Getting freebies has always been part of the fun at the California State Fair, but this year, visitors are receiving a unique and budding new sample — cannabis seeds.
At the California Cannabis Experience exhibit, adults 21 and over can now walk away with a packet of marijuana seeds to take home and try their hand at cultivation. Though the seeds are technically sold for a penny to comply with state law, the intent is to spark interest in home growing and normalize cannabis in a safe, responsible way.
“We’ve already given away thousands of seeds,” said Embarc co-founder Dustin Moore. “Under California law, we have to sell them for a penny to be compliant.”
The goal is bigger than just freebies. Organizers want to encourage more people to see cannabis not just as a product, but as a plant worth growing. “It’s important, as we normalize cannabis in a responsible way, to encourage folks to grow at home,” Moore added.
Scott Vasterling, founder of Humboldt Family Farms, echoed the sentiment. “We would love nothing more than to have as many people as possible popping these seeds in their backyard and getting some experience with this beautiful plant.”
According to experts, growing cannabis isn’t as complex as some might think. “It’s a weed, literally. That’s why they call it weed,” Moore said. “Growing cannabis is about as simple as keeping a weed alive in your backyard. Sun, water, fertilizer, and a little bit of love — that’s all it takes.”
While cannabis cultivation remains illegal under federal law, California allows adults to grow up to six plants for personal use. However, local regulations may vary, with some areas prohibiting outdoor growing.
The inclusion of home grow seeds at the fair also ties into an exciting new opportunity: a competition for amateur cannabis cultivators. The California State Fair already awards top cannabis producers through its Golden Bear awards, and now home growers can get in on the action.
Organizers expect to hand out around 15,000 seeds during the fair. The seeds come from the Humboldt Seed Company, a renowned name in California cannabis genetics.
As cannabis becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life in the Golden State, this initiative highlights a growing trend — quite literally. Whether you're a seasoned cultivator or curious newcomer, the state fair is planting the seeds for California’s next generation of cannabis growers.