Thanks For The Music

As millions throughout the country shelter in place, ​Weedmaps​, the leading technology and software provider to the cannabis industry, is making sure that cannabis consumers everywhere can still celebrate this special holiday with a one-of-a-kind experience. Weedmaps is bringing together Billy Ray Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Ari Lennox, Joey “CoCo” Diaz, Berner and other top talent to produce “Higher Together: Sessions from Home,” the world’s biggest 4/20 vir​tual celebration.​ ​On Monday, April 20 from 12 p.m. (PST) to 5 p.m. (PST), top artists, comedians and entertainers will make appearances, perform exclusive sets from their homes, and debut new music throughout the livestream, ringing​ in and celebrating 4:20 in all four U.S. continental time zones.

Inspired by his new project, Mama Kush, entertainment legend, Billy Ray Cyrus, will debut his new single "Hillbilly Ray," along with an accompanying animated music video, as part of his exclusive acoustic 4/20 set on Weedmaps. An updated take on the 1970s ​The Beverly Hillbillies​’ theme song, "Hillbilly Ray" will provide fans with a sneak peek for what’s to come from the two-time 2020 GRAMMY® winner.

“Be a Bogart. If you care, don’t share. Don’t pass your joint or pipe around, it’s just not safe to do right now. Let’s all take a breather, chill out on 4/20 and jam to some new music. We’re gonna have a good time,” Cyrus shared.

On the heels of the release of his new record “Contact,” Multi-Platinum selling, GRAMMY® and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa will perform a 20-minute DJ set featuring a selection of his favorite tracks to smoke to, while interacting with fans and celebrating the release of his The Saga of Wiz Khalifa EP, which will also be released on April 20​.

Of the celebration, Wiz said “Super excited to hang with the Weedmaps smokers all over the world. I’m even more pumped to be able to share a new project on a holiday everyone loves.”

Wiz Khalifa and Billy Ray Cyrus will join other notable talent including Ari Lennox, Joey “CoCo” Diaz, Berner, Stephen Marley, Tycho DJ Set, Dave East, Cam’ron, Alchemist, Tony Hinchcliffe, Chaunte Wayans, Kitty Kash, along with​ ​other musicians, DJs, comedians and influencers to bring Weedmaps’ “Higher Together: Sessions from Home” to life.

“For more than 12 years, Weedmaps has connected millions of consumers with retailers and brands, while advocating for accessible cannabis for all,” said Juanjo Feijoo, Chief Marketing Officer, Weedmaps. “4/20 has not only become a celebration for cannabis enthusiasts around the world, but culturally, it has also served as a reminder for how far we’ve come since the days of prohibition and the continued work that is ahead. We’re excited to partner with some of the best in music and entertainment to celebrate the plant and the culture with our community.”

As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, Weedmaps is committed to standing alongside cannabis businesses and advocacy groups as the collective industry navigates these uncer​tain times. As su​ch, Weedmaps has partnered with ​Last Prisoner Project​ to highlight the organization’s ongoing efforts throughout the livestream and show viewers how to get involved. Weedmaps will also be creating an avenue to raise funds for Last Prisoner Project throughout the live streamed event that will go towards protecting incarcerated communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our constituents, many of whom are over the age of 60 and have underlying health conditions, are imprisoned because of a plant that has now been deemed an ‘essential’ service by jurisdictions across the country,” said Sarah Gersten, Executive Director & General Counsel of Last Prisoner Project. “Our justice system's response to this pandemic is effectively sentencing nonviolent cannabis offenders to death. Releasing cannabis prisoners now is not only the right thing to do from a justice perspective, but also to ensure the health and safety of all of us.”

All cannabis enthusiasts and canna-curious adults alike are invited to join the free Weedmaps’ “Higher Together: Sessions from Home” 4/20 celebration by visiting ​weedmaps.com/420​ beginning at 12 p.m. (PST) / 3 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 20th. Adult consumers living in states where cannabis is legal are encouraged to check out ​weedmaps.com ​or download the a​pp​ to preorder your favorite cannabis products for the festivities. (*in applicable states)

About Weedmaps: Weedmaps is the leading technology and software infrastructure provider to the cannabis industry. Founded in 2008, the company holds a strong belief in the power of cannabis and the importance of enabling safe, legal access to consumers worldwide. Since then, Weedmaps has worked tirelessly, not only to be the most comprehensive platform for consumers, but to build the software solutions that power businesses compliantly in the space, to advocate for legalization, social equity, and licensing in many jurisdictions, and to facilitate further learning through partnering with dozens of subject matter experts on providing detailed, accurate information about the plant. Weedmaps’ ​mission​ is to power a transparent and inclusive global cannabis economy. Now in its second decade, Weedmaps has been a driving force behind much of the legislative change we’ve seen in the past 10 years. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Weedmaps employs more than 400 professionals around the world, including in Denver, Tucson, New York, Barcelona, and Toronto. Visit us at weedmaps.com​.

About Last Prisoner Project (LPP): The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a coalition of cannabis industry leaders, executives and artists dedicated to bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry. As the United States moves away from the criminalization of cannabis, giving rise to a major new industry, there remains the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and the consequences of those convictions. Through intervention, advocacy and awareness campaigns, the forces behind the Last Prisoner Project will work to redress the past and continuing harms of these unjust laws and policies and are dedicated to making sure that every last victimless cannabis prisoner walks free. Visit www.LastPrisonerProject.org​ or text FREEDOM to 24365 to donate and learn more.

About Billy Ray Cyrus: Two-time GRAMMY® winner Billy Ray Cyrus became a household name over the course of his unprecedented career which spans across music, television and theater. Following a record-shattering 2019, his new EP, The Singin' Hills Sessions Vol. 1 Sunset, embodies Cyrus’ passion for storytelling. The EP also includes “Killing The Blues,” a Shooter Jennings collaboration, and “She Always Goes.” American Songwriter lauded the EP 'gets to the heart of the art of music.' Taste of Country also proclaimed the focus track, "I Am... I Said" ‘gives a sensitive, emotional reading of the song, which is more of a musical homage to Diamond's original.' Throughout his nearly three decade career, Cyrus has achieved worldwide success as a singer, songwriter, actor and producer. The Flatwoods, KY native exploded onto the music scene when his first album, Some Gave All, debuted on the all-genre Billboard album chart at No. 1 and stayed there for a record-breaking 17 weeks in 1992. The lead single, "Achy Breaky Heart," became a phenomenon as the single went multi-platinum. After "Achy Breaky Heart," Cyrus followed up with back to back hits “It Could’ve Been Me,” “She’s Not Crying Anymore,” “Wher'm I Gonna Live When I Get Home?” and the anthemic “Some Gave All.” Cyrus knocked himself out of the top Billboard position with the his second No. 1 album, It Won’t Be The Last, featuring smash hits “In the Heart of a Woman,” “Words By Heart” and “Somebody New.” He also enjoyed a successful career as an actor in “Doc” and “Still The King,” as well as the Disney series “Hannah Montana” with his daughter Miley. Recently, Cyrus has shattered records with Lil Nas X with the global smash, "Old Town Road," which remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks. Cyrus has achieved every accolade the music industry offers, including two GRAMMY® Awards, two BET Hip Hop Awards, two MTV VMA Moonmen, two Country Music Association Awards, an American Music Award and seven Academy of Country Music nominations.