MJBizCon, the world’s largest cannabis business conference, is breaking new ground yet again. The event announced a first-of-its-kind, bi-coastal cannabis competition dubbed the MJBowl. Licensed brands in California and New York will vie for Most Valuable Product (MVP) in their respective states, something that has yet to be seen in the space.
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Categories include:
- Flower (indoor, outdoor, greenhouse)
- Pre-rolls (infused, non-infused)
- Concentrates (solvent, solventless)
- Edibles (confections, beverages)
- Vapes (solvent, solventless)
The competition window opens today, Thursday, August 14th, and runs through Friday, October 3rd. To submit a product, companies fill out an intake form and pay a $300 fee ($250 if they register by August 31st).
“We’re thrilled to introduce a bi-coastal awards component to MJBizCon—an exciting reflection of how our industry continues to evolve,” said Emilie Lewis, senior vice president and MJBiz brand leader.
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The contest is a collaboration with Budist, the esteemed cannabis rating platform, whose expert critics will serve as judges. The panel will utilize the Budist 100-point scale to assess quality, using things like aroma, flavor, and appearance.
“Budist’s diverse team and trusted, independent platform make them the perfect partner for this initiative,” Lewis added.
Jocelyn Sheltraw, co-founder of Budist, told GreenState the competition couldn’t come at a better time, considering the immense strife facing many cannabis operators.
“Our industry is fractured, and we need leaders who can move us forward while honoring our heritage,” she said. “The MJBowl was born out of that belief, and we’re thrilled to partner with MJBizCon, which has spent the past 14 years creating a space for the business community to thrive.”
Winners of the MJBowl will be announced at an awards ceremony set to take place during MJBizCon in Las Vegas on Thursday, December 4th. A limited-edition capsule featuring the top products will be available at licensed dispensaries for consumers to rate for themselves.
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The opportunity for brands from both coasts to be recognized on the industry’s biggest stage and in dispensaries on both coasts is significant. Inviting the consumers into the conversation even more so, according to Sheltraw.
“At Budist, our goal is to advance cannabis appreciation to broader audiences, and this partnership is a significant step in that direction,” she concluded.
