The much-anticipated Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair is returning in 2025, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. This competition will recognize the best cannabis cultivators and product makers across the state, highlighting innovation, quality, and excellence in the burgeoning cannabis industry. With new award categories added this year, there’s a greater chance for organizations to showcase their exceptional work and earn the recognition they deserve.
Whether you’re a small-scale grower or a leading manufacturer of cannabis products, this is a golden opportunity to put your best work in front of panel of judges and the wider cannabis community.
Why the Cannabis Awards Matter
The Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair is a game-changer for the industry. For businesses, receiving recognition at this level serves as a powerful testament to your quality, authenticity, and dedication to your craft. For the community, it’s a celebration of how far the cannabis industry has come and a platform to showcase its potential.
“For more than 170 years the California State Fair has had a long-standing tradition of celebrating the best of the Golden State, especially those who epitomize the state’s agricultural excellence,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair. “Since welcoming cannabis to the Fair, we’ve witnessed firsthand the pride and dedication of California’s cannabis cultivators, who are crafting some of the best products, not just in the state, but in the entire industry.”
For the second year in a row, California cannabis retailer Embarc will bring integrated on-site sales and consumption to the California State Fair. The 2025 medal winners will be announced at the start of the Fair and considered for on-site sales throughout the 17-day event, offering fairgoers the opportunity to learn about, purchase, and experience California’s best cannabis firsthand.
“Last year, we made history by integrating cannabis sales and consumption into the State Fair, and we are thrilled to return in 2025,” said Lauren Carpenter, Co-Founder of Embarc. “Through an immersive educational experience, we’re shining a light on the cannabis brands reflecting and shaping cannabis culture in California and beyond.”
Beyond being a badge of honor, these awards also provide:
- Visibility: Showcasing your work at the California State Fair puts your brand in front of thousands of attendees and influencers in the cannabis space.
- Credibility: Winning a Cannabis Award validates the excellence of your products, setting you apart from competitors.
- Networking: Events like these foster connections with other professionals, potential business partners, and consumers.
New for 2025 – Expanded Categories
This year, the competition takes a step further with the introduction of new award categories designed to encompass the diversity of the cannabis ecosystem. While traditional categories for flower quality, terpene profile, and other aspects remain, award categories have been expanded to include new recognitions for blunts, hash, and chocolates, highlighting the diversity of California’s cannabis market. Bronze medals are also being introduced across all categories, allowing more brands to be celebrated for their achievements.
How to Submit Your Entry
Submitting your entry is easy—here’s how to get started:
- Prepare Your Submission – Gather details about your product or strain, including terpene profiles, potency, production methods, and anything else that makes you stand out.
- Register Online – Go to calcannabisawards.com/competition. You’ll need a valid California cannabis license, Metrc Batch Number, and a valid COA from any licensed California cannabis testing lab.
- Submit Before the Deadline – The submission window is open from March 1 to May 4, 2025. Complete your registration and payment to receive additional instructions and drop-off details.
- Stay Tuned for Judging – A panel of expert judges will review all entries based on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Visit calcannabisawards.com/competition to learn more and sign up!
Think your products or strains are award-winning? Now’s the time to prove it. The Cannabis Awards are the ultimate platform for showcasing your expertise and passion for quality cannabis. Don’t miss your chance to gain the recognition you deserve.
The California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair is a premier statewide event that highlights the best of California’s cannabis industry. Alongside the awards competition, the fair will host an educational exhibit aimed at informing and inspiring visitors about cannabis. For those 21 and older, the exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of cannabis while enjoying the rest of the fair. Running from July 11 to July 27, 2025, this exhibit will be a focal point of the fair, featuring on-site sales and consumption for a fully immersive experience.
