Efforts to further destigmatize marijuana underway at this year’s Freedom Rally

Fernandes and other consumers have found relief in psilocybin products ranging from chocolates to dehydrated mushrooms. He said many brands are lying to consumers about what is in mushroom-labeled products to make a profit, ruining the potentially life-changing benefits of the drug for people recovering from addiction and others dealing with depression or other mental health issues.

“I get to help people — get to help this wave of Americans who, for once in their life, they’re willing to try something besides what the doctors recommended,” Fernandes said. “And that’s the revolution of helping Americans self-medicate.”

The Freedom Rally has served as an event for activists to promote change for responsible cannabis users, a party for young adults to express their artistic visions and a fun environment to spend one of the few sunny days left in the year.

Despite the event’s misnomers, much positive change has been enacted by the many activist groups on site, along with the event organizers who make the day possible. Cannabis reform is not over yet, and much work is yet to be done in the medical sector that actively works to help those seeking pain relief.

“We’re here for a freedom rally, we’re celebrating people who went to prison for marijuana. And me being here allows me to feel like I’m helping in a way,” Fernandes said.

“I’m one of the first and one of the few. But, essentially, I’m going to have to go through everything they went through in order for us to be here today. So, I appreciate it.”