Budist Newsletter: Education & Appreciation
Dear Friends,
As the cannabis market becomes more crowded and complex, consumers are often left navigating products and use cases with very little guidance, while brands lack the resources to tell their story and meaningfully engage their audience. A core part of Budist’s mission is to help bridge this gap through tastings, educational programs, and quality standards that foster deeper product knowledge and appreciation.
Over the past month, that work took shape through the release of Exploring Sleep Edibles, our latest editorial report focused on one of the most important yet underdeveloped categories in the market. Through both the report and live release event, we explored how formulations, cannabinoid ratios, dosage, and product design influence the consumer experience.
That same approach continues with the upcoming release of the 2025 California Harvest Report, which examines how climate, terroir, cultivation practices, and regional identity shape the character of cannabis across California’s legacy growing regions.
Alongside these reports, we continue to expand our events, competitions, and educational content designed to help consumers and the trade engage more thoughtfully with the plant. At the center of this work are two ideas that continue to guide our mission: product appreciation and education. In this month’s newsletter, we’re excited to share several of these initiatives and invite you to explore them with us.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
Sleep Edibles Report
Budist recently hosted the release event for Exploring Sleep Edibles, our new editorial report by Scott Reiman, Certified Ganjier and one of Budist’s lead edibles critic. Held at Urbana San Francisco, the event featured a presentation and community discussion exploring sleep formulations, cannabinoid ratios, dosage, and the products shaping the category, followed by an Ask the Expert session focused on attendees’ own sleep needs and experiences with edibles.
Read the full Sleep Edibles Report, featuring nine standout products recommended for sleep alongside educational resources designed to help consumers better navigate the category.
California Cannabis Awards
Budist is excited to return as the official judging partner for the California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair in Sacramento. Now entering its fifth year, the program continues to recognize standout products from across the state through a standardized evaluation process led by Budist’s network of critics and judges.
For brands considering entry, the submission window closes May 22. This is the final opportunity to participate in one of the largest and most visible cannabis competitions in California.
Learn More at California Cannabis Awards.
Upcoming Events
This month’s event lineup brings together consumers and the trade through a mix of education, community, and product discovery—from the release of our 2025 California Harvest Report to upcoming industry and consumer events across California.
California Harvest Report – Release Event
May 16, Berkeley Chapel of Flowers
Register Here
Cannabis Chamber of Commerce – Bay Area Mixer
May 19, Meadow SF
Register Here
Farmers Cup – 420 Edition
May 30, San Diego
Buy Tickets
Connect with Us
If you’d like to learn more about our calendar of events, competitions, and content opportunities, review our 2026 Media Kit or reach out to schedule a time to chat.