Budist Newsletter: A Bold New Chapter
Dear Friends,
August will go down as one of the biggest months in Budist history. We officially announced the MJBowl, our new partnership with MJBiz, and the industry’s first bi-coastal cannabis competition. For the first time, California and New York will each crown their best, uniting the country’s two most influential markets in one groundbreaking program. It’s the kind of step that starts to break down the silos regulation has built, moving us closer to a truly national cannabis culture.
This milestone also marks Budist’s expansion into New York. We’re building a powerhouse team of judges and critics who share our mission to raise the standards of cannabis. Their expertise will help spotlight the craftsmanship and innovation of brands across key categories: flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vapes, edibles and beverages.
For Budist, this is more than growth; it’s proof that our vision is resonating. By elevating the conversation around quality, professionalism, and connoisseurship, we’re helping cannabis earn the respect it deserves and giving brands the platform they’ve earned.
The journey from California to New York is just the beginning. The MJBowl is our first big step toward bridging cannabis nationwide, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
Partner Spotlight
Launching the MJBowl demands partners who share our vision for advancing cannabis in a compliant, innovative way. These collaborators—licensed retailers and distributors—are essential for handling product entries, building buzz, and hosting events where industry pros and consumers can discover award-winners.
We're thrilled to team up with trailblazers like The Artist Tree in California, whose art-forward retail experiences and 10 statewide stores make them the ideal showcase for top-tier products; Gotham in New York, a female-founded powerhouse blending culture, fashion, and community across four key locations with a socially conscious ethos; and Nabis for distribution, leveraging their unmatched event expertise, bi-coastal operations, and deep brand relationships to seamlessly connect east and west.
This partnership ecosystem is the backbone of the MJBowl's success, ensuring a smooth, elevated experience from coast to coast. Read the full story on our blog.
Upcoming Events
We’re hitting the road to celebrate the MJBowl and give brands, and the trade, a chance to meet our partners and judges, learn more about the competition, and connect with the cannabis community.
- September 12 (New York): Revelry VIP Mixer, 6–9 PM
- September 16 (West Hollywood): The Artist Tree, 6–9 PM
- September 19 (Zoom): Webinar at 11am
- September 25 (San Francisco): Time & Location TBA
Save the dates and stay tuned - event links and details will be coming soon!
In The News
Budist made headlines this month with coverage highlighting the excitement around the MJBowl and its role in setting a new national standard for cannabis recognition.
MJBizDaily positioned the competition as a landmark collaboration between Budist and MJBizCon, uniting California and New York to celebrate excellence across five product categories.
GreenState called the MJBowl a “first-of-its-kind” contest, spotlighting Budist’s 100-point scale and the opportunity for consumers to engage through limited-edition judging kits.
StupidDope leaned into the cultural impact, dubbing it the “cannabis industry’s Super Bowl” and emphasizing Budist’s role in raising standards through professional and consumer judging.
Read more on our Media page.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Budist helps brands build trust through verified reviews, immersive tastings, and in-store education. If you’re looking to stand out in a crowded market or connect with engaged cannabis consumers, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to learn more.