420 Travel Guide: Explore the Cannabis Oasis at the California State Fair 2025 🌿
At High Herstory, we pride ourselves on spotlighting cannabis and wellness events that uplift our community and help move the plant forward after decades of prohibition, stigma, and side-eyes at dinner parties. So imagine our excitement when we heard that for another year, embarc and Fair Play Ventures are bringing the Cannabis Oasis back to the California State Fair in Sacramento, running July 11-27th.
This is the only cannabis market and awards event in the country taking place at a state fair, a first-of-its-kind immersion into cannabis, wellness, and education, all set against the backdrop of funnel cakes and Ferris wheels. If you’re mapping out your California must-sees this summer, this is your highest destination yet!
Now, we know…it’s very “stoner” of us to say we know a spot... but walk with us. Nestled inside 50,000 square feet of dedicated space, the Cannabis Oasis is a licensed, adults-only (21+) wonderland where you can legally shop, consume, and learn about award-winning cannabis right in the heart of the state fair. Picture a shaded garden escape where fairgoers can unplug, slow down, and elevate their experience through curated cannabis products, thoughtful activations, and guided education. It’s a chill reprieve from the carnival chaos, a moment of zen with a touch of zaza.
California State Fair & Cannabis
This isn’t the first time the California State Fair has welcomed cannabis — but the vibe shift is very real. Cannabis has officially joined the likes of corn dogs and craft beer as a fairground staple. This year, the Cannabis Oasis comes complete with a presentation stage, a large film screen, and luxe lounge areas hosting expert speakers, panels, and documentary films that explore some of the most essential topics in California cannabis today: legacy genetics, regenerative farming, minor cannabinoids, cannabis cuisine, and how to navigate the ever-changing legal landscape.
A rotating marketplace will showcase booths from some of the state’s most innovative cannabis brands, retailers, farmers, and industry leaders. Come to shop, stay to schmooze — and get a little more grounded in the deep roots of California cannabis history.
“Hosting cannabis sales and consumption is a groundbreaking milestone in destigmatization,” added Lauren Carpenter, Co-Founder of Embarc, the Fair’s partner for onsite sales and consumption. “Joining James Leitz — who pioneered the educational exhibit and competition in previous years — in creating this expanded, experiential dispensary is a major step forward for responsible normalization.”
As if that weren’t enough, on July 12th, the California Cannabis Awards, hosted at the Cannabis Oasis at the California State Fair, will honor the best of the best across multiple product categories. This year’s expanded competition will include pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages, and wellness products in addition to flower. Products undergo rigorous science-based testing and judging by a diverse panel of cannabis professionals.
The Cannabis Oasis is the only cannabis activation of its kind in the U.S., blending tourism, education, and wellness in one worry-free, welcoming space. Attendees must be 21+ with a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, military ID, passport, etc). You can peep the full scoop on the California Cannabis Experience here.
Whether you’re a seasoned toker or just a little canna-curious, the Cannabis Oasis is redefining what a summer travel stop can be. We’ll be there, and we hope to see you too. 🌿