SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Fair wrapped up its first weekend at Cal Expo, but not until it made history.
Music and one of the state’s most famous crops are on full display. Sunday marked the first day marijuana consumption lounge opened at the state fair, taking its place along the thrilling rides and variety of foods.
“My heart skipped a beat,” said Mindy Galloway, who is a marijuana advocate. “I knew I had to be a part of it. I had to be here.”
Galloway is one of many people taking in the historic experience.
“We can create community around cannabis and educate and have many different kinds of people understand the plant and learn how it can benefit them,” Galloway said.
After three years of having an onsite exhibit and competition, this year, the joint effort between the statewide cannabis retailer and state fair is flying high. It comes eight years after recreational marijuana became legal across California.
"I have been using it for anxiety, depression, I use it for chronic pain. I support my mom with her pain. It is a gift. It is an incredible plant that is so versatile,” said Eliza Maroney, who is also a marijuana advocate.
The consumption lounge is further away from the actual State Fair rides and exhibits. A fence is around the facility and only those 21 and older are allowed through.
“We have worked really closely with regulators to ensure that this is a strictly controlled environment,” said Lauren Carpenter, the CEO of Embarc.
Embarc is the company that's been managing the State Fair’s Cannabis Awards since 2022.
“We have strict age controls, very tight security and a lot of infrastructure to ensure that those who want to purchase and consume, we are doing so far away from the rest of the fair and not visible for anyone under the age of 21,” Carpenter said.
The sales and consumptions lounge are open seven days a week with limited hours Monday through Thursday.
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