The 2026 California Cannabis Awards Medalists Are Here
The 2026 California Cannabis Awards medalists have been announced. With over 150 medals going to dozens of cultivators, manufacturers, and producers, the competition recognizes flower and finished goods from across the marketplace. From sun grown bud to top-shelf rosins and tasty edibles, the CCAs represent the best of the Golden State.
Every winner earned its place through a rigorous two-step judging process. Flower entries were first analyzed by SC Labs for terpene and cannabinoid content to ensure an objective scientific foundation. The top flower entries (along with all finished products) were then evaluated by expert Budist critics using a standardized 100-point scoring system that measures quality, craftsmanship, aroma, flavor, appearance, and the overall experience.
Now in its fifth year, the California Cannabis Awards are part of the CA State Fair’s broader competition lineup. For 173-years, the Fair has showcased the state’s foremost traditions, cultures, and cuisines. This includes wine, olive oil, cheese, and other agricultural staples.
“The California Cannabis Awards continue to showcase the remarkable talent and innovation coming from licensed operators across the state, while reinforcing cannabis as an important part of California’s agricultural identity,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair.
embarc is the official retail partner and co-producer of the California Cannabis Awards. In addition to offering on-site sales and consumption at the State Fair within the CA Cannabis Experience, embarc also ensures the competition is conducted compliantly and efficiently.
Lauren Carpenter, CEO of embarc, explained that being part of the contest means raising the bar for what’s possible.
“As the country’s first state-sanctioned cannabis competition, it’s an incredible honor to recognize the people pushing our industry forward,” she said.
“These medalists are innovators and trailblazers, setting a new standard for the industry and for the normalization of cannabis.”
The “Best in California” Golden Bears will be announced live on Saturday, July 18th, inside the California Cannabis Experience at the State Fair. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube across the country.
The California State Fair runs July 17th - August 2nd. Embarc will be holding it down in the cannabis area the entire time, with tons of great products available, fun contests, and interactive activations. Anyone 21+ at the Fair should definitely plan to pull up before hitting the Midway or grabbing a funnel cake for the fireworks show.