SXSW Festival Opens Voting on Cannabis and Psychedelic Panels for 2025
The South by Southwest (SXSW) conference, renowned for its diverse and forward-thinking programming, has officially opened voting for its 2025 event. This year, the public is invited to influence the selection of panels and speakers, with a significant focus on cannabis and psychedelics. Voting will be open until August 18, offering attendees a chance to shape the content and direction of next year’s conference.
Cannabis Panels
This year, SXSW has received 21 panel proposals related to cannabis, divided between seven on hemp and 14 on marijuana. The proposed panels cover a wide array of topics, including federal rescheduling, criminal justice reform, branding strategies, and the cultural impacts of cannabis. Some of the standout proposals include:
Pathways to Cannabis Justice: This panel will feature members of the Last Prisoner Project discussing their experiences transitioning from incarceration to entrepreneurship within the cannabis industry.
Marijuana’s Influence on Hip-Hop: This session will explore the significant cultural impact of cannabis on the hip-hop music genre.
Rescheduling and Cannabis Marketing: Experts will analyze how potential changes in federal scheduling could influence cannabis brand strategies and market dynamics.
These proposals reflect the growing interest and evolving discussions around cannabis, both within the industry and in broader cultural contexts.
Psychedelic Panels
The psychedelics track is particularly robust this year, with 64 proposed panels reflecting the continued enthusiasm for this emerging field. Topics under consideration range from the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics to their broader role in modern culture. Notable proposals include:
Psychedelics and Mental Health: Examining the potential of psychedelics to address various mental health conditions and improve overall well-being.
Cultural Shifts and Psychedelics: Exploring how psychedelics are influencing contemporary culture, art, and societal norms.
The strong interest in psychedelics underscores the growing recognition of their potential therapeutic benefits and cultural significance.
Hemp Panels
Among the hemp-focused proposals, two significant panels stand out:
High Stakes: This panel will delve into business opportunities within the hemp industry and the implications of THC conversion, featuring insights from industry leaders.
Cannabis Rescheduling and Hemp Regulations: This session will discuss how potential changes in marijuana’s federal scheduling to Schedule III could impact hemp regulations and industry practices.
These panels aim to address key issues and opportunities in the hemp sector, reflecting ongoing debates and developments in the industry.
Voting Details
Voting for the 2025 SXSW panels is open to the public until August 18. This is an opportunity for attendees and industry enthusiasts to influence the conference’s lineup and ensure that key topics and voices are represented on stage.
The opening of voting for SXSW 2025 marks an exciting moment for those interested in cannabis and psychedelics. With a diverse range of proposed panels, the conference promises to address cutting-edge topics and foster meaningful discussions in these rapidly evolving fields. As voting progresses, the community’s input will play a crucial role in defining the future of SXSW and shaping the conversations that will take place next year.
