Budist Newsletter: Events, Awards & Harvest Report
Dear Friends,
One of the biggest challenges facing cannabis today is that many of the qualities that make a product truly exceptional rarely become part of the consumer conversation. While producers invest tremendous care into genetics, cultivation methods, product formulations, and countless other factors, much of the discussion at retail continues to revolve around price, discounts, and potency.
We believe cannabis deserves a richer conversation. The most celebrated agricultural products in the world, from wine to coffee, developed cultures of appreciation by helping consumers understand the factors that shape quality and differentiate one product from another. As consumers become more informed, they develop deeper connections to the products they enjoy and the people who create them.
Our California Harvest Report was a great example of this work in action. Through both the report and release event, we explored how terroir, climate, genetics, and cultivation practices influence cannabis across California’s most celebrated growing regions. These conversations help move the market beyond commodity thinking and toward a greater appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and regional identity, themes we also explored earlier this year in our Premiumization Report.
Our competitions serve a similar purpose. Through programs like the California Cannabis Awards, our judges evaluate products based on the qualities that make them exceptional, looking far beyond simple measures like potency or price. The insights generated through that process help us share a more nuanced understanding of quality with the broader community through content, events, and education. Last week, we were proud to announce this year’s California Cannabis Awards judging panel, with evaluations beginning next week.
This month’s newsletter takes a closer look at these efforts and the ways Budist is helping consumers and producers engage more deeply with the products, stories, and traditions that shape cannabis culture.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
Harvest Report
In May, Budist hosted the release of the 2025 California Harvest Report at Chapel of the Flowers in Berkeley. The event brought together more than 20 farms representing seven California growing regions, alongside retailers, media, educators, certification programs, and cannabis enthusiasts for an evening dedicated to California agriculture and craft cannabis.
Co-authored by Budist critics and certified Ganjiers Alex Scherma and Caleb Chen, the report explores the 2025 sungrown harvest through the lens of climate, geography, cultivation practices, genetics, and regional identity. Featuring more than 50 farms from across the state, it serves as both an educational resource and an ongoing historical record of California's cannabis harvest.
Read the full 2025 Harvest Report.
California Cannabis Awards
Budist is honored to return as the official judging partner for the California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair.
Now entering its fifth year, the competition continues to recognize standout cannabis products from across the state through a standardized evaluation process designed to celebrate quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
This month, the California Cannabis Awards and Budist announced the 2026 judging panel, featuring some of the industry's most respected critics, educators, and product experts. Together, they will evaluate this year's entries using Budist's structured judging methodology and scoring rubric.
Winners will be announced at the California State Fair on July 18 in Sacramento. Learn More at California Cannabis Awards.
Upcoming Events
Garcia Hand Picked California Tour
Berkeley (June 7), San Francisco (June 11), Hollywood (June 18), San Diego (June 25)
Join us as Garcia Hand Picked returns home to California with a four-city tour celebrating music, art, community, and craft cannabis. Each stop will feature a unique combination of live music, experiences, and opportunities to connect with the farms and people behind the collection.
Register Here
Cannabis Career Summit
June 11, Virtual
Hosted by Green Flower, this free online event brings together more than 35 industry experts to share insights on career paths, industry trends, and opportunities across the cannabis sector. Budist CEO, Jocelyn Sheltraw, is moderating a conversation around Retail, Sales & Marketing.
Register Here
Ignite It Capital Conference
June 15, Chicago
Budist CEO Jocelyn Sheltraw will be moderating a panel discussion on consumer education, exploring how the industry can create more effective educational frameworks for today's diverse cannabis consumer. Use BUDIST20 for 20% discount.
Register Here
Legacy Cannabis Genetics: Research Dissemination Event
June 26, Sacramento
Hosted by Origins Council, this event will share research findings on California's legacy cannabis genetics. Researchers, cultivators, policymakers, and industry leaders will come together to discuss the future of preservation in California.
Register Here
California Cannabis Awards
July 18, Sacramento
Join us as California's top cannabis brands, producers, and industry leaders gather to celebrate this year's winners at the California State Fair.
Details Here
In the News
MJBizDaily: Announcing Colorado to the MJBowl
Colorado joins California and New York as MJBowl continues its expansion toward becoming a national cannabis competition. Entries open August 1 through September 30.
See Here
GreenState: California's Cannabis Regions Through a New Lens
How climate, geography, and cultivation practices shape the character of cannabis across California's legacy growing regions. Read Article
High Times: Garcia Hand Picked Returns Home
The story behind the brand's California relaunch and its partnership with Emerald Triangle craft farmers.
Read Article
Connect with Us
If you’d like to learn more about our calendar of events, competitions, and content opportunities, reach out to schedule a time to chat.