Business first at Salute’s Herb Kerb
With the economic potential of marijuana being touted in the wake of changing legislation outside Jamaica, especially in the US, business comes first at Rebel Salute’s Herb Kerb this weekend.
The festival takes place from Friday, January 12, to Saturday, January 13, at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann.
On Friday, the Herb Kerb, an area of the venue dedicated to marijuana products and discussions situated near the sea and well away from the main stage, will host a forum aimed at sharpening the business focus of those who wish to engage with the product on an economic level.
Jahyudah Barrett of the Organic HEART Group of Companies, which organises Rebel Salute, told THE STAR that the intention is “to see the mindset of the people who want to get into this business. It is about business ideas, and how the industry can grow to a level that we as a country can benefit.”
The standard symposium, where various aspects of marijuana — including the legislative framework — have been discussed previously, will be held on Saturday. While the displays will be there during the festival, the intention is to start the formal activities at about 5 p.m. so they do not spill over into the main stage’s starting time.
Herb Kerb was introduced to Rebel Salute in 2016, after the event was granted an exemption under the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015. It was the second Jamaican event granted the exemption. The first, Rastafari Rootzfest, was held in Negril, Westmoreland, from November 12 to 15, 2015.
Rebel Salute, staged to honour deejay Tony Rebel’s birthday, celebrates 25 years in 2018. Among the performers on Friday are Cocoa Tea, Third World, Jesse Royal, Zamunda, Vershon, Agent Sasco, JC Lodge, Glacia Robinson, and Tony Rebel. Saturday’s lineup includes Barrington Levy, Sanchez, Freddie McGregor, Capleton, Leroy Sibbles, Queen Ifrica, I-Wayne, and Romain Virgo.