How old do I need to be and what do I need to bring to access the cannabis area?

You must be 21 or older to access the cannabis experience, including the exhibit, sales area and/or consumption area. All attendees over the age of 21 must present a valid photo identification. Pursuant to California law, acceptable forms of ID include a government-issued photo ID card such as a driver’s license, a military photo ID card and/or a passport.

I am 18 years old with a valid medical card. Can I attend?

No – pursuant to regulations, only those over the age of 21 are able to access the cannabis area and/or purchase and consume cannabis at the event. 

Can I bring my own cannabis to the Fair?

No outside cannabis will be permitted to enter the Fair, and no cannabis consumption will be permitted outside of the designated area. All cannabis purchased in the licensed area and not consumed in the consumption area must leave the cannabis area in a tamper-proof container. Should you wish to consume later in the same day, you may return to the consumption area to access and consume the cannabis you purchased onsite. 

What do I do if I don’t want to consume some/all the cannabis I purchase while onsite at the California State Fair?

You are welcome to purchase cannabis in the licensed sales area and save it to consume offsite. Prior to exiting the cannabis area, all cannabis must be sealed in a tamper-evident manner by event staff. You are prohibited from opening and consuming cannabis onsite the Fairgrounds outside of the designated area. This policy will be strictly enforced and could result in expulsion. 

Do I need to bring cash? 

ATMs are available throughout the Fairgrounds.  

What are the hours of operation for the cannabis experience at the Fair?

• Cannabis Exhibit: The Exhibit will be open 11 am to 10 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 am to 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for all 17 days of the California State Fair. 

• Legal Onsite Sales: Onsite sales will be open from 11 am to 9 pm daily EXCEPT on July 19 when it will be closed. Please note that only non-inhalable cannabis sales will be permitted on July 12 and 13, with full sales (including inhalable goods) beginning on July 14.  

• Licensed Consumption Area: The licensed consumption area will be open from 11 am to 10 pm beginning July 14 and run for the duration of the California State Fair EXCEPT on July 19, when there will be no onsite sales or consumption permitted. All inhalable consumption must occur in the consumption area, and consumption of non-inhalable products is permitted in the sales area and consumption area. Please note consumption outside of the designated premise may result in expulsion from the California State Fair.

Where can I find the cannabis experience when I’m at the Fair?

Check out the California State Fair’s “Map & Directions” landing page (found here) to find details about various areas within the Fair, including a site map for the fairgrounds. The Cannabis Experience is located in Building 6, with directional signage and wayfinding to the sales and consumption areas included there as well. 

Where can I learn more about the cannabis competition?

You can learn more about all of the State Fair competitions here, find specifics on the cannabis competition here, and immerse yourself in details about the competition and winners here. 

Why has the CA State Fair added cannabis to its competition line up?

Cannabis ticks all the boxes for inclusion as a coveted Awards competition.  Cannabis became legal for recreational adult use after a voter-approved initiative in 2016. California’s cannabis industry is highly regulated, culturally significant, part of our agricultural legacy and essential to the California economy.

Can I bring alcohol into the cannabis experience? Can I purchase alcohol while inside of the cannabis experience? 

Pursuant to State regulations, absolutely no alcohol is allowed inside the cannabis experience (exhibit, sales area, consumption area). You will be required to finish your alcoholic beverage or throw it away prior to entering the cannabis area.

What products will be available for sale? 

We will have many of the California Cannabis Competition Award winning products available for sale along with products from nearly a hundred of the State’s favorite brands. The website will be updated to include a link to the menu during the Fair.

What are the daily purchasing limits?

California law allows you to purchase up to 28 grams of non-concentrated cannabis (flower) and eight grams of concentrated cannabis.