The California State Fair is one of the most iconic events of the year for the Golden State. For 165 years, Californians have gathered for just over two weeks of exhibitions, rides, food, and agricultural competition. In 2022, Cal Expo made history with the addition of cannabis to its storied contest—and 2025 promises to be the California Cannabis Awards’ biggest yet.
This year’s California Cannabis Awards (CCA) at the State Fair boasts expanded categories with more accolades than ever. Regulated cannabis brands will vie for the coveted Best-in-Show Golden Bear trophy, while 150 Gold, Silver, and newly minted Bronze awards will also be up for grabs. The submission period is currently open with a final deadline of May 4th.
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The prestigious competition typically sees an impressive amount of mainstream press coverage, with this year’s winners promised additional exposure post-show via media partners and the CCA itself.
“The response from the industry has been great,” said James Leitz, executive producer of the California Cannabis Awards and CA Cannabis Experience. “Cultivators and manufacturers alike are coming back to defend their trophies and titles, while others want a piece of the action and to showcase their craft and innovation.”
Once again, entries will be subject to rigorous scientific testing as well as expert judging from a panel of esteemed Budist critics. Many of the top contenders will find their submissions featured on the Budist platform post-show.
Another addition for 2025 is the Consumer’s Choice award. All participating entrants will be eligible for the prize, which will be voted on by the general public. It’s another chance for brands to engage with their fans and reach a wider audience at the same time.
This year’s competition categories are:
- Indoor flower
- Outdoor flower
- Mixed-Light flower
- Beverages
- Cartridges
- Concentrates
- Edibles
- Pre-Rolls
- Wellness
These main competition categories will be further broken out into sub-categories. New sub-categories for 2025 are awards for blunts, hash, and chocolates. The additions highlight the evolution of the California cannabis market, which the awards strive to demonstrate.
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A bigger and bolder cannabis experience at Cal Expo
Visitors to the California State Fair can also explore a large exhibit outlining the history of cannabis in the region and celebrating the winners of the 2025 Cannabis Awards. A brand-new 50,000 square foot facility is currently under construction on the site of the old Cal Expo water park, promising a weed wonderland unlike anything else. In addition to the educational component, the A Cannabis Experience will feature brand activations, contests, expert panels—and plenty of pot as well.
“In 2022, the cannabis exhibit was allocated a 5,000 square-foot building. No cannabis allowed, much less retail or consumption,” recalled Leitz. “But it was a seat at the Big Ag table nonetheless, and each year we have strived to show the strength of our community, the power of our brands, and the relevance of our story. The new venue is progress, and a game changer.”
Last year, the California State Fair made history again by adding on-site cannabis consumption and sales through partner retailer Embarc. The integration of the exhibition, dispensary, and consumption area this year will create a more streamlined and open experience for attendees.
The team from Embarc will once again have a major presence at the State Fair this summer, offering a wide variety of products, including a limited edition capsule from the California Cannabis Awards Golden Bear winners. It’s another chance for contest entrants to amplify their accolades and get in the hands of consumers.
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“The State Fair’s Golden Bear winners set the gold standard for California cannabis,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO of Embarc. “To capture this moment—to bottle lightning—we ’re creating a Winners Capsule, giving consumers the rare opportunity to see, hold, and taste the best cannabis our state has to offer.”
Carpenter added Embarc is thrilled to help normalize cannabis for fair attendees while simultaneously boosting exposure for the state’s legal cannabis operators.
“Our continued partnership with the California State Fair allows us to demystify cannabis for the public, celebrate the achievements of local producers, and positively contribute to the evolving narrative of cannabis in California,” Carpenter said. “Integrating the plant into the California State Fair alongside wine, cheese, and other agricultural staples underscores this industry’s significance in our state’s culture and economy.”
“Another milestone built…”
The California State Fair runs from July 11-27 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Golden Bear winners for this year’s California State Fair Cannabis Awards will be announced at a can’t-miss fete on July 12th. After getting national attention for the event in 2024, this year’s soiree is promising to raise the bar even higher.
“2025 marks our fourth year, and to this day, farmers and craft manufacturers still chuckle that cannabis is front and center at the CA State Fair,” Leitz said. “It’s starting to feel normal, but for many in cannabis, it’s been a lifelong and often difficult journey, and we are reminded every day that this platform is yet another milestone built on their sacrifice and commitment.”
