SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The 2024 California State Fair has made history by becoming the first state sanctioned fair to permit on-site cannabis sales and consumption. This groundbreaking initiative, introduced at Cal Expo, integrates the burgeoning cannabis industry into one of California’s most cherished events.
A New Experience
Running until July 30, the fair features a dedicated cannabis consumption lounge, offering a novel experience for attendees aged 21 and older. Lauren Carpenter, founder and CEO of Embarc, a leading cannabis retailer involved in the initiative, remarked, “We’re literally making history at the California State Fair. This is the first time this has happened at any state fair in the world.”
This year marks the third consecutive appearance of a cannabis exhibit at the California State Fair, but it is the first to allow consumption. Visitors can access the cannabis consumption lounge through the “CA Cannabis Exhibit” in Building Six of the fair’s Exhibit Hall. Attendees must scan their IDs and navigate through an educational exhibit on the history of cannabis in California before entering the lounge.
Unique Offerings and Experience
Inside the lounge, guests can purchase cannabis-infused products such as CBD slushies and partake in interactive activities. The consumption area is designed to be distinct and separate from the main fairgrounds, ensuring that the event remains family-friendly.
Safety and Regulations
To ensure safety and regulatory compliance, all cannabis products consumed on-site must be purchased at the fair; outside cannabis is prohibited. Items must remain sealed when transported outside the designated consumption areas. Comprehensive security measures are in place to facilitate a smooth experience for all attendees.
“The consumption area is located well away from the main fair activities,” Carpenter explained. “We’ve collaborated for about a year with regulatory agencies and community stakeholders to design this space with the utmost sensitivity and appropriateness.”
Economic Impact
The integration of cannabis into the California State Fair highlights not only changing societal attitudes but also the economic potential of the cannabis market. Reports indicate that some attendees are spending upwards of $300 on cannabis products, underscoring the growing consumer interest in cannabis-infused goods
As the fair progresses, it sets a precedent for future events, signaling a shift toward the normalization of cannabis consumption in public spaces. The California State Fair’s decision to embrace cannabis represents a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of cannabis culture in the United States.
