Hold onto your hats, folks—this year’s California State Fair is about to blaze a trail like never before. For the first time in its storied history, the fair is going to allow marijuana sales and on-site consumption. That’s right, you can now enjoy your favorite fair rides and snacks with a side of cannabis.
In the past, the fair dabbled with cannabis competitions and educational booths, but 2024 is taking things to a whole new level. From July 12-28, adults 21 and over can explore a variety of cannabis products, add them to a virtual shopping cart, and pick them up at one of Embarc’s off-site dispensaries. Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of Embarc (the fair’s partner for these new offerings), summed it up perfectly: “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.”
Oh, and did I mention the 30,000 square foot consumption area? That’s right—an entire space dedicated to enjoying your cannabis responsibly while soaking in the fair’s vibrant atmosphere.
“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.”
The cannabis awards competition is doubling down too. This year, it includes product categories like pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles, with over 500 entries—double the number from last year. That’s some serious growth!
Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair, emphasized the fair’s commitment to showcasing California’s agricultural bounty and diverse farming backgrounds. “We have partnered with the City of Sacramento, the State of California, James Leitz, and Embarc—alongside our robust onsite public health and safety infrastructure—to ensure a responsible and community-sensitive event,” he said.
This year’s expanded cannabis features are all thanks to a 2018 bill that allows for temporary marijuana event licenses where local governments permit it. Plus, the California Assembly recently approved a bill to legalize cannabis cafes, paving the way for live performances at cannabis retailers in areas where on-site consumption is allowed.
So, if you’re a fan of fair rides, deep-fried goodies, and a little green, the California State Fair is your one-stop shop this summer
