GRANTS, N.M. — On April 19, the first-ever 4/19 Cannabis Awareness Festival took place at The Elks on Charles Street, drawing over 450 participants, including residents, vendors, and cannabis advocates. The event, organized by local supporters including Uncle Roy’s, marked an important moment in Cibola County’s shifting stance on cannabis, encompassing both medicinal and recreational use.
The festival ran from noon until midnight, transforming the outdoor area into a vibrant hub filled with booths, live music, educational sessions, and community discussions. Despite challenging weather conditions with high winds and overcast skies, 315 attendees remained engaged throughout the day, enjoying performances, interacting with local growers, and participating in a competition that supported the Grants Animal Care Center.
One of the standout features of the event was local healthcare provider Dr. Daniel Fenton, FNP, who conducted on-site evaluations for medical cannabis cards. Organizers emphasized the event’s focus on education and accessibility. Sara Ray, one of the event coordinators, highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for community members to ask questions and learn about cannabis options.
Cibola County has seen cannabis emerge as a key economic factor. As of March 2025, Grants has recorded cannabis sales exceeding $8.8 million, based on more than 217,000 transactions since legalization. In comparison, neighboring Milan has achieved nearly $1.5 million in sales with over 44,000 transactions.
On a broader scale, cannabis remains an integral part of New Mexico’s economy, with March 2025 alone accounting for nearly $50 million in medical and adult-use sales across over 1.1 million transactions. Since its legalization, the state has generated a total of $1.6 billion in cannabis revenue.
The festival concluded smoothly with no reported incidents, strong security presence, and vendors expressing satisfaction with the turnout, even as they dealt with occasional challenges from wind-blown canopies. Whether attendees came for products, education, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, the 4/19 Festival established a solid foundation in the local community. Early signs suggest that this event could become a recurring celebration for years to come.
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