After years of operating in the shadows, New York’s cannabis scene is stepping into the spotlight — and this time, it’s not just another local showcase. The MJBowl, a new bi-coastal competition designed to spotlight the country’s top cannabis products and producers, promises to give New York’s legacy and licensed operators their long-overdue national moment.
Billed as “the first cannabis competition to bridge New York and California,” the MJBowl aims to do what the Emerald Cup did for California — elevate quality, culture, and credibility — while finally giving the Empire State a stage worthy of its underground roots.
“The MJBowl is about more than competition—it’s about recognition. By spotlighting producers who are doing exceptional work in California and New York, we’re helping to elevate the entire industry. These two markets have shaped cannabis culture globally, and it’s through celebrating quality and craftsmanship that we’ll continue to shift perception and move the conversation forward.” -Jocelyn Sheltraw, CEO Budist
What Makes the MJBowl Different?
There’s no shortage of cannabis awards out there, but the MJBowl is structured more like a national tasting competition than a hype-driven popularity contest.
Participants submit products across 11 categories — from flower and concentrates to edibles and beverages — which are then evaluated by industry veterans, journalists, and certified tastemakers. Submissions are tracked and scored through Budist, a judging platform built to bring consistency and transparency to cannabis competitions.
“The MJBowl is about more than trophies,” says Jocelyn Sheltraw, CEO of Budist. “It’s about building a standard of excellence that connects brands, judges, and consumers across markets.”
That transparency-first model is what sets it apart — and might be the key to avoiding the “pay-to-play” perception that’s plagued other award shows in the space.
New York Gets Its Spotlight
For New York, the timing couldn’t be better. The market has battled through delayed licensing, shifting regulations, and a flood of unlicensed operators. But it’s also quietly become one of the most creative cannabis hubs in the country.
From Hudson Valley craft cultivators to Brooklyn concentrate artists, the MJBowl offers a rare chance for New York producers to go head-to-head with California’s best — not just on potency, but on culture and craft.
“This isn’t just about who grows the loudest weed,” says one upstate cultivator competing this year. “It’s about showing that New York flavor — the hustle, the aesthetic, the history.”
How It Works
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Registration Deadline: October 3 (product submission by October 12)
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Categories: 11 total, including Flower, Pre-Roll, Vape, Concentrates, Edibles, Beverage, and Specialty.
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Judging Platform: Budist
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Awards Announced: December at MJBizCon Las Vegas
Each submission is evaluated for flavor, aroma, effect, and packaging, with winners featured in official media coverage and eligible for retail placement opportunities. While the exposure promises are ambitious, this is the MJBowl’s first year — so expectations should be high but grounded.
Why It Matters
Competitions like this shape the narrative of what “good cannabis” means in America. For too long, that story’s been written exclusively by California. The MJBowl signals a turning point — one where East Coast brands finally get to show what makes their scene distinct.
Still, a few questions remain: Can judging truly stay objective? Will small farms have equal footing? And can “New York culture” be captured on a national stage without losing its edge?
Those answers will come with time. For now, the MJBowl represents something New York’s cannabis community hasn’t had in years — a chance to be seen, judged, and celebrated on its own terms. Love it or hate it, the MJBowl has planted a flag. And if it delivers on its promise of transparency and credibility, it could become the benchmark for how cannabis competitions evolve — not just as marketing plays, but as cultural moments.
The Gotham Connection
Gotham—one of NYC’s most culturally significant dispensaries—is an official MJBowl partner. Winners receive featured placement at Gotham locations, where cannabis retail meets art gallery, concept store, and community space.
Gotham has redefined what a dispensary can be, partnering with artists like Nas and hosting events that blend music, art, and cannabis culture. Featured placement there isn’t just shelf space—it’s cultural credibility and access to New York’s most discerning cannabis consumers.
Who’s Eligible and How to Enter
Eligibility:
- Active New York cannabis license (or California)
- All entries submitted via official registration form by October 12
- Payment completed by October 12 deadline
- Three product samples transferred to Nabis by October 24
- Products must be retail-ready with compliant packaging
Entry Process:
- Cost: $300 per product entry
- Limit: One entry per subcategory
- Payment: No payment due at registration—instructions sent after approval
- Accepted: All major credit cards and ACH
The entry fee is minimal compared to the potential return. National media coverage, MJBizCon exposure, and Gotham placement could generate more brand awareness than a six-figure marketing campaign.
Timeline: Move Fast or Miss Out
Registration closes October 12, 2025—New York brands have limited time to enter.
Key Dates:
- Registration Window: August 14 – October 12, 2025
- Product Transfers: October 13 – October 24, 2025
- Judging Period: October 27 – November 21, 2025
- Awards Ceremony: December 4, 2025 at MJBizCon, Las Vegas
For more info, check the MJBowl FAQ on Budist’s website.
About the Partners
MJBizCon has grown from a 400-person Denver gathering in 2011 to the world’s largest cannabis business conference, attracting tens of thousands annually. It’s where the industry comes to network, learn, and shape the future of legal cannabis.
Budist brings professional review standards to cannabis evaluation, using a 100-point rating system and expert judges to assess products with the same rigor applied to wine, craft beer, and specialty coffee.
The Artist Tree, Gotham, and Nabis provide retail placement, distribution support, and logistics—ensuring winners receive tangible business benefits beyond recognition.
Ready to compete? Register at budist.com/mjbowl before October 12. The Other Magazine supports New York’s cannabis culture taking its rightful place on the national stage.
