For immediate release: Los Angeles, CA, June 27, 2009

The 4th High Times World Marijuana Film Festival was held yesterday at the Marina Del Rey Hotel. Three films were screened: "The Union," "Cash Crop," and "High Society." The festival was hosted by Jack Herer, sponsored by Apothecary Travel (www.apothecarytravel.com) and about 50 people attended. "I was delighted by how many industry people showed up," says festival founder and High Times Creative Director Steve Hager. "We had producers, directors, writers and cinematographers in attendence to check out the best independent films about marijuana of the year. All three films were well-produced, but I think 'Cash Crop' stood out for its imaginative use of multi-screen editing, as well as an outstanding soundtrack by director-musician Adam Ross. People should not confuse this new film with a film by the same name that was released in 1999 about marijuana farmers in Pennsylvania." Cash Crop travels around northern California interviewing people affecting by the booming marijuana business in the Emerald Triangle.

Although admission to the festival was $25, it turned out to be well worth the price as waves of free drinks and snacks (some loaded, some not) were brought into the screening room to the delight of all in attendance. Chocolate strawberries, gourmet popcorn, brownies, cheese and cracker platters and sandwiches were thoughtfully provided to all by Brett Bogue, owner of Apothecary Travel.

After being assured by the hotel that medical card holders would be able to medicate on the balconies overlooking the marina, festival organizers were dismayed to learn a few hours before the event started that the hotel had changed its mind and did not want any cannabis smoking on hotel property. This announcement was followed by the posting of "no smoking marijuana" signs throughout the hotel. Nevertheless, attendees were able to use their vehicles in the parking lot as mobile smoking rooms. During the screening of the second film, Brett appeared with a huge tray filled with edible medications.

Eddy Lepp was one of the cannabis celebrities in attendance and he is also one of the main characters profiled in the film "Cash Crop." During the screening of the film, Eddy received a cell phone call informing him that he did not have to turn himself in next week to serve 10 years in prison. This caused a huge celebration to spontaneously break out at the event.

"This was by far the biggest and most successful WMFF so far," says Hager. "Moving the festival to Los Angeles turned out to be a good idea. I think we can expect WMFF to grow rapidly in the next few years as long as we stay put." The first two WMFF's were held in Ibiza, and the third was held in Northern California. All three failed to turn a profit. This year the event broke even.

Anyone can enter the World Marijuana Film Festival, provided they have produced a film or video that involves marijuana or the counterculture. To enter, send a DVD to WMFF, 419 Park Avenue South, 16th Floor, New York City 10016. Several filmmakers were at the event shooting footage for marijuana-based documentaries they plan to release next year, all of them hoping to make the cut for next year's festival. Stay tuned to this website for updates on the next WMFF.