Budist Newsletter: Road to the MJBowl

Dear Friends,

This past month has been about taking the MJBowl from announcement to activation, rolling up our sleeves and bringing it to life in the markets shaping cannabis culture. In California and New York, we’ve been on the ground connecting with communities, building awareness, and showing how this competition puts cannabis on a national stage—spotlighting the innovation, creativity, and producers driving its future.

In New York, we brought together our newly built team of New York judges; local voices and thought leaders who embody the region’s unique perspective and ensure that products are evaluated by tastemakers deeply rooted in their culture and community. We invited a select group of judges to meet with our partner retailer Gotham at their Chelsea location for our first in-person gathering. Seeing them together—each bringing a different perspective and deep local knowledge—made it clear we’re assembling a panel that truly reflects New York’s culture, community, and spirit.

Back on the West Coast, our judges took center stage in a series of public conversations that pulled back the curtain on how the MJBowl evaluates product quality. At The Artist Tree consumption lounge in West Hollywood, SHACK15 in San Francisco, and during a nationwide webinar, judges walked the trade through aroma, flavor, appearance, and effect—demonstrating the intentional, repeatable method that guides every score. Transparency is essential to our mission. Brands deserve confidence that their work is being judged through a fair, unbiased, and intentional process.

Each of these moments reinforces that the MJBowl isn’t just a competition; it’s a movement to raise standards, bridge state markets, and showcase the producers trailblazing the way forward.

With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO