I finally made it to the California State Fair Cannabis Expo and Lounge, and it felt like stepping into a dream for any true cannabis enthusiast. 🌿💨 Nestled inside the bustling fairgrounds was a calm, terpene-rich oasis dedicated to celebrating the plant, the people who grow it, and the powerful potential of cannabis in culture.
Over the past few years, the @castatefair has made national headlines for being one of the first large-scale public fairs to recognize and celebrate award-winning cannabis, thanks to the groundbreaking @calcannaawards. For the cannabis community, this is more than just a showcase—it’s a full-on validation that cannabis is here to stay, and that craft, care, and quality deserve a spotlight.
This year, over 600 submissions were entered into the competition, making it one of the most competitive and diverse lineups yet. From sun-grown sativas to indoor indicas bursting with complex terpene profiles, the judging panels had their work cut out for them.
✨ The 2025 Winners: A True Taste of California Excellence
Let’s talk winners. These are the cultivators and strains pushing boundaries and preserving the art of cannabis cultivation:
🥇 Golden Bear Award:
Emerald Spirit Botanicals – Pink Boost Goddess
This cultivar continues to stun judges and connoisseurs alike. Known for its bright, minty, floral aroma, Pink Boost Goddess is rich in THCV and brings an uplifting, clear-headed energy. It’s the kind of strain that makes you want to hike a mountain, write a song, or hug a tree. Truly unique—and a perfect example of terpene-forward growing.
🥉 Bronze Award:
Sanctuary Farms – Blunicorn
As someone who has enjoyed (and featured!) Blunicorn at my own events, I couldn’t be happier to see this strain get the recognition it deserves. With its creamy, candy-like nose and euphoric, balanced effects, it’s a crowd favorite every time. Sanctuary Farms consistently delivers flavor, and this win is well-earned.
🛍️ Cannabis Lounge, Onsite Dispensary, and Live Music
Another standout feature at the Expo was the dispensary run by Embarc, offering award-winning flower and products on-site, right next to a cannabis lounge where attendees could relax and enjoy the vibe. Add in live music, educational booths, and plenty of sensory delights, and you’ve got an elevated fair experience like no other.
Whether you were a seasoned smoker or just canna-curious, the atmosphere was welcoming, stigma-free, and bursting with innovation.
🌱 From Fairgrounds to Flashcards: Why This Matters
As the creator of Terpene Flashcards, I’m always hyped to see the culture move in this direction. Because when we start talking about terpenes, we’re not just getting high—we’re getting intentional. Understanding the aromas, effects, and entourage experience of different terpenes helps consumers make better choices and cultivators showcase their craft.
That’s why events like the California Cannabis Awards are so important. It’s not just about THC percentages anymore—it’s about flavor, feel, and full-spectrum magic.
🌿 Deep Roots: How Past Winners Have Helped Build the Culture
This year’s winners are incredible, but I also want to take a moment to recognize how some of last year’s winners and pioneers have shown up for our terpene education movement in meaningful ways.
Sanctuary Farms, Sonoma Hills Farm, Arcanna Flowers, and Moon Made Farms—all past award winners and terp champions—have been instrumental in supporting my Terpene Tournaments, Supperclubs, and other community-driven events over the years.
These aren’t just brands growing weed—they’re cultivators growing culture.
Sanctuary Farms not only produces some of the most flavorful flower in the state, but they’ve also donated product, promoted education, and showed up with heart and integrity every time.
Sonoma Hills Farm, known for their premium sun-grown offerings and regenerative farming practices, hosted one of our most memorable Terpene Supperclubs, where food was paired with terpene-rich flower for a truly elevated experience.
Arcanna Flowers, another name synonymous with flavor, has consistently sponsored educational activations, helping more people understand the science and soul behind what they’re smoking.
And Moon Made Farms, led by the ever-inspiring Tina Gordon, has been a fierce advocate for sungrown cannabis, female cultivators, and terpene education. Their support of our flashcards and terp events has helped create a ripple effect across the state.
These partners believe in what we’re doing—bridging education and experience—and have helped us make terpene literacy fun, interactive, and community-based.
📚 What’s Next?
We’re not slowing down. With the 2025 California Cannabis Awards now wrapped, it’s time to take all this flavor and inspiration and pour it into the next wave of Terpene Tournaments, Flashcard activations, and Cannabis x Culinary pairings. The people want more terp talk—and we’re here to deliver.
If you’re a cultivator, brand, educator, or just someone who loves cannabis and wants to learn more about terpenes, let’s connect.
🎉 Final Thoughts
The State Fair Cannabis Expo wasn’t just about awards—it was a testament to how far we’ve come and a vision for what’s possible when we grow together. From backyards and grow tents to gold medals and mainstream acceptance, the journey continues—and we’re just getting started.
Much love to all the cultivators who continue to push the envelope. Keep growing. Keep glowing. And keep sharing those terps.
Stay terpified,
Tony Bowles
Founder, Terpene Flashcards
Educator | Advocate | Event Host
Photo credit: Tony Bowles
Follow online:
@terpeneflashcards
https://www.terpeneflashcards.com/
