2026 California Cannabis Awards Opens Competition Submission Window at a Pivotal Moment for the Industry, Commemorates 5th Anniversary of State-Sanctioned Cannabis Contest

Entry period runs February 23 – May 22 | Golden Bears awarded live July 18 at Cal Expo

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2026 California Cannabis Awards (CCA) competition has officially opened the Submission Window for entries, marking the state-sanctioned program’s fifth anniversary at a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry. As federal rescheduling remains under consideration, this year’s contest, which includes a new homegrow competition and expanded consumers’ choice category, reinforces California’s role as a model for regulated cannabis excellence.

Licensed cannabis operators in California have until May 22 to enter their products. Dozens of medals will be awarded across multiple product categories, including flower, concentrates, edibles, cartridges, and more. All medalists will be featured throughout the California Cannabis Experience at the California State Fair (July 17–August 2), an immersive experience where fairgoers 21+ can learn about, purchase, and consume cannabis courtesy of on-site retailer Embarc.

Best-in-show Golden Bear winners will be announced during a live awards ceremony on July 18 inside the fair.

“The California State Fair exists to reflect the industries that shape California’s agricultural economy,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “The California Cannabis Awards reflect the same spirit of excellence that defines the Fair itself, recognizing the skill, stewardship, and dedication contributing to California’s diverse agricultural landscape.”

The CCA was established to elevate the industry through scientific rigor and credible evaluation. All entries are analyzed by SC Labs and judged by expert connoisseurs from Budist using its 100-point scale with logistics powered by retailer Embarc and distributors Nabis and Redwood Roots.

“This is about raising the bar for how cannabis is recognized,” said James Leitz, founder of Fair Play Ventures and producer of the CCA. “At a time when federal policy may finally reflect what the public already knows, it’s critical that we showcase operators who are doing it right — responsibly and at the highest level.”

New in 2026, The Home Grow competition, which recognizes cannabis cultivated by California residents for personal, non-commercial use, honors quality, consistency, and technical execution at the individual hobbyist level. An expanded Consumers' Choice Award allows the public to weigh in while providing additional exposure for participants.

As reform discussions accelerate nationwide, the California Cannabis Awards continue to serve as a model for responsible integration, combining scientific evaluation, licensed retail, and public education within a state institution. The program underscores how regulated cannabis can meet high standards while operating transparently and at scale.

“Five years in, this competition proves that cannabis can be evaluated with rigor, celebrated publicly, and integrated responsibly into one of the state’s most iconic institutions,” says Lauren Carpenter, CEO and co-founder of Embarc. “As the national conversation evolves, this is a testament to the role cannabis can play in events and celebrations.”

Those interested in competing, sponsoring, or partnering can visit CalCannabisAwards.com.