California’s State Fair to Allow On-Site Marijuana Sales and Consumption
In a groundbreaking move, California’s state fair will become the first event of its kind to permit the sale and consumption of marijuana on its grounds. The 17-day event, set to take place from July 12th to July 28th, will feature on-site marijuana dispensaries and competitions, marking a significant milestone in the normalization of cannabis in the United States.
The decision to allow marijuana sales and consumption was made possible by legislation signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, which authorized licensed cannabis events. The state fair had advocated for this legislation, and the new elements will be managed by Embarc, a company that specializes in cannabis experiences.
The revamped cannabis exhibit and competition will feature a 30,000-square-foot consumption lounge where attendees over the age of 21 can try products from farms and brands across the state that have earned Golden Bear awards. The exhibit will also include an educational component, showcasing the plant alongside other California agricultural staples such as wine, cheese, olive oil, and craft beer.
The competition has added new product categories, including pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages, and wellness products, with over 500 entries received, double the amount from last year. The event aims to provide patrons with the opportunity to directly engage with and consume winning brands, ultimately transforming public understanding of the plant.
The state fair’s CEO, Tom Martinez, emphasized that the expanded offerings will provide a platform to amplify California’s rich agricultural bounty and facilitate storytelling for farmers from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The move comes as marijuana has become increasingly decriminalized in communities across the US, with a recent Gallup poll finding that 70% of adults support legalizing marijuana, up significantly from 30% in 2000. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has also proposed reclassifying cannabis from a schedule I to a schedule III drug, placing it alongside medicines like ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation, which can be energy-intensive and lead to intense use of pesticides and water scarcity. The revamped exhibit and competition will focus on showcasing sustainable practices and highlighting the importance of responsible normalization.
The California state fair is expected to attract around 590,000 attendees, making it a significant platform for the cannabis industry to showcase its products and promote education and awareness.
