On Saturday, June 12, cannabis industry leaders gathered in California for the annual California Cannabis Awards. The state’s best growers, manufacturers, and brands had the chance to be rewarded for all the valuable work they do. With nine categories, a multitude of sub-categories, and over 50 recipients, the awards highlighted the industry’s best, no matter how you prefer to consume your weed.
The California State Fair made history four years ago with the addition of the first state-sanctioned cannabis competition in the country. Last year, it made history yet again with the addition of on-site sales and consumption. This year, a 50,000 square foot integrated exhibit, consumption area, and dispensary was built on the site of the old Cal Expo waterpark, courtesy of Embarc and Fair Play Ventures.
Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc, spoke to GreenState about the awards. Embarc was responsible for the on-site sales and consumption as well as the competition license.
“It’s a 171-year-old competition where we’re gonna celebrate cannabis the same way that we celebrate wine, cheese, olive oil, and craft beer, so the fact that the state fair is willing to sponsor and endorse cannabis is a pretty big deal,” he said.“We’re the largest cash value crop in California.”
The 2025 California Cannabis Awards were a bright light in a time of ICE raids, excise taxes, and other challenges keeping those in the weed industry down. With over 600 entries, it was the biggest competition yet.
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The contest features the Golden Bear Awards, as well as medalists in each category. It uses a two-tiered judging process, as all flower is tested by SC Lab to determine medalists and all products (including top flower) are judged by Budist critics.
It’s no secret that cannabis’s importance has been constantly questioned and downplayed. The award show was a chance to hear from those closest to the plant about what it really means.
“…The plants are evolving ahead of us…and we need to have access to clean, healthy, spiritually charged, balanced cannabis, and that’s what we’re bringing out to the people…” said Joseph Haggard from Emerald Spirit Botanicals in an interview with GreenState. He, along with his mother and the rest of the team, is a back-to-back Golden Bear winner in Sun Grown Flower.
Congratulations to the following Golden Bear winners:
- Sun Grown: Emerald Spirit Botanicals Pink Boost Goddess
- Mixed Light: Ridgeline Farms Blueberry Caviar
- Indoor: Cam Super Silver Haze
- Pre-Roll: Sonoma Hills Farm Pink Jesus Hash Hole
- Concentrates: Ay Papi x Mattole Valley Sungrown x Canyon Creek Family Farms x My Green Network Sour Z Live Rosin Dual Consistency
- Cartridge: Casa Flor x Holy Water Live Resin Disposable Pens Agua Fresca
- Edibles: Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill Farms x My Green Network Whitethorn Rose Single Origin Live Rosin Infused Gummies
- Beverages: Almora Whitetorn Rose Pomberry Lemonade
- Wellness: Papa & Barkley P&B Sleep CBD/THC/CBN
Find the complete list of gold, silver, and bronze winners here.
The show also featured the Lifetime Achievement and GreenState Consumers’ Choice Awards. Jack Herer was awarded the former posthumously—Aundre Speciale introduced the award, while Herer’s son, Dan Herer, accepted on his behalf. Wild Leaf Farms won the Consumers’ Choice Award.
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An exclusive capsule with all the Golden Bear winners is available at the on-site Embarc at the fair – it will be available at all Embarc locations starting this Friday.
As weed continues to become less taboo, the California Cannabis Awards serve as a reminder of the magic that can be achieved once the plant is embraced and celebrated. Not only do we get high-quality products, but a tight-knit community and amazing events like this one.