Budist Newsletter: Higher Standards
Dear Friends,
Last weekend Budist returned to the California Cannabis Awards as the official judging partner for the second year in a row. What began as a groundbreaking moment for cannabis—joining legacy products like wine, beer, cheese, and olive oil—has started to take root as a real tradition. And with it, our responsibility has deepened.
Over the past year, our team has refined our methodology, expanded our judging panel, and continued developing what we believe is one of the most thoughtful, rigorous, and transparent product evaluation systems in cannabis. The goal isn’t just to crown winners—it’s to define what excellence looks like. To give cultivators and makers something meaningful to aspire to. And to help consumers better understand what makes one product stand out from the rest.
This year’s competition felt like a turning point. Not only were the entries more competitive, but our judges’ standards were also sharper and more aligned—leading to selections that we believe truly represent the best of California cannabis. It was a proud moment to see our work stand beside the state’s other celebrated products on such a respected stage.
We’re grateful to the California State Fair for continuing to make space for cannabis in its celebration of agricultural excellence—and we’re proud to help raise the bar.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
Awards Show Recap
The California Cannabis Awards culminated in a standing-room-only show at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, where this year’s Golden Bear Trophy winners were revealed to an energized crowd of cultivators, makers, and industry supporters. Each trophy represented the highest-scoring product in its category—an honor earned through rigorous evaluation by Budist’s expert panel.
This year’s winners showcased the breadth and excellence of California cannabis across a wide range of product types: Beverages – Almora; Cartridges – Holy Water x Casa Flor; Concentrates – Ay Papi x Mattole Valley Sungrown x Canyon Creek Family Farms; Edibles – Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill Farms; Indoor Flower – CAM; Mixed Light Flower – Ridgeline Farms; Outdoor Flower – Emerald Spirit Botanicals; Pre-Rolls – Sonoma Hills Farm; Wellness – Papa & Barkley.
Upcoming Events
Budist is proud to partner with the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and MJBizCon to strengthen community and connection across the cannabis industry. Trade shows and associations play a critical role in bringing us together—not just to showcase innovation and drive business, but to build lasting relationships and a more unified industry. Whether you’re a brand, retailer, cultivator, or advocate, these events provide a platform to network, collaborate, and align around shared values.
Together, we’re launching a series of recurring monthly networking events in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area—creating consistent spaces for meaningful connection, knowledge sharing, and business growth. These gatherings reflect our belief that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that by showing up for one another, we can elevate the entire cannabis community. Save the date for our next events, that you’ll be able to register for soon.
- Los Angeles: Tuesday, July 29 at The Woods from 5-9pm
- Bay Area: Thursday, August 14 at Urbana Oakland from 5-9pm
- Los Angeles: Thursday, August 21 at Sunset Social Club from 5-9pm
We’re also excited to announce that Budist is serving as the official judging partner for the Farmers Cup 710 Edition. Mark your calendar for the Awards Ceremony in San Diego on August 24th! Visit the Farmers Cup website for more information.
Come be a part of the movement, and visit our Events page to see what’s coming up next!
In the News
Media coverage plays a powerful role in destigmatizing cannabis—especially when it highlights the thoughtful progress happening across the industry.
Last Saturday’s California Cannabis Awards was covered by Madisyn Cunningham of GreenState, who spotlighted how the event brings light to an often challenging time. Budist Edibles Judge, Christina Wong, also shared her experience at the State Fair on Fruit + Flower, offering an inside look at the judging process and a few standout products.
The full Awards Ceremony was broadcast live and can be watched here.
Brand Sponsorship Opportunities
Budist helps brands build trust through credible ratings and thoughtful product discovery. If you’re looking to reach engaged cannabis consumers and trade through verified reviews, targeted distribution, and immersive Retail Program—we’d love to collaborate. Contact us to learn more.