Golden Bear Glory: California’s Best Cannabis of 2025 Crowned at State Fair
The wait is over. After rigorous competition among 600+ entries, the California State Fair has announced (opens in new tab) its 2025 Golden Bear award winners: nine exceptional cannabis farmers and manufacturers who represent the pinnacle of cannabis excellence.
For 171 years, the Golden Bear has been California’s most coveted agricultural prize, traditionally reserved for the state’s finest wines, cheeses, and olive oils. Today, cannabis stands proudly alongside these celebrated crops, proving that world-class cannabis deserves equal recognition in California’s rich agricultural heritage.
The Best of the Best
What makes these Golden Bear winners special? Each product was comprehensively evaluated in a process that combined scientific testing through SC Labs with expert human judging panels using Budist’s standardized 100-point rating system. Judges assessed every aspect (e.g., aroma, flavor, appearance, and experience), bringing sommelier-level evaluation to cannabis for the second year running.
“The California State Fair has always celebrated the rich agricultural bounty and innovative spirit of our state, and the cannabis industry plays a vital role within that legacy,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair. “Congratulations to all the Golden Bear winners. This moment celebrates pioneers who continue to define California cannabis.”
Meet Some of the Champions
Emerald Spirit Botanicals claimed the Sungrown Flower category with their Pink Boost Goddess, remarkably, their second consecutive Golden Bear win. This small family farm has spent over ten years proving that low-THC, minor-cannabinoid-dominant flower can compete with any product in California.
“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 ten 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.”
Sonoma Hills Farm took home the Pre-Roll Golden Bear for their Pink Jesus Hash Holes, grown in Sonoma’s legendary terroir by Aaron Keefer, former culinary gardener for The French Laundry. Each 2-gram hash hole is meticulously hand-rolled and represents the pinnacle of Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage.
Ay Papi dominated multiple categories: winning Golden Bears for their Sour Z Live Rosin Dual Consistency and Whitethorn Rose Gummies.
“Taking home two Golden Bear Awards reaffirms something we’ve always believed: the future of cannabis is rooted in its past,” said Justin Lee, Founder and CEO, Ay Papi. “It validates that sun-grown, 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.”
Explore all of the winners! (opens in new tab)
California Cannabis Leadership
The Golden Bear winners showcased why California’s unique terroir and agricultural expertise create cannabis that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
“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?” asked Lauren Carpenter, CEO and Co-Founder of embarc. “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.”
The awards ceremony itself reflected this mainstream acceptance. Held in an Oscars-style celebration, the event positioned cannabis producers as the agricultural innovators they’ve always been, finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
Ready to experience California’s finest cannabis for yourself? Visit your local embarc dispensary today. We can’t wait to serve you and help you discover why California cannabis continues to set the gold standard.
Find your nearest embarc location at goembarc.com/locations (opens in new tab)