The first State Fair Cannabis Awards Ceremony ever just happened in California

On July 15th, a select group of cannabis growers from California were celebrated at the first ever California State Fair Cannabis Awards Ceremony. The California Exposition and State Fair is a 170 year old annual tradition that celebrates the best in the state’s world renown agriculture. In 2022, the California Exposition’s Board of Directors made the historical decision to host the first ever California State Fair Cannabis Awards. For the first time in American history, the same state government that used to put cannabis growers in places like San Quentin celebrated some of those same individuals at an awards ceremony in Sacramento. As Eric of Hogwash Pharms succinctly summarized while receiving his farm’s award for their Grape Ape:

“From silver handcuffs to gold medals.”

Obviously, it’s not like the CHP was giving the awards, but this marked the first time that a state agency has ever had an event like this. California’s Department of Cannabis Control was a sponsor of the event, as was The Highest Critic and a host of other brands from across the cannabis industry such as Humble Root, SC Labs, the CCOF, United Core Alliance, Origins Council, CaliFari, Sorse Technology, and Bud Bar Displays. State fairs are “American as apple pie” as the popular saying goes and California would be the first state to celebrate cannabis at its state fair. The State Fair’s cannabis competition is different from other competitions even at the same expo because it is purely science based. This year, 53 awards were given out of 250+ submissions for highest concentrations of certain desirable primary and secondary metabolites – namely cannabinoids such as THCa and CBDa as well as the six main terpenes found in cannabis, a co-dominant terpene category, a new total terpene content category, and a most unique award.

The first ever “official” California Cannabis Awards Ceremony

Though the CA State Fair Cannabis Awards and Exhibit is in its second year, this is the first year that there has been a dedicated Awards Ceremony. James and Caitlin of Cultivar Events kicked off the inaugural CA State Fair Cannabis Awards ceremony on July 15th, 2023 at 5:00PM to a crowded Building 6 at the Expo Center. On this side of the fairgrounds, there weren’t any blue ribbons being pinned onto heifers and steers. Instead, pensive cannabis growers walked on stage and lowered their heads in a gracious, measured act of compliance as glittering gold and silver medals were awarded. As awardees were announced and welcomed to the stage, they shared words of gratitude to their partners and teams as well as encouragement and fascination at how far we’ve come. A common theme emerged – farmers talked about their decades of run ins with the law and marveled at the historical significance of such a state sponsored awards ceremony. Other salient notes included excitement for growing appreciation of type III cultivars – those selected to showcase alternative cannabinoids such as THCV, CBG, and others which was led by Joyce from Sonoma Hills Farm and Joseph of Emerald Spirit Botanicals. Still, some farmers such as Nate of Higher Heights noted that the exhibit has a long way to go. For instance, when will attendees be able to smell the winning products? As I left, I noticed that the official CA State Fair cannabis merch includes a funny shirt captioned “cotton candy, corndogs, and cannabis.” While the messaging is clear… Only two out of three of those items are actually available for purchase at the state fair. On the other hand, the one that isn’t for sale is the one that occupies an entire building next to other expositions like “The Lost World of Dragon”s and “Wild Science.” The world – it’s a changin’. It might not be at the pace that I personally would like, but for the over half million Californians that will visit the State Fair this year, it might just be the exact incremental normalization and de-stigmatization that the doctor ordered. Remember: “Cannabis is ag.” Also remember, that the small batch, craft cannabis growers awarded are worth your attention and without your attention and support, they might not make it through the legal mire. Here’s to future Cannabis Awards Ceremonies at every state fair in the Union and yes, the World’s Fair, too. If you’re in the area, definitely check out the CA Cannabis Exhibit at the CA State Fair. The CA State Fair Cannabis Awards Exhibit is open until July 31st at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Don’t miss the 2023 speaker schedule! Here’s a pic dump of all the farmers and growers that made the trek out to the state’s capitol to receive their awards. The full list of winners can be found on the CA State Fair Cannabis Awards website. Congratulations, all!