The Great Midwest Hemp Fest is the longest-running cannabis rights festival in the United States, held annually in Madison, Wisconsin since 1971. Formerly known as The Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival, it began as a smoke-in at the Wisconsin State Capitol to protest the cannabis-related arrests of legalization activists in the 1970’s. The Great Midwest Hemp Fest places a strong emphasis on education and advocacy, aiming to dispel misconceptions and promote evidence-based information about cannabis. This festival gives speakers, professionals and advocates a chance to network, learn, shop and join the community in opposition to cannabis prohibition in the State of Wisconsin.