Washington D.C. Celebrates Marijuana Legalization With Growing Competition

Five months ago, Washington D.C. relaxed its regulations governing the recreational use of marijuana despite arguments from the nation's lawmakers. The district has since held several events to take advantage of the new rules and this year's state fare is even incorporating pot into the festivities.

Growing Contest

A state fair conjures up images of homemade apple pies and prize-winning livestock, but in Washington D.C., the event will also include a marijuana growing competition. Fair organizers will give out a "Best Bud" award for the best specimen of a marijuana plant. The contest will run alongside other D.C. favorites like the knit and crochet contest, the pickled food contest and the homebrew contest.

Related Link: Surprising Study Shows Lax Marijuana Laws May Benefit America's Youth

Embracing Marijuana Rules

The fair, set to take place in September, says its inclusion of a marijuana growing competition is an important step toward embracing the district's new laws. Not only will the contest underscore D.C.'s new freedom, but it will give home-growers a chance to show off their talent for sustaining what can be a difficult to grow plant.

Judging

The plants will be judged rigorously in four categories including appearance, odor, touch and growing method. However, the plants will not be judged on their potency and judges will not sample any of the entries. D.C. law prohibits anyone from smoking in public spaces, and the fair is planning to uphold that law by banning marijuana use on the premises.