Sponsored by the Portland Mercury and two cannabis companies, the event was attended by an estimated 1,500–2,000 people, who were provided up to seven grams of marijuana for immediate consumption or to take home.

Organizers complied with restrictions on recreational sales by distributing free cannabis and required attendees to pay an entry fee.

[6][9][10] The Mercury's cannabis correspondent Josh Taylor, who organized "Weed the People",[7][11] said the event "celebrates the throwing off of oppression and the freedom of legalization".

The promotional poster for "Weed the People" had patriotic imagery depicting an eagle carrying a stem of marijuana leaves in one talon and several joints in the other.

Organizers complied with a temporary limit on recreational sales by distributing free cannabis and had attendees pay a $40 entry fee.

[6] "Weed the People" had a few complications: organizers sold 1,336 tickets and were prepared to supply enough product for all attendees, but the building's capacity was 500, resulting in long entry lines.

Hot temperatures both inside and outside the building resulted in at least two people fainting and a visit from the local fire department for medical treatment.

[15]Willamette Week's Martin Cizmar said the event was described as a "shitshow" on social media, and believed "Weed the People" was a financial success.