Post by ALEX SCHWANTNER
A long time staple of the state fair is the displaying and celebration of the local agriculture. Blue ribbons pinned on pumpkins, tomatoes that resemble former presidents, and now, in Oregon, cannabis.
This summer Oregonians will welcome a new crop into the state fair in the form of marijuana. “This is really a reflection of where Oregon is now as a state,” said fair spokesman Dan Cox referring to the recent legalization of cannabis for recreational use.
The fair, which runs from Aug. 26 to Sept. 5, will be displaying nine awed-winning plants pre-judged by a panel of experts including the renowned Ed Rosenthal. The exhibit will be held in a greenhouse separated from the other attractions. Security guards will be present to assure no entry for anyone under 21 years old.
Chairman of the Oregon Business Council and sponsor of the exhibit said “We are doing it 4H style… You get a blue, purple or yellow ribbon. We are celebrating the plant as a farm crop from Oregon.” He added “We are not promoting the use of cannabis, We are there to show plants to people over 21 what award-winning cannabis plants look like.”
So those looking to score a sample of blue-ribbon bud should not get their hopes up as the fair will remain a family event.
