The 2024 California State Fair is set to make history by allowing cannabis sales and onsite consumption for the first time. This move is a significant milestone for the fair and the cannabis industry, offering an unprecedented opportunity for education, destigmatization, and consumer engagement.
A New Era for the California State Fair
For 170 years, the California State Fair has showcased the state’s rich agricultural bounty. This year, for the first time in history, a state-sanctioned fair will allow onsite cannabis consumption and sales.
However, this isn’t the fair’s first foray into the world of cannabis. In 2022, it made a move by hosting its inaugural cannabis competition and educational exhibit, adding a significant new dimension to its offerings.
This year, the event will expand to include not only a broader cannabis competition but also onsite sales and consumption, announced via a press release. This initiative represents a significant step forward in normalizing cannabis use and highlighting its large role in California’s agricultural landscape.
“The California State Fair took a historic leadership position in 2022 with the introduction of a cannabis exhibit and competition,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair. “This year, we’ve expanded our offerings to include onsite sales and consumption in a designated area to provide a platform to amplify California’s rich agricultural bounty and facilitate storytelling for farmers from diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
Allowing cannabis sales and consumption at the fair is more than just a novelty; it’s a crucial step in destigmatizing the plant and facilitating a deeper connection between consumers and cultivators. Lauren Carpenter, Co-Founder of Embarc, the fair’s partner in facilitating onsite sales and consumption, believes this initiative will help foster responsible normalization of cannabis.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in destigmatization by facilitating a deeper connection between consumers and the farmers who cultivate their products with such care,” said Carpenter
What to Expect at the Fair
The cannabis exhibition hall will feature a wealth of educational information about California’s cannabis history and the various strains, products, and brands available. Attendees can scan QR codes to learn more about each product, add items to a virtual shopping basket, and purchase them at Embarc’s onsite dispensary.
For the first time, the fair will feature a 30,000-square-foot consumption lounge where attendees over the age of 21 can try winning products from diverse farms and brands across California. This designated area will provide a safe and controlled environment for cannabis consumption, further enhancing the fair’s educational and experiential offerings.
This year’s Cannabis Competition and Exhibit has expanded to include a wide range of product categories, such as pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages, and wellness products. With over 500 entries, the competition is the largest state-sanctioned cannabis competition of its kind, highlighting the diversity and quality of California’s cannabis industry.
“This initiative spotlights the significant role of cannabis in California’s agricultural industry, marking a major milestone in the state fair’s 170-year history,” said James Leitz, Executive Producer of the Cannabis Competition and Exhibit. “Expanding the competition to include all form factors and providing patrons the opportunity to directly engage with and consume winning brands is transformational for public understanding of the plant.”
Win For the Cannabis Industry and California State Fair
The 2024 California State Fair’s decision to be the first state fair in the nation to allow onsite cannabis sales and consumption is a monumental victory. This initiative not only acknowledges cannabis as a top agricultural product for California but also elevates the fair’s status as a progressive and inclusive event.
Nearly 600,000 attendees visited last year, and by introducing cannabis as a core component, the fair expects to attract even more visitors from all walks of life.
Whether you are a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or someone eager to learn more about this versatile plant, the expanded offerings at this year’s fair promise a unique and enriching experience for everyone. This move will undoubtedly pave the way for further acceptance and understanding of cannabis, solidifying its role in California’s rich agricultural landscape.
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