Budist Newsletter: The New Face of Cannabis
Dear Friends,
This past month marked a powerful moment for Budist and the broader cannabis connoisseurship movement. In a CBS News segment titled “A Higher Calling”, we were honored to be recognized—alongside our partners at Ganjier—as part of the new face of cannabis: one defined not by stereotypes, but by expertise, discernment, and deep appreciation. The piece highlighted the guided tasting experiences now happening in dispensaries, where our team of cannabis sommeliers and product critics are helping everyday consumers discover the nuances of aroma, flavor, and effect with the same care and structure found in wine and coffee tastings. It’s a shift we’ve long believed in—and one we’re proud to be leading.
This same vision was echoed in Full Pour Magazine, a respected voice in the wine industry, where Budist was featured in a thoughtful exploration of the growing parallels between wine and weed. The article spotlights our work cultivating a culture of product knowledge and respect—an effort that’s drawing in professionals and enthusiasts from adjacent industries who see cannabis not as a novelty, but as a serious and expressive craft. If you love terroir in wine, it’s hard not to get curious about cannabis. That curiosity is what fuels our mission.
Our recent Coffee & Cannabis event was another reflection of this evolution—bringing together tastemakers from both industries to explore flavor, cultivation, and shared values. While we touched on the event in last month’s newsletter, its impact continues to ripple: we’re finding that more and more people from outside the cannabis space are looking in, intrigued by the culture of connoisseurship we’re building.
This moment feels like a tipping point—not just for Budist, but for the industry at large. As we continue to expand our tastings, ratings, and storytelling, we’re also expanding the audience. From wine lovers to coffee professionals, we’re showing the world that cannabis belongs at the table—and deserves to be savored.
With Gratitude,
Jocelyn Sheltraw
Co-Founder & CEO
Event Spotlight
Budist’s recent Hash Nouveau event at The Woods in West Hollywood offered guests an immersive journey into the artistry of California cannabis. This thoughtfully curated experience featured side-by-side tastings of solventless hash and the very flower it was derived from, highlighting the cultivars and craftsmanship from seed to concentrate. Set against the backdrop of The Woods’ Ganja Garden, Hash Nouveau embodied Budist’s mission to elevate cannabis appreciation through intentionality, authenticity, and community. For a deeper look into this unforgettable evening—including the full list of hash, flower and accessory brands—read the full recap on our blog!
Meet the CCA Judges
We’re honored to share that, for the second year in a row, our team of Budists has been selected to serve as the official judges for the 2025 California Cannabis Awards—the largest and most prestigious cannabis competition in the United States. This historic event celebrates excellence across the industry, and we’re proud to bring our team’s passion and product knowledge to the judging table. Representing a diverse cross-section of California’s cannabis community, each Budist judge was chosen for their credibility, area of expertise, and dedication to elevating the culture of cannabis appreciation. Want to learn more about how the judging process works and who made the list this year? Read the full story on our blog!
In The News
Budist is being recognized by both niche cannabis publications and major media platforms for helping bring cannabis connoisseurship to a broader audience. As interest grows among mainstream consumers and professionals from adjacent industries like wine and coffee, our focus on tastings, reviews, and education is expanding the way people engage with cannabis—elevating it as a craft worthy of deeper appreciation and cross-industry respect. Here’s some recent coverage we’re proud to share!
CBS News: A Higher Calling
Full Pour Magazine: Where Wine Meets Weed
Highly Capitalized: The Future of Cannabis
Fat Nugs Magazine: A Day in the Cloudz
Upcoming Events
May 15 — We’re celebrating the Summer Solstice in style with our friends at Hiii Magazine as they launch their latest issue and mark one year of being Hiii. Join us under the stars at The River for an evening featuring various DJs, cannabis brands, delicious food and drinks, and a vibrant gathering of cannabis tastemakers. Budist will be there to support the magic — and we’d love to see you. RSVP here.
May 29 — Join us at The Artist Tree for the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce’s Los Angeles Region Mixer. This monthly gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the cannabis space. Budist is proud to co-host this event alongside MJBiz at one of LA’s premier consumption lounges. RSVP here.
Brand Sponsorship Opportunities
If you’re a brand looking to connect with engaged cannabis consumers through unique and transformative experiences, we’d love to collaborate. We have a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available for our upcoming Budist Sessions so contact us to learn more!