Welcome to the MJBowl!
MJBizCon and Budist proudly present the inaugural MJBowl—the first nationally celebrated cannabis competition! Open to licensed brands in California and New York, the MJBowl features two tiers of recognition in each state: MVPs (Most Valuable Products) for 1st place and All-Stars for 2nd and 3rd place, awarded across every category. Winners receive:
- Recognition at MJBizCon (20k attendees)
- Expo Pass to MJBizCon & Award Show
- Inclusion in National Press & Social Promotion
- Featured Placement on MJBiz & Budist Websites
- Post-Show Spotlight on MJBiz, Budist & Partner Channels
- Featured Product Review on Budist Platform
- $500 Travel Credit to Awards Show (MVPs only)
- Featured Placement at The Artist Tree or Gotham Stores (MVPs only)
The entry window closes on Oct 12 and product transfers are due by Oct 24. Winners will be revealed at an official awards ceremony at MJBizCon in Las Vegas on Dec 4, 2025. Complete our Registration Form to enter!
MJBiz Legacy & Partnership
Founded in 2011 by pioneers in the cannabis industry, MJBiz was established to address the growing demand for credible business in the burgeoning legal cannabis market. As the industry evolved, it became the trusted source for reliable news and insights, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate a complex landscape.
That same year, the first cannabis business conference took place in Denver, attracting a modest crowd of 400 professionals. Fast forward to today, MJBizCon has transformed into the largest and most influential cannabis business conference globally, drawing tens of thousands of industry leaders each year. This flagship event has been instrumental in shaping the legal cannabis market, serving as a dynamic hub for education, networking, and innovation.
MJBizCon not only showcases the latest trends and developments, but also fosters connections among entrepreneurs, brands, and multi-state operators. Each fall, it brings together the brightest minds and boldest innovators in the industry, and now for the first time in 14 years it's launching the MJBowl in partnership with Budist, The Artist Tree, Gotham, and Nabis!
Competition Categories
There are 5 major categories with 11 total subcategories:
- Flower (Indoor, Outdoor, Mixed Light)
- Pre-Rolls (Infused, Non-Infused)
- Vapes (Solvent, Solventless)
- Concentrates (Solvent, Solventless)
- Edibles (Treats*, Beverages)
*Note: the Treats subcategory includes hard candies, gummies, chews, mints, chocolates, baked goods, and savory goods. It does not include tablets, capsules, tinctures, or sublinguals.
Each brand may submit only one (1) product per subcategory, with a maximum of 11 total entries—one in each of the 11 subcategories. This ensures a level playing field and encourages brands to put forward only their very best.
Entries will be judged within their respective subcategories, with one MVP and two All-Stars selected in each. These award winners will compete for the MJBowl Trophy in their category, gaining recognition not just at the MJBowl Awards Ceremony during MJBizCon, but also in post-show media coverage, retail promotions, and the Budist platform. Complete our Registration Form to enter, or read the MJBowl FAQ for more details.
Key Dates & Eligibility
Key Dates
- Registration Window: August 14 - October 12
- Product Transfers: October 13 - October 24
- Judging Period: October 27 - November 21
- Awards Ceremony: December 4, 2025 at MJBizCon
Eligibility
- You must be an active licensed cannabis company in the state you wish to compete (CA or NY)
- All product entries must be submitted via our Registration Form during the entry window (Aug 14 - Oct 12)
- Full payment must be made by the end of the entry window (Oct 12)
- All products must be fully transferred to Nabis by October 24 (3 product samples per entry)
- All products must be retail-ready in fully compliant packaging
Registration & Payment
Registration
- Cost per product entry: $300
- There is a limit of one (1) entry per subcategory
- The entry window runs from Aug 14 thru Oct 12
- Start by completing our Registration Form
Payment
There is no payment obligation upon registration. Once your registration is reviewed and approved, you will be contacted via email with instructions to submit payment and transfer your product entries.
All major credit cards and ACH accepted. Read the MJBowl FAQ for more details.
Judging Methodology
Budist uses a panel of cannabis connoisseurs and subject matter experts to serve as the judges for the MJBowl, which includes certified Ganjiers, professional critics, cannabis journalists, and industry tastemakers. Our judges reside in either California (judge bios) or New York (judge bios), and are steeped in the products, customs, and local communities that shape their respective cannabis cultures.
Budist uses a standardized judging methodology to critically evaluate product entries in each state. Our rubric is based on a 100-point rating system for scoring cannabis products in each category—a system which is on par with internationally recognized rating standards used in the wine, craft beer, chocolate and coffee industries. The breakdown of this rating system is as follows:
- 96-100: Best in Class (top 5 cannabis product in its category)
- 90-95: Outstanding (cannabis products of superior character and style)
- 85-89: Very Good (high quality cannabis products with notable benefits)
- 80-84: Good (solid quality cannabis products that just hit the mark)
- 75-79: Average (decent quality cannabis products with minor flaws)
- 70-74: Below Average (low quality cannabis product with many flaws)
Judges rate each product based on the following factors:
- Aroma: intensity, complexity, and appeal of scent
- Appearance: visual appeal and condition
- Flavor: depth, complexity, and enjoyability of taste
- Experience: effects, smokability, and overall enjoyment
Each of these factors is weighted differently based on the unique characteristics and consumption methods of each category.
Learn more about the Budist Rating System.
Questions?
Email us at info@budist.com. For requirements and entry details, see the MJBowl FAQ.