Golden Bear Awards: California’s 2025 Best Cannabis Flower, Products Announced

[PRESS RELEASE] – SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 15, 2025 – The California State Fair and embarc recognized the 2025 Golden Bear award winners, celebrating the state’s best cannabis farmers and manufacturers.

“For 171 years, the California State Fair has celebrated the rich agricultural bounty and innovative spirit of our state, and the cannabis industry plays a vital role within that legacy,” California State Fair CEO Tom Martinez said. “Congratulations to all the Golden Bear winners; this moment celebrates pioneers who continue to define California cannabis.”

The competition, awards shows and cannabis experience are facilitated by Fair Play Ventures and embarc, California’s leading cannabis retailer and the nation’s preeminent cannabis concessionaire. Since legalization, embarc has partnered with local and state governments, event producers and promoters, and dozens of regulatory agencies to safely and responsibly integrate on-site cannabis sales and consumption into some of the nation’s largest and most celebrated festivals and events.

“Ten years ago, who would have imagined we’d be celebrating award-winning cannabis at the California State Fair, alongside prize-winning tomatoes and world-class wine?” embarc CEO and co-founder Lauren Carpenter asked. “This year’s winners are a testament to why California grows the best cannabis in the world, and this competition shines a bright light on the farmers and manufacturers who never stop pushing for agricultural excellence.”

While more than 600 entries vied for the top prize, nine winners emerged as this year’s “Best of California” in the following categories:

Flower submissions were tested through SC Labs for scientific assessment, while Budist’s expert human judging panels evaluated the 600-plus entries using their standardized 100-point rating system. The judging process assessed products based on aroma, flavor, appearance and experience, bringing a human element and sommelier-level evaluation to the competition for the second year.

“Emerald Spirit Botanicals and the Farm Cut Cooperative are honored to receive a Golden Bear for Pink Boost Goddess for the second year in a row,” said Joseph Haggard, co-founder of Emerald Spirit Botanicals and Farm Cut Cooperative. “For over 10 years, our small family farm has taken an approach to cannabis that many considered commercially impossible: exclusive dedication to the breeding, cultivation and sales of low-THC, minor-cannabinoid-dominant, minimally processed, sungrown flower. This path has always been guided by the heart and in service to the spirit of cannabis. We are deeply moved and affirmed in our mission to see our flower acknowledged, even amidst high-THC contenders, as the best sungrown flower in California.”

“Taking home two Golden Bear Awards—for our Sour Z Live Rosin Dual Consistency and Whitethorn Rose Gummies—reaffirms something we’ve always believed: The future of cannabis is rooted in its past,” Ay Papi founder and CEO Justin Lee said. “It validates that sungrown, regenerative, organic craft farms (especially those of the Emerald Triangle) continue to lead with quality, flavor and innovation. Ay Papi stands on the shoulders of the craft farmers. This recognition belongs to them. Special thanks to Huckleberry Hill Farms, Mattole Valley Sungrown and Canyon Creek Family Farms for trusting the vision.”

“Winning the Golden Bear for our Pink Jesus Hash Hole is a proud validation of everything we stand for in artisan craft cannabis,” said Joyce Cenali, Chief Operating Officer of Sonoma Hills Farm. “Grown in Sonoma’s storied terroir by Aaron Keefer, the former culinary gardener for The French Laundry, Pink Jesus thrives under the region’s unique climate and soil, qualities that bring out her distinctive character. Each 2g hash hole is meticulously milled, hand-rolled and crafted for an even, elevated burn, delivering a smooth and potent experience. This is more than a pre-roll—it’s a celebration of Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage.” 

For a limited time, embarc is also offering a California State Fair capsule (with branded tote bag and all nine Golden Bear award products) at the on-site lounge, 16 dispensary locations across the state, and through delivery in Sacramento.