PASCAGOULA, Miss. [WLOX] -
Dozens of people gathered on Sunday for a weekend filled with live music, food, and education about the benefits of medical cannabis at the Cannabis Festival, hosted by 420 Gulf Coast and Mississippi Canna Health. The event aimed to do more than entertain—it focused on public health and breaking down long-held stigmas about marijuana use.
“It’s more than just cannabis, it’s all about public health,” said Regina Liddell, founder of Mississippi Canna Health. She hopes the festival helps shift perceptions and educates the community on how cannabis can be used to improve lives.
“I would like to think of myself as somebody that’s a good resource for anybody that wants to get their cards or just wants to know how to treat with cannabis,” Liddell added. According to her, medical cannabis has helped patients manage conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “It’s actually a mood stabilizer for them that I’ve seen,” she said.
Next door to the main event, attendees were able to begin the process of obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card. Certified staff walked patients through every step, ensuring they understood the medical benefits and legal aspects of becoming a cannabis cardholder.
“The main thing is getting patients certified on the health care side over here,” Liddell emphasized, noting the importance of accessibility and proper information.
Beyond cannabis, the festival also embraced holistic health. Vendors like Cynthia and Leroy Maxey from Franchise Vital Health offered plant-based nutrition products. “Vitamins only—all vitamins and healthy nutrition,” Leroy said, pointing to a table of products. “We have three different types of coffee right here. Anyone interested in some healthy coffee—we would love to have them understand what it’s about and get healthy at the same time.”
Other vendors served up classic treats like hot dogs and ice cream, giving the festival a family-friendly atmosphere. Music played throughout the weekend, adding to the celebratory but educational vibe of the event.
In all, the Cannabis Festival brought the community together to enjoy, learn, and explore how cannabis and holistic health products can be part of a better, healthier lifestyle.