There was a time not long ago that smoking a joint at the California State Fair would get you busted. Not anymore. This year there was an adults-only Cannabis Oasis at the fair to celebrate cannabis history and culture in California. The Oasis had over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, consumption areas, a dispensary with over 175 weed products for purchase, a stage with speakers, and booths for brands to display their wares.
Instead of getting taken away in handcuffs, cannabis farmers and producers take home awards for their products at the California Cannabis Awards. To say this development is a leap forward is a massive understatement. A century of prohibition was brutal for cannabis people in California, particularly people of color. Tens of thousands were locked up in prison and their lives destroyed by police actions.
There was a time not long ago that smoking a joint at the California State Fair would get you busted. Not anymore. This year there was an adults-only Cannabis Oasis at the fair to celebrate cannabis history and culture in California. The Oasis had over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, consumption areas, a dispensary with over 175 weed products for purchase, a stage with speakers, and booths for brands to display their wares.
Instead of getting taken away in handcuffs, cannabis farmers and producers take home awards for their products at the California Cannabis Awards. To say this development is a leap forward is a massive understatement. A century of prohibition was brutal for cannabis people in California, particularly people of color. Tens of thousands were locked up in prison and their lives destroyed by police actions.
This dark past was acknowledged with a gallery exhibit complete with timelines and activist legends who made legalization happen. Smart placement had attendees walking past the exhibit to get into the consumption area increasing engagement. Hats off to Brian Applegarth from the Cannabis Trail for the excellent historical writing and Embarc Events for curating the exhibit with care. The entire affair was produced in partnership with Cal Expo, Embarc Events, and Fair Play Ventures proving, once again, that it takes a village to pull something like this off.
The awards themselves included 150 medals in just about every category one can imagine. “For an emerging industry that feels like the Wild West most days, these awards are a bright spot to celebrate California’s cannabis heritage and history,” said Lauren Carpenter in a press release. Carpenter is the CEO and co-founder of cannabis retailer Embarc and co-producer of the state fair’s special exhibition.
Trophies and Medals
The California Cannabis Awards were designed from day one to raise the bar. Entries are lab-tested by SC Labs and evaluated by expert judges from Budist using a 100-point scoring system. Logistics are handled by embarc, Nabis, and Redwood Roots—a supply chain built for transparency and compliance.
In short, this isn’t vibes judging. It’s scientific, standardized evaluation.
At a time when reform conversations are accelerating nationwide, competitions like this help demonstrate that regulated cannabis can meet and exceed the standards expected of any agricultural product in the mainstream economy.
In a press release, Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair, said this is precisely what the competition achieves.
“The California Cannabis Awards reflect the same spirit of excellence that defines the Fair itself, recognizing the skill, stewardship, and dedication contributing to California’s diverse agricultural landscape.”
By placing award-winning brands inside the California State Fair, where hundreds of thousands of adults can learn about, purchase, and consume cannabis legally, the CCA continues to model what responsible integration can look like.
Winning, or even placing, in a state-sanctioned, scientifically judged competition provides something beyond a medal. It offers validation in front of consumers, policymakers, and mainstream institutions.
“Five years ago, this level of acceptance within a state institution would have seemed aspirational,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO of embarc. “Today, it’s a reality. This competition proves cannabis can be evaluated with measurable standards and celebrated responsibly.”
There’s also the fact that best-in-show, Golden Bear winners will have unique retail opportunities outside of Cal Expo, thanks to partner retailer embarc. The products will be sold at select embarc locations across the state during exclusive drops, and enjoy in-store marketing to highlight their achievements.
For operators, that exposure isn’t symbolic. It’s survival.
