For the first time in its 170-year history, the California State Fair is set to feature cannabis sales and an onsite consumption lounge. This move marks a significant step in the normalization of cannabis in mainstream American culture. The event will kick off on July 12 at the California Exposition Center in Sacramento.
Expanding Cannabis Culture
In 2022, the California State Fair introduced a cannabis exhibit and competition, akin to other agricultural showcases for wine, cheese, and craft beer. This year, the fair expands its cannabis offerings with an extended product competition, a dedicated consumption lounge, and onsite sales managed by licensed cannabis retailer Embarc.
A Platform for California’s Cannabis Industry
Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair, expressed pride in the fair’s leadership role in promoting cannabis awareness. The fair aims to highlight California’s diverse cannabis heritage through educational displays and interactive experiences.
Shopping and Experiencing Cannabis
Visitors, aged 21 and over, can explore farm displays, learn about award-winning strains via QR codes, and purchase products from Embarc’s onsite dispensary. The 30,000-square-foot consumption lounge provides a relaxed environment for attendees to sample products from various California brands.
Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of Embarc, emphasized the event’s role in destigmatizing cannabis and connecting consumers with local farmers. James Leitz, executive producer of the cannabis competition, praised the fair’s initiative in broadening public understanding of cannabis cultivation and consumption.
