California Cannabis Exhibit

Exhibit Info

  • Dates: July 14 – 30, 2023
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm
  • Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
  • Location: Building 6

The 2nd edition of the California State Fair Cannabis Awards will feature the “California Cannabis Exhibit,” a curated showcase celebrating California’s cannabis industry. The exhibit will be held indoors at Expo Center Building 6 and will highlight the history, craft, and story of California cannabis. Only adults aged 21 and older are allowed entry, and the consumption and sale of commercial cannabis products is prohibited.

Upon entering the exhibit, attendees will encounter a grow chamber with living hemp plants, followed by informative graphics that

provide insights into the biology of the plant, its relationship with humans, and key milestones in California’s cannabis history. Through 300 feet of cannabis education and infographics from content providers, including The Cannigma, SC Labs, Origins Council, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and others, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature, chemistry, and regulation of the plant.

The centerpiece of the exhibit will showcase award-winning farmers, with their agricultural craft on display throughout the 17-day fair. This historic competition for California’s cannabis industry saw more than 250 flower entries evaluated in a science-based competition, resulting in 60 trophies and medals awarded. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about each award-winning cultivar, meet the farmers, and explore the various factors that contribute to earning the coveted title, “Best of California.”

The California Cannabis Exhibit experience will include a presentation stage, a large film screen, and a lounge area where expert speakers, panels, and documentary films will delve into important themes within California cannabis. The exhibit stage will come alive on Saturdays and Sundays during the fair for discussions on topics such as legacy genetics, organic farming, minor cannabinoids, cooking with cannabis, and navigating the current legal landscape. Special days will also be dedicated to an award-winner ceremony (July 15), women’s-forward discussions about plant medicine and lifestyle (July 23), and veterans’ experiences (July 27).

A rotating marketplace will feature booths from leading cannabis and hemp brands, retailers, farmers, and industry associations, offering a chance for attendees to shop and engage in insightful conversations. Hemp CBD beverages will be for sale, including special edition slushies, coffee, and iced tea featuring terpene toppers. And of course, attendees will exit through the gift shop, filled with limited edition souvenirs.

The return of this cannabis expression at the California State Fair promises an engaging experience that encourages attendees to visit on multiple days, as the stage programming will vary throughout the three weekends.

Exhibit Stage Schedule

  • 1:00 to 1:45 pm: Craft Cannabis: A Personal Connection with the Plant – Lindsey Renner, Marty Clein, and Mark Greyshock
  • 2:00 to 2:45 pm Understanding Cannabis Business Law, Regulation, and Oversight – Khalil Ferguson, Mike Vitiello, Kathleen Finnerty, and Davina Smith
  • 3:00 to 3:45 pm The Role of the LGBTQ+ Community in Cannabis Reform – Amanda Reiman and Terrance Alan
  • 5:00 – 7:00 pm Official Ceremony for the California State Fair Cannabis Awards
  • 1:00 to 1:45 pm: Talk Terpy to Me: Terpenes 101 – Randy Reed
  • 2:00 to 2:45 pm Can Cannabis Be Organic? OCal Certification – Aaron Keefer, Caitlin Slay, Kristopher Morgan, and Nate Ferguson
  • 3:00 to 3:45 pm California Cannabis Equity: Boom or Bust? – Jody Johnson, Javier Hernandez, Michael Snell, and Ashtyn Gibson
    4:00 to 5:15 pm FILM: Tending the Garden followed by Q & A with filmmaker Claire Weissbluth
  • 1:00 to 1:45 pm The Science of Vaping – Randy Reed
  • 2:00 to 2:45 pm Cannabis Culture Rituals of Past & Present – Nikki Lastreto and Swami Chaitanya
  • 3:00 to 3:45 pm Legacy Cannabis Genetics: People and Their Plants, a Community-Driven Study – Genine Coleman, Dr. Eleanor Kuntz, and Dr. Rachel Giraudo
  • 4:00 to 5:15 pm FILM: Legacy: Southern Humboldt County followed by Q & A with John Casali, Jason Gellman, and Chris Anderson
  • 12:00 to 12:30 pm Guided Meditation w/ Swami Chaitanya
  • 1:15 to 1:45 pm The Plant as Mother – Dr. Pepper Hernandez
  • 2:00 to 3:00 pm Moms Do Weed Podcast: Conscious Parenting & Ethical Consumption Practices – Chiah Rodriques and Patty Lanier w/ special guest Mskindness B. Ramirez
  • 3:15 to 4:00 pm Using Cannabis Through Life’s Stages – Erikka Fortenberry, Xochitl Martinez, and Keiko Beatie
  • 4:15 to 5:00 pm The Challenges & Benefits of Cannabis during Motherhood – Kelley Bruce, Tammy Pettigrew, Meiko Hester-Perez
  • 5:30 to 6:15 pm Women, Weed, and Wellness Recognition Ceremony: Honoring 3 Praiseworthy Women in California Cannabis
  • 4:30 to 5:15 pm How Veterans Treat with Trauma After the Battlefield – Bryan Buckley and Colin Wells
  • 5:30 to 6:15 pm Front and Center: Elevating Underrepresented Veterans – Ryan Miller, Amber Senter, Xochitl Martinez, and Esaia Gonzalez
  • 6:30 to 7:15 pm Breaking the Stigma: Technology & Innovation in the Cannabis Industry – Nate Landau, Will Brophy, Ken Epstein, and Joe Snow
  • 2:00 to 2:45 pm DCC Panel: Why Buy Legal – Devin Grey, Matt Khosh, and Michael Cheng
  • 3:00 to 3:45 pm DCC Panel: Cannabis Law Enforcement & Consumer Safety – Frank Imbrie, Jennifer Nguyen, Wilson Linares, and Erin Wonder
  • 4:00 to 4:45 pm Beyond THC: Breeding Minor Cannabinoids – Joseph Haggard of Emerald Spirit Botanicals
  • 12:00 to 12:45 pm All About Cannabis Beverages – The Clever Root’s Rachel Burkons in conversation with Diana Eberlein of SoRSE
  • 1:00 to 1:45 pm Cannacocktail Mixology Demo – The Clever Root’s Rachel Burkons in conversation with Manndie Tingler of CannaGram
  • 2:00 to 2:45 pm Wine & Weed: Why They’re More Similar Than You Think and How to Enjoy Them – The Clever Root’s Rachel Burkons & Joyce Cenali of Sonoma Hills Farm
  • 3:00 to 3:45 pm How to Pair Cannabis with Food & Beverage: Rachel Burkons