The California State Fair issued a press release today announcing that the annual event will make history this year with the introduction of on-site cannabis sales and consumption. This is the first time cannabis will be legally sold at a state fair, showing growing acceptance of cannabis. The 2024 California State Fair, to be held in Sacramento from July 12-28, will also feature expanded cannabis contests aimed at consumer education and awareness.
These new changes are a continuation of the California State Fair's leadership on cannabis following legislation signed by the Governor allowing the holding of sanctioned cannabis events. In 2022, the California State Fair introduced an educational cannabis exhibit and awards contest to showcase hemp along with California's other agricultural bounties, including wine, cheese, olive oil, and craft beer. The exhibition continued to grow in 2023 with an informative program aimed at educating those interested in canna and celebrating farmers. Last year's contest had 250 entries, but this year's contest has more than doubled in size with more than 500 entries, making it the largest state-sanctioned cannabis contest of its kind.
Marcy Grown poses with her award at the 2023 Cannabis Competition.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in eliminating stigma by fostering deeper connections between consumers and the farmers who grow their products with the utmost care.” ” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO and co-founder of Embark, a trade show partner that promotes on-site sales and consumption.
Speaking with Cannabis Now about Embark's efforts to de-stigmatize and mainstream cannabis, Carpenter said that retail is community-based and that conservative communities that are reluctant to own a local cannabis business He said there are many. “We have been working for years to build local coalitions to move the movement forward while eliminating stigma against cannabis,” she said. “At the California State Fair, we can show people through action the vibrancy of California cannabis in places and spaces they may have never been exposed to before.”
Embarc co-founder Dustin Moore echoed this sentiment, saying, “The California State Fair Competition is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate cannabis, California's largest agricultural crop by value. We hope that the small farms we celebrate can stand alongside traditional farmers while legitimizing the cannabis industry.”
California farmers participating in the 2023 Cannabis Competition and Exhibition.
For State Fair attendees 21 and older, the Cannabis Exhibit Hall is filled with educational information about the state's cannabis history and displays of California's top brands and farms. Attendees can scan a QR code to learn more about Golden Bear award-winning products, add items to their virtual shopping basket, and purchase at Embarc's on-site pharmacy. This area will feature a 30,000 square foot consumption lounge where attendees can sample award-winning products from a variety of farms and brands across California.
“Expanding the competition to include all forms of elements and giving patrons the opportunity to directly engage with and consume winning brands will transform the public understanding of cannabis,” Cannabis Competitions and Exhibitions Executive said producer James Reitz.
As part of our commitment to consumer education and awareness, this year's cannabis contest has expanded to include the following product categories in addition to flower: pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages, and wellness products, with additional The review strengthened science-based testing. By a panel of experts.
Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair, said expanding cannabis offerings expands the role of California agriculture while giving farmers a platform to share their stories. stated that it is aimed at. He also spoke about the importance of event safety. “We have partnered with the City of Sacramento, the State of California, James Rights, and Embark with a robust on-site public health and safety infrastructure to ensure a responsible and community-friendly event. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the state and beyond for this unique experience.”
