Don't miss New Mexico's premier hemp festival supporting and celebrating the economic impact of medical cannabis, hosted by your favorite weekly publication Weekly Alibi at the Balloon Fiesta Park this Saturday, Aug. 19. New Mexico Hempfest seeks to provide an environment for patients, local leaders, industry members and curious individuals to learn about one of New Mexico's fastest growing industries. From noon-9pm exhibitors and attendees from across the Southwest can browse industry-related products and services while visitors enjoy live music, food trucks, a kids crafts tent, the Hemposium—featuring industry leaders like Pat Davis, Siv Watkins, Jeff Holland, Bryan Krum—and so much more! This family-friendly event is free for all, so be sure to roll on through.

Okay—maybe not an actual dime, but definitely cheap; let's say affordable. Been debating on whether or not you can afford your medical card? Debate no longer. The pockets don't have to get burned to sustain this highly-coveted alternative remedy. Homegrown Kush Kards brings their Low Cost Cannabis Cards clinic to Burque. Getting a medical cannabis card can rise upwards of $150 to $200, even more, including the exam and depending on insurance. This clinic offers exams and card issuance starting on a sliding scale at $20. The final cost is based on income, so bring proof of income, such as a pay stub. Friends of the community, South Broadway Cultural Center host and your favorite cannabis advocates, ahem, The Weekly Alibi sponsor this event, which provides new cards and renewals. Get diagnosed and stay legal on Friday and Saturday, July 6 and 7 from 9am to 5pm. Only patients 21 and over are allowed with a valid ID.

The Weekly Alibi has been putting on community-wide events for a number of years with success, but this year's Hemp Fiesta is undoubtedly the most tremendous yet. In its second year, the fiesta comes into its own with more than 75 vendor booths and 8 sponsors, which include Weedmaps as the title sponsor and Four Peaks Brewing as the beer garden sponsor. There are more activities in 2018, more to learn, more to hear, see, taste and drink. Come out to Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, August 4 from noon to 9pm for a day full of cannabis-related adventures. There are documentaries showing, medical professional and political speakers, live music, food trucks, free bike valet, DIY tie-dye shirts, jumpies for the little ones and even a “dank” tank—with local favorite Lauren Poole. Purchase balls to try and dunk our favorite chola, with proceeds benefitting Paws and Stripes. All of these shenanigans can be had for a $5 parking fee per vehicle, but entry is free for an all-ages crowd. Go to nmhempfiesta.com for more information.

The biggest thorns in the paw of medical cannabis are the lack of research available on the subject and the vast amount of misinformation bandied about by both its friends and foes. Using a National Academy of Sciences report as a starting point, Ben Daitz and Ned Judge present The Medicine in Marijuana, a documentary that tells the stories of cannabis patients and practitioners. For one time only, meet the cast and crew in person at the Guild Cinema, this Saturday, Sept. 29, at 1pm for a showing of the film and Q&A. Tickets are $7 at the door.

Here at Weekly Alibi, we love the sweet leaf and everyone who makes access possible. That's why we're sponsoring the very first New Mexico Cannabis Expo. Educate yourself on the medical cannabis industry and meet the faces behind the business this Saturday, March 23, at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Visit over 30 vendors from New Mexico and Colorado from 11am to 5pm and learn all about the benefits of medical marijuana. Curious onlookers and skeptical naysayers are just as welcome as patients and enthusiasts. Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for medical cannabis program cardholders.