California State Fair Embraces Cannabis Retail
The California State Fair in Sacramento, taking place from July 12-28, has made history by introducing a cannabis retail section, a first for the event. This groundbreaking addition, spearheaded by Embarc, spans 30,000 square feet and features over 100 award-winning cannabis brands. Visitors can explore a historic timeline of the plant and engage with a variety of educational exhibits. “This is a history-making endeavor,” said Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc, underscoring the extensive regulatory efforts required to integrate cannabis into the fair.
Cannabis Competition and Retail Success
A notable highlight of the fair is its partnership with Budist, which has introduced a 100-point evaluation scale for cannabis products, similar to wine ratings. This new system will see gold-medal-winning products competing for the prestigious Golden Bear Awards, bringing a new level of recognition to the industry. Embarc’s pop-up store has reported impressive sales, with popular brands like Queen Mary quickly selling out. On average, shoppers are spending over $300, with THC-infused beverages and edibles emerging as top sellers.
Sustainability and Legacy Brands
The fair also emphasizes sustainability and the support of legacy brands. Northern California-based Halara is promoting its vape-recycling initiative, highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility within the industry. The event provides a platform for legacy and social equity brands, including those affiliated with the Equity Trade Network. Ramon Garcia of Sanctuary Farms highlighted the fair’s role in offering crucial exposure to smaller operators committed to social equity.
The California State Fair’s embrace of cannabis retail marks a significant milestone, reflecting the evolving landscape of cannabis acceptance and integration into mainstream events. The fair’s success in featuring cannabis not only showcases the industry’s growth but also promotes sustainability and equity, paving the way for future innovations in the sector.
