Welcome to the MJBowl!
MJBizCon and Budist proudly present the 2nd Annual MJBowl—the first nationally celebrated cannabis competition. Open to licensed brands in California, New York, and new this year, Colorado, the MJBowl recognizes excellence across six product categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded in every subcategory, while the MJBowl Trophy recognizes the Best in Category product in each major 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
- Featured Placement at retail stores (MJBowl Trophy winners only)
The entry window opens on August 3 and ends on September 30. Winners will be revealed at an official awards ceremony at MJBizCon in Las Vegas on December 3.
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.
Now, for the second year, MJBizCon proudly presents the MJBowl in partnership with Budist, The Artist Tree, Nabis and other partners.
Competition Categories
There are 6 major categories with 13 total subcategories:
- Flower (Indoor, Outdoor, Mixed Light)
- Pre-Rolls (Infused, Non-Infused)
- Vapes (Solvent, Solventless)
- Concentrates (Solvent, Solventless)
- Edibles (Candies, Chocolates & Baked Goods)
- Wellness (Ingestibles, Topicals)
Each brand may submit up to three (3) product entries per subcategory, with no limit on the number of subcategories. This ensures a level playing field and encourages brands to put forward their very best.
Entries will be judged within their respective subcategories, with Gold, Silver and Bronze selected in each. Subcategory award winners will compete for the MJBowl Trophy in their overall 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 the Registration Form to enter, or read the MJBowl FAQ for more detail.
Key Dates & Eligibility
Key Dates
- Registration Window: August 3 - September 30
- Product Transfers: October 12 - October 23
- Judging Period: November 2 - November 20
- Awards Ceremony: December 3 at MJBizCon
Eligibility
- Must be an active licensed cannabis company in the state you wish to compete (CA, CO or NY)
- Product entries must be submitted via our Registration Form during the entry window (Aug 3 - Sep 30)
- Full payment must be made by the end of the entry window (Sep 30)
- Products must be transferred by October 23 (5 product samples per entry)
- Products must be retail-ready in fully compliant packaging
Registration & Payment
Registration
- Cost per product entry: $300
- Early bird entry (before Aug 31): $250
- Limit of three (3) entries per subcategory
- Entry window runs from Aug 3 - Sep 30
- Complete the 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 detail.
Judging Methodology
Budist assembles a panel of cannabis connoisseurs and subject matter experts to serve as judges for the MJBowl, which includes certified Ganjiers, educators, and industry tastemakers. Judges reside in California, Colorado, and New York and are deeply rooted in the products, traditions, and communities that define their state's cannabis culture.
Budist uses a standardized judging methodology to evaluate product entries across each state. The rubric is based on a 100-point rating system for scoring cannabis products in each category—aligning with internationally recognized evaluation standards used in the wine, craft beer, chocolate, and coffee industries.
The breakdown of the rating system is as follows:
- 96-100: Best in Class (top 5 cannabis product in its category)
- 90-95: Outstanding (products of superior character and quality)
- 85-89: Very Good (high-quality products with notable distinction)
- 80-84: Good (solid quality products that just hit the mark)
- 75-79: Average (decent quality products with minor flaws)
- 70-74: Below Average (low-quality products 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
Learn more about the Budist Rating System.
Questions?
Email us at info@budist.com. For requirements and entry details, see the MJBowl FAQ.