SSDP Hosts Cool Down Space at National Cannabis Festival July 18-19
While the summer sun is beating away, we are brewing some amazing ways to connect with SSDP fam and the larger cannabis community. Join us July 18-19th at the National Cannabis Festival in D.C.!
Music, weed, munchies, and talks allll day! We will be hosting a Cool Down Space, a harm reduction sanctuary where folks can spend some time to cool off, especially if you’ve taken one too many edibles, feeling overwhelmed in any way, or looking for harm reduction support. We aim to provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for people to rest, chat with a peer, and recharge their body, mind, and soul. We will have snacks, coloring books, stickers, testing strips, and good vibes!
There will also be several workshops led by our SSDP team: Kat will share updates on cannabis legalization efforts, Naomi will talk about harm reduction for psychedelics and cannabis, and Merryn will share a workshop about right relationship with your medicine and what that looks like that will then lead into an integration circle.
Don’t miss our Overdose Prevention Training with Merryn and Naomi at the Policy Pavillion at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 18! This workshop is for any one who wants to learn more about harm reduction and the role you can play in overdose prevention. Participants will learn the basics of naloxone, the dos and don’ts of its use, the technicalities of consent as part of the process, and other harm reduction techniques. Please come prepared with questions as there will be time to hear from the SSDP Team! All those who complete the workshop will receive one of our new SSDP HOPE Kits.
This is a similar training to what we have on our new app: download now and explore our HOPE training at your own pace!
There are many amazing opportunities this weekend, from outstanding musical vibes to action in advocacy, and above all- to expanding the love that is the cannabis community.
Come see us in DC, friends! We hope to offer care, presence, good vibes, and education to and with the wider cannabis community.
We are still seeking a few more volunteers. If you are over 21 years old with harm reduction experience, and would like to join us, please email SSDP Elected Board Director, Merryn Spence at merryn.spence@board.ssdp.org with subject line NCF Volunteering.
Disclaimer: The Cool Down Space, in collaboration with SSDP, offers reliable information, education, and guidance on the safe use of psychoactive and mind-altering substances. We do not promote or support any illegal activities. Our work is grounded in harm reduction, and we believe that public safety is best achieved through informed, educated communities.
The Cool Down Space is intended for educational and supportive purposes only—it is not a resource for immediate crisis situations. If you’re facing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
