eBar’s first annual liberation party
For many of us, the legalization of cannabis has been a political movement that was hotly anticipated. Guelph’s eBar held an exhilarating event on Oct. 17, in honour of celebrating the day when cannabis was legalized. The event at eBar was a night of chill music, delicious food, victory speeches, and more. With the contribution of so many people producing all the right party essentials, the legalization of cannabis will be a day that many won’t forget.
The vibe at eBar was certainly suitable for the event. The background music was a mix of funk, reggae, and hip-hop tunes delivered by DJ Todd Britton — the type of music that makes one feel good. eBar described this playlist as “weedy classics.” More on the theme of cannabis culture, the catering was a variety of classic foods you’d reach for when you get the munchies. The atmosphere of the night was aesthetically pleasing, and with colorful lights and art all around me I truly felt mellow. The crowd consisted of mostly adults, which makes sense since most have waited years for this liberation.
Following the multiple political speakers who shared their views on legal marijuana, I had a chance to chat with 2018 Guelph mayoral candidate Aggie Mlynarz, who wanted to say “10/17 blaze it.” Mlynarz’s perspective on the passing of this bill is that it is a good thing. “I am very happy to stop thinking prohibition is the way to approach cannabis,” she told The Ontarion.
Mlynarz stated that this progression is the best way to end the black market and to “horse it out of the gate.” I asked Mlynarz how she thinks this legalization will affect the student culture in Guelph. She stated that she believes “it’s important to have conversation about stigma, mental health, and that you don’t need to use cannabis to self-medicate; there are other ways to access help.”
eBar’s first annual cannabis celebration was the perfect way to spend this historical moment. As everyone danced, conversed, socialized, and laughed, I was further convinced that this liberation was something beneficial because of the energy in the atmosphere. As Mlynarz stated, it is “a matter of the city of Guelph, of local businesses coming together to ensure access to cannabis is safe, legal, and finally accessible.”
Story & photos by Nicole Mior