Oakland to host nation's 1st marijuana street fair

[babsbunny]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/01/BA8V1KRCA5.DTL

Matthai Kuruvila, Chronicle Staff Writer

Friday, September 2, 2011

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/01/BA8V1KRCA5.DTL#ixzz1X03N6LtV

Oakland -- Oakland has stayed at the forefront of the cannabis legalization movement, with advocates and city government working hand in hand for more than 15 years.

Now, folks will finally get the chance to light up outside City Hall. Legally, that is.

A cannabis street fair touted as the first in the nation is set for this weekend, featuring speakers, music, booths and vendors. But perhaps the most unusual attraction will be the "215 area," a designated spot directly in front of City Hall where those with a valid medical cannabis card will be able to ingest, smoke or vaporize their pot. There will be devices to help folks make their own hash, a marijuana derivative. The open-air lounge, so to speak, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The "215" in the name is a reference to Proposition 215, the 1996 state ballot measure that legalized personal use of medical marijuana.

[pscot]

1. Not quite

Seattle's Hempfest has been around since 1991 and gets bigger every year.

http://www.hempfest.org/drupal/history

[FirstLight]

2. first the west coast...

then, the White House! yeah man... :smoke:

[sufrommich]

3. The AnnArbor Hash Bash has them beat by 39 years. nt