Marc Fogel to appear at Pennsylvania cannabis festival, organizers say

OG Article By Lindsay Shachnow

October 01 2025

'Despite his release, Fogel’s story remains a rallying cry for reform,' the festival said in a statement

Months after returning to Pittsburgh from a Russian prison, organizers of a Pennsylvania cannabis festival say Marc Fogel will be sharing his story at their event this weekend.

The Butler native, who was imprisoned in Russia for marijuana possession, will appear at Pennsylvania CannFest in Kutztown, according to the festival’s website, where organizers say Mr. Fogel will be “advocating for legalization, sharing his experience to highlight the need for compassionate, equitable policies.” 

“Despite his release, Fogel’s story remains a rallying cry for reform,” the festival wrote.

Organizers said the festival is “honored” to host Mr. Fogel — so honored that attendees will be able to enjoy their festival purchases at the “Marc Fogel Lounge.”

“We are holding a lounge in his name where guests can learn about cannabis prisoners and how they can help advocate for reform,” said Brianna Louder, CEO of Zick Productions, the company putting on the festival.

Mr. Fogel, an American history teacher, was arrested in Russia in 2021 after he was found with 0.6 ounces of medical marijuana — legally prescribed in the U.S. to treat severe back pain — in his luggage at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. He returned to Pittsburgh in February following more than three years of imprisonment.

With more than 200 vendors, CannFest, on Saturday and Sunday, is a "canna-friendly event that blends advocacy, education and entertainment,” according to the event’s website. 

Ms. Louder said Mr. Fogel will be attendance on both days.

Attempts to reach Mr. Fogel for comment were not successful.

The blog post said festival organizers also extended a formal invitation to Gov. Josh Shapiro to participate in a “powerful call for change.”

Zick Pro LLC, the event management company hosting the festival, said it requested a “private meeting” with Mr. Fogel and Mr. Shapiro during the event.

“Governor Shapiro’s leadership is critical to ensuring no one else faces such injustice for using a substance that is legal for medical purposes here and recreationally in neighboring states,” Trish Johnson, the CFO of Zick Pro LLC, said in a statement. 

A spokesperson for Mr. Shapiro said the governor is not scheduled to attend the festival this weekend.

In his 2025-2026 budget proposal earlier this year, Mr. Shapiro called for the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. The state permits medical use.