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Published on July 15, 2024
California State Fair Opens "Embarc Oasis" for Legal Marijuana Use, Celebrating Cannabis Culture and EducationSource: California State Fair

The California State Fair, a tradition that's no stranger to the eclectic and the ever-evolving, has just introduced its latest novelty: an on-site space for legal marijuana consumption. Swinging open its proverbial doors this past weekend, the fair now boasts the Embarc Oasis, a zone where adults can learn about, purchase, and partake in cannabis—ushering in what many see as a significant cultural milestone.

As reported by ABC10, Mindy Galloway, a marijuana advocate, shared her enthusiasm: "My heart skipped a beat. I knew I had to be part of it. I had to be here." The sentiment captures the mood among advocates who view the lounge as a potential hub for community and education on cannabis. Similarly, the GreenState article highlighted the historical aspect of the fair's move which, beyond the fun and festivities, positions California at the forefront of de-stigmatizing marijuana in a public and widely attended event.

Dustin Moore, the co-founder of Embarc and fair’s cannabis retail partner, told GreenState about the significance of the endeavour: "Integrating onsite sales and consumption into this cannabis experience for the first time at any state fair is a massive step in our collective effort to destigmatize cannabis, particularly in front of such a diverse and widespread audience at this scale." The Embarc Oasis starts with an educational exhibit and culminates in the Consumption Garden, a place where fairgoers can smoke and socialize openly.

Alongside this new experience, the fair continues to house the Cal Canna Awards, now in its third year and reportedly expanding to feature a plethora of cannabis-related products. According to ABC10, Lauren Carpenter, CEO of Embarc, assures a controlled environment: "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." The event is a nod to California's cannabis culture and acknowledges the state's progressive stance toward the normalization of marijuana.

The educational efforts don't stop at the lounge; they extend into the judging processes of the Cal Canna Awards. A panel of professional judges, including well-known figures in the cannabis industry, wield the Budist 100-point scale to appraise and honor quality products. As expressed by Ganjier co-founder Kevin Jodrey in his statement obtained by GreenState, "Objective, accurate, and honest assessments are the standards I’m proud to represent as a Budist." The culmination of these initiatives not only aims to inform the public but also to integrate cannabis into the framework of mainstream acceptance.