars and entry into the costume contest is free. There is a cash prize for the winner of the contest and runner ups won’t leave empty handed, receiving some nifty smoking gear courtesy of Chillum Mushroom and Hemp dispensary. Again, all proceeds from the event will go to legalization efforts led by Suncoast NORML.

The party starts at 8pm on Friday, October 27th at Chillum Mushroom and Hemp Dispensary in St Pete’s Grand Central District. General admission is $10 per person and free for Suncoast NORML members. Wear your best cannabis themed costume and get ready for a good time!