After weeks of intensive judging across two coasts, the 2025 MJBowl has announced its MVPs and All-Stars—and New York didn't just show up. It showed out.
Lit By The Lake claimed MVP (1st Place) in New York's Indoor Flower category with their Pannacotta, while Jetty took the top spot in Solventless Vapes with their Papaya Smash Mini Tank All-in-One Vape. Both represent the craft, innovation, and cultural depth that's defining New York's growing legal market.
While the final MJBowl Trophy winners won't be revealed until December 4th at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, these early honors already signal something important: New York's voice matters, and the industry is listening.
The Other's Representation on the National Stage
When the inaugural MJBowl set out to become the first true bi-coastal cannabis competition, the goal was simple: raise the bar and put real credibility behind cannabis awards. Powered by Budist and supported by MJBizDaily, the competition has delivered—with “Best in Category” MJBowl Trophy winners set to be announced live at the Grow Hub in MJBizCon's North Hall on December 4th.
And among the judges shaping this moment for the industry? Three voices from The Other Magazine—a strong signal that New York's cultural and critical leadership is now fully embedded in national cannabis conversations.
Out of fifteen New York–based judges selected for the MJBowl, three come directly from The Other Magazine family:
John D'Angelo (Dough) – Head of Digital, The Other Magazine
Melodie Gonzalez – Contributor & Product Reviewer
Kait Caridi – Contributor & Cultural Advocate
Their inclusion reflects more than bylines — it reflects The Other's growing influence as New York's definitive source for cannabis journalism and culture.
Jocelyn Sheltraw and Claudio Miranda, the Co-Founders behind Budist, explained:
“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.”
As Founder and Chief Strategist of Case Study Labs, John D'Angelo (Dough) has spent his entire career quietly creating the trends other people later chase. He came up during the Prop 215 era on the West Coast, moving between Los Angeles and San Francisco while working with dispensaries in the earliest days of modern legal cannabis. From rare genetics sourcing to brand positioning and market strategy, his fingerprints have been on multiple trend waves long before they reached the mainstream. Today, that same forward-looking lens continues to shape how products launch, how brands evolve, and how New York defines what's next.
As a patient, I know the difference the right product can make. Judging isn't just scoring for me—it's advocating for every person who relies on cannabis for real relief.
Melodie “Queenee” Gonzalez is the Founder of House of Queenee, and one of New York's most trusted voices in concentrates, rosin, and patient-centered cannabis education.
As a contributor to The Other Magazine, she brings a rare, patient-first, safety-driven lens to competition judging—shaped by her medical training and lived chronic-pain experience, without ever sacrificing flavor integrity.
Kait “Baby Kate” Caridi is a driving force in New York cannabis culture—equal parts community organizer, digital tastemaker, and social justice advocate. As Community & Events Manager at The CannaDiva and Social Media Manager at BudsFeed, she has helped shape how women and marginalized voices are represented in the modern cannabis narrative.
As a contributor to The Other Magazine, she brings a community-first, equity-driven lens to competition judging—grounded in lived experience, cultural accountability, and a commitment to ensuring representation is never an afterthought, but the foundation.
Inside the MJBowl Judging Process
The MJBowl features:
- 5 major categories
- 11 subcategories
- A standardized 100-point scoring system
- A two-tier model:
- Professional judge scoring
- Consumer ratings via the Budist app
Judging ran from August 14 through October 3, 2025, with products evaluated on:
- Quality
- Innovation
- Consistency
- Overall Experience
Budist's proprietary system assesses aroma, flavor, appearance, and effect — applying the same rigor used in wine, coffee, and beer competitions.
All New York MJBowl Judges
New York's full judging panel included: @instsagram
- Crystal Hoffman – @hashinit_
- Deepak Panjwani – @nyrzombiedjp
- Jay Dee (Justin Daley) – @jaydeehashishin315
- Joanne Wilson – @thegothamgal
- Josmanuel Aybar – @lmsgot5onit
- John D'Angelo – @therealjdough
- Kait Caridi – @kayejayecee
- Kyle Rosner – @therozzinator
- Lamott Jackson – @drcannabae
- Leighton Murdock – @chefleighton
- Melodie Gonzalez – @queeneedakritic
- Nikki Lawley – @nikkiandtheplant
- Shelby Poole – @bettybloomsocialclub
- Steve Bloom – @stevebloomdude
- Taylor Wollman – @humblebuds.syr
We're honored to take 1st Place for Papaya Smash in the MJ Bowl. This win is a testament to our New York team for bringing Jetty's innovative solventless process to the East Coast. New York is my home, and we're excited to continue rolling out great products across the region.
Earning second place in the NY Indoor Flower category at the MJBowl is a moment our team will never forget. We're honored, humbled, and grateful that the passion we pour into our grow is being recognized at the national level. It's a big win for our small team in Buffalo and a proud moment for New York craft cannabis.
Check out all the MVP and All-Star winners from both coasts Budist and MJBizDaily see which brands are setting the standard heading into MJBizCon.
