For the first time in the 170-year history of the California State Fair, which is scheduled to open July 12 in Sacramento, visitors will be able to do anything they couldn’t do before, at least legally. They will be able to buy and consume hashish on the site.
The plans, announced Tuesday through Embarc, the program’s partner in the project, include the creation of a dispensary and a 30,000-square-foot intake area at Cal Expo that will allow visitors 21 and older (and with a valid government permit). photo ID issued) to purchase and test award-winning cannabis.
“When other people come to the state fair, they can taste the most productive wines, cheeses and craft beers. It’s already underway,” California State Fair executive director Tom Martinez told the Times. “It’s just the herbal next step for the legislator. ” and our meeting to take. “
The first step came in 2022, when a hash exhibition and awards program were added to the program’s program. It’s an opportunity to showcase this once-demonized plant along with the rest of the state’s agricultural wealth. “Over the last two years, 160,000 more people have attended this educational expo,” Martinez said.
This time, visitors to the exhibition corridor filled with educational and agricultural hash exhibits will need to scan QR codes next to the exhibits of this year’s California State Fair Cannabis Award winners and load the products into an online shopping cart. The pieces can then be purchased at the checkout of a dispensary located just opposite. Those who wish to participate will be able to sail a few hundred meters more and smoke.
The dispensary and customer lounge will be run by Embarc, a Northern California company that has carved out a niche for itself in the cannabis event space. (The company has organized marijuana-themed events and spaces for the California Roots Festival and the Outside Lands Music Festival, among others. )
“‘Designated smoking area’ is the terminology required,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO and co-founder of Embarc. “But it gives the impression that people are smoking outside a building. This is intended to be experiential and fully constructed and produced at a level where we will perform a rite for the winners of our [cannabis] awards. [And] right now our theme is “oasis” – because, in case you haven’t seen it, it’s hot in Sacramento – and our goal is to make it a respite.
How many visitors will be able to enjoy the 500-seat smoking room at the exhibition? “I’m in a position to do anything,” Carpenter said. “But based on my off-the-cuff calculations and knowledge of other events we’ve attended, we expect thousands and thousands of shoppers each day. “
These thousands upon thousands of prospective buyers will purchase another three hundred THC-containing products, adding to many of the 98 newly crowned winners of the 2024 California State Cannabis Awards.
The 49 silver and 49 gold medals, which are scheduled to be announced on June 26, will be awarded in 3 flower categories (sun-grown, mixed-light, and indoor) and 16 product categories (new this year, they come with pieces such as edibles). , pre-rolls and concentrates).
In addition, nine Golden Bear Awards for “Best of California” will be announced in an Oscar-style rite at the fair on July 27.
This year’s California State Fair will be held July 12-28. Daily display and dispensing times, winners, and more data will be posted at the 2024 California State Cannabis Awards in castatefaircannabisawards. com, subject to availability.
If you’re thinking about frying in the land of all things fried, there are a few things you should know: First, you will only be able to consume locally purchased hash products. Second, the lounge will provide you with rolling papers and expect to have a collection of other smoking accessories, so leave your favorite smoking device at home. Finally, although the dispensary and the salon will be open during the maximum of the fair, there are 3 dates to remember: July 12 and 13 (no inhalable intake will be allowed on those days) and July 19 when the dispensary will be open. opened closed.
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