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California and Cannabis have a profound connection that spans decades. Whether it’s the popular opinion that some of the best Cannabis in the world is grown in California, the groundbreaking legalization steps that have taken place here, or how widely it’s been consumed here, historically… There is no denying that Cannabis is a big part of California’s story.

With that in mind, it makes me very happy to say the California State Fair has started to embrace that relationship, allowing for legal cannabis sales and consumption on the fairgrounds. (Though I will say, they definitely made us Cannabis lovers get our steps in, with how far away the consumption area is this year!)

As you make your way through the front gates, walk straight back and take a right just past the fountain. Stroll through the colorful vendors with booths full of tie-dye clothing and eclectic goods, funnel cakes, ice cream, and smash burger stands. At the end of your walk, you’ll find the Cannabis section. To your right, the building containing the Cannabis Exhibit and Marketplace; To your left, the Cannabis consumption area. Some friendly tips: Dress for hot weather. Drink lots of water. Wear sunscreen and comfy shoes… And enjoy your time visiting the Cannabis section in the California State Fair!

Cannabis Competition

Since 2022, The California State Fair has hosted its very own Cannabis exhibit and Competition. This years exhibit was really spectacular… And not just because walking through it gave you a pleasant reprieve from sweltering Sacramento heat. (It was literally 104 degrees the day I went…)

Upon walking into the Cannabis exhibit, you’re greeted by a glass case displaying a few beautiful little growing Cannabis plants. As you make your way through, you’ll see brightly colored infographics about everything cannabis: The historical path traveled by Cannabis, our bodies endocannabinoid system, terpene breakdowns, and more!

At the end of this informational walk, you arrive at the Cannabis Marketplace. Here you will find some of the finest brands California has to offer, powered by Embarc. This marketplace includes a section specially dedicated to Social Equity brands. The people running these brands were often personally affected by the War on Drugs, so really, the industry was built on the backs of their suffering. Supporting Social Equity brands is essential to righting the wrongs done by Cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs. 

The folks they have budtending in this area are friendly and knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about all the products!

Judging by Budist

This years California Cannabis Competition was judged by an up and coming company called Budist. Budist is the first professional review platform for Cannabis, and was actually  Co-Founded by two of my favorite Cannabis industry OGs: Jocelyn Sheltraw and Claudio Miranda. 

“The Budist app features easy-to-discover information and reviews about some of the most exciting products and brands in California. With reviews written by our team of professional Budists and our engaged community, there’s something for everyone to explore in the app.”

This group of Budists sampled hundreds of products, expertly selecting the cream of the crop to win this years California Cannabis Awards. You can see their choices displayed in the Cannabis Exhibit, and you can also head to the California State Fair Saturday, July 27th 2024, where you can meet the judges, listen to their processes, and watch the winners accept their awards at the Golden Bear Awards Ceremony! 

The Women in Weed Panel 

I was lucky enough to have my incredible sister/boss, PayRio Founder Aubrey Amatelli, suggest that I speak on the Women in Weed Panel (presented by GreenState) this year. The effervescent Alicia Jernigan ran the discussion, and I was joined on stage by a group of truly incredible women:

• My dear friend Manndie Tingler – Co-Founder of Prophet Brands & Executive Director of Saving Sophie (one of my favorite non-profits)
• Nina Parks – Founder, Cannabis Consultant and an integral part of the Equity Trade Network & SuperNova Women
• Tiana Woodruff – CEO and Co-Founder of Queen Mary Brands 
• and last but certainly not least, Iuliana Dabija – Senior Director of Retail Operations at Cookies.

This was actually my very first panel, so I was pretty nervous. But Alicia and Manndie both calmed me down beforehand… Plus the fact that we could smoke joints on stage definitely helped. This spectacular group of women and I had an enjoyable, flowing conversation about how we got into the industry, what’s kept us here, and how we see women shaping the future of the Cannabis industry. We talked about Cannabis normalization, industry struggles women face, and bonded over our love of this magical plant.

Hearing their stories and everything they have accomplished thus far, made me excited for the future of this industry. It was truly an honor sharing the stage with such amazing humans. 

Women are making an impact in the Cannabis Industry, and I can’t wait to see what we do next!