The California State Fair is integrating cannabis sales and consumption on-site, marking the first time cannabis will be legally sold at the state fair.
The move is an extension of the California State Fair’s leadership role on cannabis following California Governor Gavin Newsom signing a bill allowing licensed cannabis events to take place. In 2022, the California State Fair introduced an educational cannabis exhibit and awards competition showcasing cannabis alongside California’s other agricultural products, including wine, cheese, olive oil and craft beer.
This year, the event will expand to include more cannabis competitions, on-site sales and consumption, and will strengthen efforts to eliminate cannabis stigma through education, outreach and access.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in eradicating stigma by facilitating a deeper connection between consumers and the farmers who so carefully cultivate their product,” said Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of Embark, the fair’s partner in facilitating sales and consumption at the fair. “Working with James Reitz, who pioneered the educational exhibit and competition for the past two years, to expand the competition and experiential dispensary is a huge step toward responsible normalization.”
The Cannabis Exhibit Hall, for State Fair attendees 21 and older, will feature educational information on the state’s cannabis history as well as displays of California’s top brands and farms. Attendees can scan QR codes to learn more about Golden Bear award-winning products and add items to a virtual shopping basket to purchase at Embarc’s onsite dispensary. The area also features a 30,000-square-foot consumption lounge accessible via designated walkways where attendees 21 and older can sample award-winning products from a variety of farms and brands across California.
“This initiative shines a spotlight on the important role cannabis plays in California’s agricultural industry and marks a major milestone in the State Fair’s 170-year history,” said James Reitz, executive producer of the Cannabis Contest and Exposition. “Expanding the contest to all form factors and providing visitors with the opportunity to experience and consume the winning brands in person is a game changer in the public’s understanding of cannabis.”
In addition to flower, this year’s cannabis competition included product categories such as pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages and wellness products, and enhanced science-based testing with additional judging by a panel of expert judges. With more than 500 entries, double last year’s, the California State Fair Cannabis Awards is the largest state-sanctioned cannabis competition of its kind.
“The California State Fair has assumed a historic leadership position in 2022 with the introduction of cannabis exhibits and contests,” said California State Fair CEO Tom Martinez. “This year, we have expanded our offerings to include on-site sales and consumption in designated areas to amplify California’s rich agricultural bounty and provide a platform to tell the stories of farmers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We have partnered with the City of Sacramento, the State of California, James Wrights and Embark to ensure a responsible, community-conscious event in addition to a robust on-site public health and safety infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the state and beyond to this informative experience.”
