On Saturday, June 12, the California Cannabis Awards showcased the best in the state’s cannabis industry, celebrating top growers, manufacturers, and brands. With nine main categories and over 50 award recipients, the event highlighted excellence in cannabis consumption, reflecting the industry’s growth and innovation.
The awards, part of the California State Fair, marked a significant milestone as the state fair is now on its fourth year of recognizing cannabis through state-sanctioned competitions. This year, the fair expanded with a 50,000 square foot integrated exhibit and consumption area, thanks to Embarc and Fair Play Ventures, allowing attendees to partake in on-site sales and consumption.
Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc, expressed the importance of the event, stating, “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.” He highlighted how the cannabis industry has become a significant cash crop in California, despite facing challenges like ICE raids and high excise taxes. This year’s event boasted over 600 entries, making it the largest competition yet.
The Golden Bear Awards stood as a key feature of the competition, employing a two-tiered judging process that combined lab testing with critiques from industry experts. Joseph Haggard of Emerald Spirit Botanicals, a two-time Golden Bear winner, emphasized the importance of providing the public with quality cannabis, stating, “The plants are evolving ahead of us…”
The Golden Bear winners included notable products such as Emerald Spirit Botanicals’ Pink Boost Goddess for Sun Grown and Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill Farms’ Whitethorn Rose Single Origin Gummies for Edibles. Additionally, the event awarded posthumous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jack Herer, accepted by his son.
An exclusive capsule featuring all Golden Bear winners will be available at Embarc locations, making it easier for consumers to explore award-winning products. The California Cannabis Awards not only highlight outstanding products but also foster a sense of community, showcasing the evolution of cannabis into a celebrated and respected industry.
This event reflects a promising future for cannabis as cultural acceptance continues to rise, allowing for the flourishing of quality products and experiences for consumers.