DURHAM — Durham Fair organizers were set to include a cannabis exhibit in the upcoming fair’s educational programming until learning state statutes prohibit such a display.
Organizers decided to remove cannabis from the exhibitions after meeting with the state Department of Consumer Protection, according to a statement from the fair’s executive team. “There is no way to offer this exhibit within the state’s statutes as they are currently written,” it said.
“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 and general public, and at this time, are not in alignment with what is needed for an educational exhibit,” the statement said.
Fair President Kim Terrill declined to comment further on the matter.
It’s unclear how the DCP, which regulates licensed cannabis establishments, got involved.
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said in a news release in June 2023 that marijuana “plants should also be kept indoors, out of reach and out of sight from children and pets.”
“Plants should be secure from children, pets and others who should not have access to cannabis,” the statement said. “Cannabis must be grown indoors in a secured, locked area that is not visible to the public.”
Connecticut law stipulates that individual residents can possess no more than three mature and three immature live cannabis plants at any one time, with a cap of 12 plants in any single household.
All cannabis plants must be grown indoors and may not be visible from the street. Only a primary residence can be used, and plants must be grown where they cannot be accessed by individuals under 21 years old.
Recreational-use cannabis has been legal in Connecticut since July 1, 2021. Residents over the age of 21 can legally possess and consume marijuana.
The 104th annual Durham Fair runs Sept. 26-29 at the fairgrounds, 70 Maple Ave. For information, visit durhamfair.com, the Durham Fair Facebook page, or durhamfairct on Instagram.
