SACRAMENTO – For the first time, you can buy and use marijuana on the grounds of the California State Fair.
On Friday and Saturday, only non-inhalable products, such as edibles and marijuana-infused beverages, will be allowed. From Sunday, smoking will be allowed in a separate area further back near the soccer facility.
Organizers say consuming alcohol or smoking weed is not allowed in the same vicinity.
This is the first trade show in the nation to allow the sale and consumption of marijuana.
“I think it's really great. I'm literally still drinking it,” said Fairgo's Randy Hill.
The event, hosted by Embarc, allows anyone over the age of 21 to consume marijuana in the form of both inhalable and non-inhalable products. This is an extension of the educational cannabis exhibit that has been on display for the past three years.
“So this event has been years in the making, and it took years and months of close collaboration with various partners to make this happen,” said Embarc CEO , said Lauren Carpenter.
Embarc is the authorized regulatory authority for this event. Carpenter said partners range from state and local regulators to law enforcement and fire departments.
“Maybe it's just the old lady in me, but I want people to be responsible, but I mean, I know there's beer gardens and wine, but I don't know if that's the effect it has while driving. We don't really know everything, whether it's at the state fair or anywhere, that's a concern to me,” fair attendee Lee Rutledge said.
“I think people always have questions and concerns when anything is new, especially something like cannabis, but cannabis is legal and people have been safely and responsibly in California for over five years. They're taking it and consuming it, and we believe they'll do the same here,'' Carpenter said.
The Cannabis Control Bureau is also on site to ensure everything runs smoothly. The event is different from the regular fair, as they are taking care to ensure identity verification.
“Let's be honest, not everyone likes smoke, so by keeping it far away we want to make sure no one gets offended or has to inhale smoke they don't want.” David Hafner of the Bureau of Cannabis Regulation said.
“I bought one of their slushies and it was really delicious,” fair attendee McKinley Hampton said.
It doesn't have to be a marijuana user. You can still wander through the exhibits and learn about the history and uses of marijuana.
“I'm 67 years old and it's almost hard to believe this is going to become a reality, but this is something new and different and we need something new and different,” Hill said. .
Organizers say word is now spreading and fairs in other states are reaching out to see how things are going. They claim California is a leader in the world of marijuana farming and education.
