DURHAM, Conn — The Durham Fair is pulling back on initial plans to include cannabis plants in its lineup of exhibitions submitted for judging during the four-day event. The fair said, however, it remains committed to accepting hops plants for judging and exhibition in the vegetable category for the first time.
The fair’s committee that oversees plant science told FOX61 that they have been planning to introduce cannabis at the fair, but current state statutes would not allow them to properly handle cannabis at this time.
“In meetings with the Department of Consumer Protection, the Fair realizes there is no way to offer this exhibit within the state’s statutes as they are currently written,” Diane Coe, coordinator of plant science at The Durham Fair, told FOX61 in an email. “The intention of the exhibit was educational, and DCP agents recognized that in a positive way; however, the statutes were written with concern for the grower, retailer & general public and, at this time, are not in alignment with what is needed for an educational exhibit.”
The DCP currently regulates licensed cannabis establishments. The department told FOX61 that lawmakers would have to “permit educational displays in legislation or local authorities” to properly present cannabis, plants, and products outside the context of individual or retail use. The department also said it follows the "Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act" with current state cannabis policies.
When it comes to displaying and possessing cannabis plants in a public space, however, the department said it’s up to the town's officials.
As of September 2023, the town of Durham's Planning and Zoning Commission laid out special permit regulations for retailers and cultivators to follow. The town policy does not indicate whether a local organization would need a special permit to possess a cannabis plant in public since it only had regulations intended for retail and cultivation. The retail of cannabis is not allowed in Durham's residential zones and on "non-confirming properties." More information can be found here in section 14.7, around page 95.
Information on adult-use cannabis in Connecticut can be found on the state’s website, answering health and business-related questions people have had since the state legalized adult recreational use of marijuana in 2021. Under the Education Materials category, there’s information on storing cannabis safely at home and what doctors and patients need to know about cannabis' health effects. There isn’t information on how organizations and groups can share educational information on cannabis and possess one in the public to do so.
The fair had made plans as soon as last year to bring cannabis and hops to the fairgrounds, as seen on flyers posted around some of the buildings, in a social media post made in March, and on the Fair's website when FOX61 checked it on July 23. The cannabis exhibition instructions have since been removed from the website, as of mid-August.
Hops will still be part of the fair this year, becoming a new class in the Vegetable Department, the Fair confirmed to FOX61 in August. Hops as a class was inspired by the beer garden The Durham Fair has hosted over the past few years, according to a Facebook post the Fair made in March.
"Part of the mission of the Durham Agricultural Fair is to honor tradition and look to the future to ensure the preservation of local agricultural heritage," Coe said. "Education is an integral part in all we do."
There are over 2,300 classes the public can submit exhibits in, and the Fair expects as many as 10,000 people to enter their plants, produce, arts and craft projects, livestock, baked goods, and more for judging. The Durham Fair will run from Thursday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at LMyers@fox61.com
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.