Golden Bear Awards Recognize Best California Cannabis Products at 2025 State Fair
For 171 years, the CA State Fair has been the gold standard in recognizing the agricultural products that make California so outstanding. By hosting the CA Cannabis Awards & Experience, it elevated California cannabis to its deserved place amongst other celebrated California exports—like wine, cheese, and produce.
Legendary cannabis cultivator and innovator Nathaniel Pennington, Founder & CEO of Humboldt Seed Company, welcomed the historic turn cannabis has enjoyed in the legal marketplace and was excited to offer samples of his product to Experience fairgoers for free. “We’re bringing a little piece of the Emerald Triangle to consumers, giving them a taste of heritage cannabis from the place that started it all,” he said.
“The event was about creating meaningful connections between consumers and the farmers who've poured their hearts into cultivating this plant for generations,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO and founder of Embarc, CA’s leading cannabis retailer, which helped curate the event. “We're proving that cannabis belongs alongside California's most celebrated agricultural products.”
We’ve come a long way, California. 2025 welcomed a monumental landmark of cannabis culture—the return of the nation’s first ever state-agency sanctioned cannabis competition.
From July 11-27 at the California State Fair, the 4th annual California Cannabis Awards & Experience celebrated legal cannabis culture and the homegrown, pioneering spirit of the California cannabis farms that make it possible. When faced with the impossible, these are the hard-working dreamers who dared to stand up for what they believed was right and made history in the process.
“The California State Fair is proud to be the only state fair in America to feature onsite cannabis sales, consumption, and competition to award growers for their ingenuity,” said CA State Fair CEO Tom Martinez in a statement. “This groundbreaking initiative positions California as the undisputed leader in responsible cannabis integration, setting the standard that other fairs will follow for years to come.”
SPONSORED BY
Inside The 2025 CA Cannabis Awards & Experience
This year’s CA Cannabis Awards & Experience was the State Fair’s biggest yet, transforming a dilapidated waterpark into the Embarc Oasis, 50,000 beautiful square feet of legal retail and lounges, award-winning product displays, exhibits, and speakers, all while celebrating the 2025 Golden Bear Awards winners! The Oasis featured numerous interactive and educational opportunities, including a DIY grow center with terpene demos and edibles education, 100+ rotating vendors and activations, and giveaways by premier cannabis lifestyle company Humboldt Seed Company.
“The California State Fair cannabis seed giveaway is a fun way for us to encourage home growers who may be new to growing their own to give it a try,” Pennington said. As the state’s largest cannabis seed provider and a co-sponsor of the Experience, The Eureka-based Humboldt Seed Company gave away a record-breaking 15,000 seeds to fairgoers, one of the highlights of the event.
The Experience included several standout events: fairgoers could meet local cannabis farmers competing alongside wine producers at the Mainstream Event, where legacy cannabis farmers including small farmers and craft manufacturers reached new audiences through the State Fair platform. Educational events like "The Science Behind California's World-Class Cannabis" showcased cultivation methods, terpene profiles, and agricultural innovation, while a seminar entitled "From Hidden Medicine to State Fair Winner: How Cannabis Went from Your Neighbor's Secret Garden to Helping Your Neighbors and Loved Ones" put the historical significance of this year's awards in proper context, reflecting how far cannabis culture can progress when given the legality to do so.
The historical importance of the CA State Fair’s inclusion of one California’s most unfairly regulated yet innovative and beloved industries cannot be understated, emphasized Embarc founder Lauren Carpenter.
“For an emerging industry that feels like the Wild West most days, these awards are a bright spot to celebrate California's cannabis heritage and history,” she explained. “When you see a small legacy farmer or a family-owned brand standing next to their Golden Bear trophy, knowing their product will be sold alongside the state's best wine and cheese—that's the moment you realize we've actually done it. We've moved from the margins to the mainstream, and we're recognizing the world’s highest-quality cannabis as the vital agricultural product it has always been.”
With 2025 such a success, the door is open for the next generation of cannabis producers. Where once they cultivated in the shadows, there is now a clear goal for California cannabis producers: to compete for a Golden Bear Award at next year's California Cannabis Awards & Experience.
“California didn't just legalize cannabis, we perfected it,” said co-producer James Leitz. “These awards give cannabis enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike the chance to experience products that represent decades of passion, innovation, and agricultural mastery all in one place.”
Learn more about the California Cannabis Awards at calcannabisawards.com/about.
The CA Cannabis Awards: Why They Matter
By Ryann Swift on August 4, 2025.
Meanwhile, the awards brought together the best cannabis producers in the state for a ceremony that both moved and inspired attendees. The CA Cannabis Awards are serious business, said James Leitz, co-producer of the educational cannabis experience and awards competition.
“The California State Fair Cannabis Awards, affectionately known as the 'Grammys of Cannabis,' are truly the pinnacle of recognition for our industry,” he said in a statement. “It's an honor to celebrate not just exceptional products, but the incredible blend of artistry and scientific precision that goes into growing California's—and the world’s—finest cannabis.”
In concert with GreenState’s consumer awards, the CA Cannabis Awards were judged by a panel of 30 industry-leading cannabis critics from Budist who evaluated entries using their standardized 100-point rating system. The assessment followed rigorous scientific standards with flower submissions tested through SC Labs. While more than 600 entries vied for the top prize, nine winners emerged as this year’s “Best of California,” receiving the coveted Golden Bear Award.
2025 Winners
Category
Beverages'
Wellness
Concentrates
Pre-Roll
Edibles
Cartridges
Indoor Flower
Mixed Light Flower
Sungrown Flower
Lifetime Award
Consumers’ Choice
For a limited time, cannabis aficionados can purchase a California State Fair capsule, with branded tote bag and all nine Golden Bear award products, for a limited time, at the Oasis onsite lounge and
16 dispensary locations across the state.
Winner – Product
Almora – Whitethorn Rose Pomberry Lemonade
Papa & Barkley – Sleep Tincture CBD/THC/CBN
My Green Network x Ay Papi – Sour Z Live Rosin (Dual Consistency)
Sonoma Hills Farm – Pink Jesus Hash Hole
Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill – Whitethorn Rose Live Rosin Gummies
Casa Flor x Holy Water – Agua Fresca Live Resin Disposable Pens
CAM – Super Silver Haze
Ridgeline Farms – Blueberry Caviar
Emerald Spirit Botanicals – Pink Boost Goddess
Jack Herer (Pebbles Trippet Achievement)
Wild Leaf Farms
Explore California’s Award-Winning Cannabis Brands
We’ve come a long way, California. 2025 welcomed a monumental landmark of cannabis culture—the return of the nation’s first ever state-agency sanctioned cannabis competition.
From July 11-27 at the California State Fair, the 4th annual California Cannabis Awards & Experience celebrated legal cannabis culture and the homegrown, pioneering spirit of the California cannabis farms that make it possible. When faced with the impossible, these are the hard-working dreamers who dared to stand up for what they believed was right and made history in the process.
“The California State Fair is proud to be the only state fair in America to feature onsite cannabis sales, consumption, and competition to award growers for their ingenuity,” said CA State Fair CEO Tom Martinez in a statement. “This groundbreaking initiative positions California as the undisputed leader in responsible cannabis integration, setting the standard that other fairs will follow for years to come.”
By Ryann Swift on August 4, 2025.
Golden Bear Awards Recognize Best California Cannabis Products at 2025 State Fair
SPONSORED BY
For 171 years, the CA State Fair has been the gold standard in recognizing the agricultural products that make California so outstanding. By hosting the CA Cannabis Awards & Experience, it elevated California cannabis to its deserved place amongst other celebrated California exports—like wine, cheese, and produce.
Legendary cannabis cultivator and innovator Nathaniel Pennington, Founder & CEO of Humboldt Seed Company, welcomed the historic turn cannabis has enjoyed in the legal marketplace and was excited to offer samples of his product to Experience fairgoers for free. “We’re bringing a little piece of the Emerald Triangle to consumers, giving them a taste of heritage cannabis from the place that started it all,” he said.
“The event was about creating meaningful connections between consumers and the farmers who've poured their hearts into cultivating this plant for generations,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO and founder of Embarc, CA’s leading cannabis retailer, which helped curate the event. “We're proving that cannabis belongs alongside California's most celebrated agricultural products.”
Inside The 2025 CA Cannabis Awards & Experience
This year’s CA Cannabis Awards & Experience was the State Fair’s biggest yet, transforming a dilapidated waterpark into the Embarc Oasis, 50,000 beautiful square feet of legal retail and lounges, award-winning product displays, exhibits, and speakers, all while celebrating the 2025 Golden Bear Awards winners! The Oasis featured numerous interactive and educational opportunities, including a DIY grow center with terpene demos and edibles education, 100+ rotating vendors and activations, and giveaways by premier cannabis lifestyle company Humboldt Seed Company.
“The California State Fair cannabis seed giveaway is a fun way for us to encourage home growers who may be new to growing their own to give it a try,” Pennington said. As the state’s largest cannabis seed provider and a co-sponsor of the Experience, The Eureka-based Humboldt Seed Company gave away a record-breaking 15,000 seeds to fairgoers, one of the highlights of the event.
The Experience included several standout events: fairgoers could meet local cannabis farmers competing alongside wine producers at the Mainstream Event, where legacy cannabis farmers including small farmers and craft manufacturers reached new audiences through the State Fair platform. Educational events like "The Science Behind California's World-Class Cannabis" showcased cultivation methods, terpene profiles, and agricultural innovation, while a seminar entitled "From Hidden Medicine to State Fair Winner: How Cannabis Went from Your Neighbor's Secret Garden to Helping Your Neighbors and Loved Ones" put the historical significance of this year's awards in proper context, reflecting how far cannabis culture can progress when given the legality to do so.
Meanwhile, the awards brought together the best cannabis producers in the state for a ceremony that both moved and inspired attendees. The CA Cannabis Awards are serious business, said James Leitz, co-producer of the educational cannabis experience and awards competition.
“The California State Fair Cannabis Awards, affectionately known as the 'Grammys of Cannabis,' are truly the pinnacle of recognition for our industry,” he said in a statement. “It's an honor to celebrate not just exceptional products, but the incredible blend of artistry and scientific precision that goes into growing California's—and the world’s—finest cannabis.”
In concert with GreenState’s consumer awards, the CA Cannabis Awards were judged by a panel of 30 industry-leading cannabis critics from Budist who evaluated entries using their standardized 100-point rating system. The assessment followed rigorous scientific standards with flower submissions tested through SC Labs. While more than 600 entries vied for the top prize, nine winners emerged as this year’s “Best of California,” receiving the coveted Golden Bear Award.
2025 Winners
The CA Cannabis Awards: Why They Matter
The historical importance of the CA State Fair’s inclusion of one California’s most unfairly regulated yet innovative and beloved industries cannot be understated, emphasized Embarc founder Lauren Carpenter.
“For an emerging industry that feels like the Wild West most days, these awards are a bright spot to celebrate California's cannabis heritage and history,” she explained. “When you see a small legacy farmer or a family-owned brand standing next to their Golden Bear trophy, knowing their product will be sold alongside the state's best wine and cheese—that's the moment you realize we've actually done it. We've moved from the margins to the mainstream, and we're recognizing the world’s highest-quality cannabis as the vital agricultural product it has always been.”
With 2025 such a success, the door is open for the next generation of cannabis producers. Where once they cultivated in the shadows, there is now a clear goal for California cannabis producers: to compete for a Golden Bear Award at next year's California Cannabis Awards & Experience.
“California didn't just legalize cannabis, we perfected it,” said co-producer James Leitz. “These awards give cannabis enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike the chance to experience products that represent decades of passion, innovation, and agricultural mastery all in one place.”
Learn more about the California Cannabis Awards at calcannabisawards.com/about.
Category: Beverages'
Winner – Product:
Almora – Whitethorn Rose Pomberry Lemonade
Category: Wellness
Winner – Product:
Papa & Barkley – Sleep Tincture CBD/THC/CBN
Category: Concentrates
Winner – Product:
My Green Network x Ay Papi – Sour Z Live Rosin (Dual Consistency)
Category: Pre-Roll
Winner – Product:
Sonoma Hills Farm – Pink Jesus Hash Hole
Category: Edibles
Winner – Product:
Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill – Whitethorn Rose Live Rosin Gummies
Category: Cartridges
Winner – Product:
Casa Flor x Holy Water – Agua Fresca Live Resin Disposable Pens
Category: Indoor Flower
Winner – Product:
CAM – Super Silver Haze
Category: Mixed Light Flower
Winner – Product:
Ridgeline Farms – Blueberry Caviar
Category: Sungrown Flower
Winner – Product:
Emerald Spirit Botanicals – Pink Boost Goddess
Category: Lifetime Award
Winner – Product:
Jack Herer (Pebbles Trippet Achievement)
Category: Consumers’ Choice
Winner – Product:
Wild Leaf Farms