PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Cannabis Association tried something new at its first ever summer fair — free samples of pot.
The first rule at the fair was that only people over 21 could attend.
Due to the tight regulations on the industry, the organizers could not accept any money for the event.
“For us to stay compliant, we cannot receive a dime,” said event producer Joshua Taylor.
While Oregon law prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries and recreational cannabis businesses from offering samples of cannabis products, this event was a little different.
Organizers say because the summer fair is a free event with no admission fee, it doesn’t fall into that category and thus businesses could offer free samples for people to enjoy at home.
“Whole bag full of free samples, anything we want, we can try when we get home,” said Demetre Janness, who attended the fair.
“Everything that they are going to receive is going to be a gift,” Taylor said. “There is no buying or selling allowed. We do have consumption but only of cannabis in a certain set-off area.”
Businesses like sponsor Oregrown out of Bend, say even though they are giving away product, it’s helping them market to new customers.
“We are here to bring our brand and expose our brand to Portland,” said co-owner and founder of Oregrown.
