This state-sanctioned event celebrated the 2022/2023 harvest of California-grown cannabis flower and added cannabis to the roster of coveted competitions alongside wine, craft beer, cheese, and olive oil. The competition provided a platform for licensed cannabis cultivators to showcase their hard work, creativity, and perseverance in this groundbreaking industry.
The competition utilized science-based analysis performed and certified by SC Labs, California’s premier cannabis and hemp testing labs. SC Labs employed an innovative terpene reporting platform called PhytoFacts®, which identified specific terpenes and cannabinoids, along with their concentrations in each sample, to determine the winners. Terpenes and cannabinoids can account for a significant portion of the mass of a female cannabis flower and are crucial in determining its aroma, flavor, and effects.
As the testing and scientific partner of the California State Fair Cannabis Awards for the second consecutive year, SC Labs played a vital role in raising the bar for quality and innovation in the industry. Unlike many competitions that focus solely on THC levels, this competition prioritized the overall cannabinoid and terpene profile of the cultivars, recognizing the diversity and complexity of cannabis.
Jeff Journey, the CEO of SC Labs, expressed pride in their continued partnership with the California State Fair Cannabis Awards. He emphasized the competition’s significance in showcasing the achievements of California cannabis companies and their contributions to the industry’s advancement.
In the competition, awards were presented for cannabis flower across three primary divisions based on light source: Indoor, Mixed Light, and Outdoor. Each division had awards in eleven cannabis compound categories, including Dominant Terpenes, Codominant Terpene profile, Highest Terpene Content, Dominant Cannabinoids, and Specialty Terpenes and Cannabinoids.
Entrants competed for over 70 awards, ranging from silver and gold medals to double gold designations. Additionally, eleven coveted Golden Bear trophies were awarded for the “Best of California.” The diversity of categories allowed cultivators to showcase their expertise and uniqueness in various aspects of cannabis cultivation.
The winners were announced in June, and their achievements will be celebrated during the CA State Fair, which will take place from July 14 to 30, 2023, at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California. The California Expo & State Fair and Cultivar Brands, a California-based cannabis marketing and events agency, have collaborated to develop these awards, recognizing the importance of cannabis as a significant cultural and economic force in the state.
Among the esteemed winners of the CA State Fair Cannabis Competition, in the Best Of California category, Mercy Grown emerged victorious with its exceptional strain, Pie Scream. This strain captivated judges with its exquisite aroma and flavor profile, largely attributed to its dominant terpene, Myrcene. Mercy Grown’s dedication to producing top-quality cannabis was recognized with a well-deserved gold medal.
In the Outdoor category, Martyjuana took home the gold for their outstanding strain, Supreme Gelato. This cultivar impressed judges with its exquisite combination of flavors and aromas, primarily derived from its dominant terpene, Limonene. Martyjuana’s commitment to cultivating premium cannabis under natural conditions shone through in this award-winning strain.
Another remarkable winner in the Outdoor category was MOCA Humboldt, who claimed the gold medal for their remarkable Zkittlez cultivar. This strain showcased an enticing blend of aromas and flavors, with its dominant terpene being Caryophyllene. MOCA Humboldt’s expertise in harnessing the full potential of the terpene profile of their cultivars was evident in the exquisite characteristics of the Zkittlez strain.
These winners exemplify the dedication, expertise, and passion that cultivators bring to the cannabis industry in California. Through their commitment to quality and innovation, they have made significant contributions to the ever-evolving world of cannabis cultivation. Their success in the CA State Fair Cannabis Competition serves as a testament to their exceptional skills and the excellence of their craft.
We congratulate all the award winners on their well-deserved victories and commend their commitment to pushing the boundaries of cannabis cultivation. Their achievements inspire not only their fellow cultivators but also consumers who appreciate the artistry and sophistication of cannabis. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of these exceptional cultivators and look forward to witnessing their future contributions to the cannabis landscape in California and beyond.
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To view the complete list of winners and for more information about the competition, please visit the official website at www.castatefaircannabisawards.com
Feature photo courtesy of Cal Expo
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