Welcome to the MJBowl
Presented by MJBizCon and powered by Budist, the MJBowl is the first multi-state cannabis competition recognizing product excellence across California, Colorado, and New York.
Designed to celebrate the best cannabis products in each state while advancing industry-wide standards for quality and craftsmanship, the competition spans 6 product categories and 13 subcategories, recognizing over 200 products during the MJBizCon Winners Exhibit in Las Vegas on December 1-4.
As the largest cannabis competition in North America, the MJBowl is made possible through the support of leading retail partners, including The Artist Tree in California, Social Dispensary in Colorado, and Dazed in New York, with NABIS serving as the official distribution partner.
The registration window is open August 3 through September 30. Complete the Registration Form to enter!
Winner Benefits
This year, more than 200 products will be recognized across the MJBowl awards program in California, Colorado, and New York. In addition to Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in each subcategory and the MJBowl Trophy in each category, the competition now includes Honorable Mentions, a new distinction recognizing exceptional products that ranked highly in each subcategory but did not place among the top 3 finalists.
An MJBowl recognition is more than just an award. All winners, including Honorable Mentions, earn industry-wide exposure amplified through MJBiz, Budist, and our official competition partners. Additionally, all medalists receive:
- Inclusion in the 3-day Winners Exhibit at MJBizCon (20k+ attendees)
- An official MJBowl Medal presented at MJBizCon
- Extended promotion across MJBiz & Budist websites, email & social
- Inclusion in the national press release and media outreach
- Recognition as a Top 3 product in its category
- One Expo Pass to MJBizCon
The medalists who win the MJBowl Trophy also receive:
- An official MJBowl Trophy presented at the Emjays Awards Show
- Featured placement at participating retail partner locations
- Featured product review on the Budist platform
- Exclusive 1:1 media interviews in the MJBizCon Media Room
MJBiz Legacy
Founded in 2011, MJBiz is the cannabis industry's leading business media company and the producer of MJBizCon, the world's largest cannabis business conference.
What began as a gathering of just 400 professionals in Denver has grown into the industry's premier annual event, bringing together more than 20,000 cannabis professionals from around the world for education, networking, and business development.
Now in its 2nd year, the MJBowl is proudly presented by MJBizCon, providing participating brands with national recognition while putting award-winning products in front of thousands of retailers, buyers, distributors, and industry leaders during the most influential trade show in cannabis.
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. This ensures a level playing field and encourages brands to put forward their very best.
Entries will be judged within their respective subcategories and state, with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in each. Gold medal winners in each subcategory will compete for the coveted MJBowl Trophy, representing the "Best in Class" product in each major category.
Complete the Registration Form, or read the MJBowl FAQ for more details.
Key Dates & Eligibility
Key Dates
- Registration Window: Aug 3 - Sept 30
- Product Transfers: Oct 12 - Oct 23
- Judging Period: Nov 2 - Nov 20
- Awards Show: Dec 3 at MJBizCon
Eligibility
- Must be an active licensed cannabis company in the state you wish to compete (CA, CO or NY)
- Must complete the Registration Form between Aug 3 - Sept 30
- Full payment must be made by end of the registration window (Sept 30)
- Products must be transferred by Oct 23 (5 product samples per entry)
- Products must be retail-ready in fully compliant packaging
Registration & Payment
Registration
- Cost per product entry:
- $250 before Aug 31 (early bird)
- $300 after Aug 31
- Limit of three (3) entries per subcategory
- Registration window runs Aug 3 - Sept 30
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.
Standardized Judging Methodology
Every MJBowl entry is evaluated using the Budist standardized judging methodology. Judges follow the same scoring rubric, evaluation criteria, judging protocols, and official judging devices to help ensure every product is evaluated objectively and under consistent conditions.
The Budist Rating System is based on a 100-point scale that aligns with internationally recognized standards used across industries such as wine, craft beer, chocolate, and coffee.
Rating Scale:
- 96-100: Best in Class (top 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)
Evaluation Criteria:
- 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.
Professional Judging Panel
Budist has assembled a professional judging panel of 70+ respected industry experts representing California, Colorado, and New York.
The panel includes certified Ganjiers, educators, researchers, retailers, respected journalists, and other experienced cannabis professionals. Judges are selected for their expertise within their product categories and their deep understanding of the producers, products, and culture that define their respective markets. Each state's judging panel is composed of local experts to ensure products are evaluated within the context of the market and culture they represent.
Before judging begins, every judge completes Budist's judge training and is required to follow the competition's standardized methodology, scoring rubric, evaluation criteria, judging protocols, and official devices throughout the competition. By ensuring every judge follows the same standards, products are evaluated objectively and consistently, regardless of category or state.
We’re currently filling a limited number of judging positions in Colorado and New York. Please compete our Judges Survey if you have deep product knowledge, a passion for cannabis, and a commitment to thoughtful, objective evaluation.
Questions?
Email us at info@budist.com or visit the MJBowl FAQ