Despite legalization taking effect in California on Jan. 1, Coachella concert-goers are not allowed to bring cannabis to the event, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
“Sorry bro. Marijuana or marijuana products aren’t allowed inside the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Even in 2018 and beyond. If that changes we will update this answer.” – Response on Coachella FAQ page.
According to a Los Angeles Daily News report, the concert promoter, Goldenvoice, is responsible for the ban – despite the event being held on private property and falling, partially, on April 20.
The event will allow attendees to bring traditional medications to the event, where they will be held by concert medical staff, but medical cannabis is excluded from that list. E-cigs and small vaporizers will be allowed.
According to the Daily News report, an event called Get Lit is planned near the Coachella venue for Coachella attendees. Festivalgoers can access the three-day party if they sign up in advance.
Indio, the home of the festival, has banned cannabis cultivation, sales, and delivery within the city limits and expanded those prohibition laws last October. Indio Police Sgt. Dan Marshall told the Daily News that while cannabis is legal in (most) of California, the decision ultimately comes down to the promoter.