“All we want to do is encourage more sensible laws to deal with marijuana use and possession,” he said.

Festival volunteer and admitted recreational marijuana smoker Jon Yarbrough, 25, Joplin, is excited about the festival’s potential impact on area residents’ attitudes.

“I hope we can break the ’60s stereotype,” he said. “Lawyers, doctors and school teachers use marijuana, and get up and go to work and never miss a day. They just use marijuana recreationally like many people do alcohol.”

Yarbrough said he thinks the Cannabis Revival can go a long way to help change the way people view marijuana use.

“They have been brought up to believe that they will go to hell for using marijuana,” he said, “and I want to help change that.”

Maddy contends the Cannabis Revival is not meant to be controversial or an affront to local law enforcement.

“All we want to do is build bridges,” he said. “We simply think (the police) are misinformed about marijuana.”

He said he has given the police his cell number in case parking problems or other issues arise during the event.

“We just want to let them know we are out there,” he pointed out. “Were peaceful, we’re not doing anything illegal, and we are just voicing our freedom of speech.”

Schedule of events

Main stage

The Sociables: 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Lye Bye Mistake: 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.

Ominous Words: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.