Budist Newsletter: MJBowl For The Win
Dear Friends,
This past month marked a milestone for Budist and, we believe, an important moment for the industry as a whole. The inaugural MJBowl brought together top producers from California and New York—from legacy cultivators to multi-state operators—all under one roof. For four days at MJBizCon, we watched an audience of retailers, cultivators, journalists, and executives gather to celebrate craftsmanship in a way that felt rare in today’s landscape.
These events were meant to bridge not only two coasts but countless corners of our community. At a time when the industry feels fragmented and discouraged, the MJBowl offered a glimpse of what’s possible when we come together with shared purpose: to honor the plant, elevate its producers, and build a culture where excellence is recognized and celebrated.
The conversations we witnessed—growers comparing notes, judges exchanging insights, brands discovering new collaborators—reminded us that the spirit of this industry is still alive and vibrant. The energy on the MJBizCon floor, and especially at the awards show, was a powerful affirmation that people are hungry for unity, transparency, and a higher standard for how we evaluate and appreciate cannabis.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m filled with hope. If this year proved anything, it’s that we move further and faster when we move together. Our commitment at Budist remains the same: to build frameworks that foster connoisseurship, shine a light on great producers, and create spaces, both in person and online, where our community can gather, learn, and celebrate.
Thank you to every brand, judge, partner, and supporter who made this year’s MJBowl such a meaningful success. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you, and we’re excited for what’s ahead in 2026.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
MJBowl Awards
The 2025 MJBowl Awards Show brought together an extraordinary lineup of producers from California and New York, and we’re thrilled to share this year’s MVPs and All-Stars. These honors spotlight the top performers across Flower, Pre-Rolls, Vapes, Concentrates, and Edibles, reflecting the craftsmanship and creativity defining cannabis on both coasts.
Our judges spent the past several weeks evaluating entries through a rigorous, state-specific process designed to ensure fairness and consistency. To support this, we standardized the tools and devices used in the Flower, Concentrate, and Vape categories and incorporated a set of best-in-class products that helped further elevate the process. These included the Pax FLOW dry herb vaporizer, Chill Steel Pipes bong, ROCA hemp rolling papers, Flower Mill grinders, the Dr Dabber Switch 2, the Active Singular 510 battery, Pop-Vac jars for storage, and custom hemp t-shirts from HempZoo. Each partner brought a level of quality and consistency that helped ensure every product was evaluated with precision.
The judges’ collective insights shaped the full list of winners now live on the Budist Blog. Explore the standout products, discover the brands behind them, and see which contenders won the MJBowl Trophy for Best in Category live at MJBizCon.
MJBizCon Recap
After an unforgettable week in Las Vegas, our full MJBizCon recap is now live. From a bustling trade floor to packed speaking sessions, this year’s conference delivered the kind of energy, curiosity, and connection the industry needed. Outside the convention center, activations at NuWu and a full slate of after-hours gatherings kept the momentum going, bringing together operators, creators, innovators, and community leaders from across the country.
In a year marked by real challenges, MJBizCon once again proved just how vital these anchor events are. They create the space for our community to come together, share ideas, forge partnerships, and remind ourselves why this industry is worth fighting for. Our recap highlights the moments that moved us, inspired us, and brought us all a little closer. Read the full story on the Budist Blog.
Upcoming Events
Hiii Magazine Celebration
Thursday, December 12 | Los Angeles
Budist will be joining Hiii Magazine in LA this Thursday for an evening featuring mariachi performances, live music with Salvador Santana, tasty munchies, and groovy vibes. Guests can roll with the on-site team, enjoy the dab, beverage, and hash bars, relax in the wellness garden, and pick up exclusive giveaways, including swag bags for the first 250 attendees. Register here.
Woody’s Personal Stash: Sneak Preview
December 18 | The Woods, West Hollywood
The Woods and Budist warmly invite you to a Sneak Preview of Woody’s Personal Stash, a curated collection of sungrown, soil-nourished flower and pre-rolls from the Emerald Triangle selected by Woody Harrelson for his personal stash. The evening features sommelier-led tastings, seasonal pairings, and connoisseur-grade devices and accessories. Woody will be in attendance to share a first look at his Limited Edition Stash Box. Tickets here.
12 Jays of Christmas
VIP Gatherings | San Diego & Hollywood
Budist is partnering on a series of gatherings to celebrate the 12 Jays of Christmas. If you missed last weekend’s events in San Francisco and Berkeley, then be sure not to miss the upcoming events in San Diego at Sessions By The Bay on 12/13 and at The Woods in West Hollywood on 12/14. The events will highlight a limited-edition gift box featuring twelve sun-grown pre-rolls from craft farmers in the Emerald Triangle, with each purchase supporting the Humboldt County Growers Alliance. Purchase here.
In the News
Coverage of Budist continues to grow, with recent stories highlighting how the Budist community is helping shape the future of cannabis quality, culture, and consumer trust.
MJBizDaily
MJBiz highlights the full list of MJBowl winners and offers a concise look at how standardized judging brought greater clarity to this year’s competition.
Read: Meet the winners of MJBowl
GreenState
GreenState profiles several MJBowl winners and explores the qualities that distinguished their entries during the judging process across both markets.
Read: Craft brands dominate in first-ever bicoastal cannabis contest
Cannabis Now
This print feature examines Budist through the lens of wine culture and considers how shared language and structured tasting are shaping cannabis connoisseurship.
Read: What’s the Score? Meet Budist.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Budist supports brands through verified reviews, content, tastings, and competitions. If you are looking to connect with engaged consumers or participate in upcoming programs, we would love to support you!