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Dan Herer on Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on Behalf of his Father, a True Cannabis Legend, Jack Herer.
“I’d like to say that it is a great pleasure and honor to accept this years lifetime achievement award, on behalf of my father Jack Herer To receive it in the state of California, a place where he discovered Cannabis, a state where he fought for it and went to jail for it, and for nearly 40 years to be one of those that helped to create the access that we have today
In the 1970s and 80s, my father formed a Mötley band of renegades to help collect signatures for legalization, they were lovingly known as Refer Raiders Many of those who stood with my father and who also inspired him, also attended this year‘s event, like Steve and Andrew DeAngelo, Ed Rosenthal and his amazing wife Jane, and so many more that it would be hard to name them all What I can tell you about the people that were under the canopy in California at the state fair is something that I know would’ve made him proud - so many passionate and amazing people dedicating their lives to the pursuit of cannabis opportunities; raising families creating jobs and employing their neighbors, changing economic futures, and hoping to build a sustainable future for cannabis
While the state encourages us to do business within the guidelines set fourth under this new prohibition 2 0, at the same time making it so difficult, that only a few of us may survive the onslaught of the greed and ignorance that comes from the current governing body On a more positive note, I am continuously inspired by so many that I call my friends that helped me to stay focused on the future, while trying to learn from the past and present difficulties of the space we call home
Many people came up to me to say what a warrior my father was as well as those that helped to lay the foundation for cannabis access today, and that there would never be others like him or Dennis Peron or people like Gatewood Golbreth, Elevy, Brownie Mary, Pebbles Trippet and so many others But I don’t believe that, because there are new voices here today. Though they were not part of building this foundation that started the cannabis movement, they are the pillars upon it, and their strength and voices will be the structure that the next generation will be built on These voices are powerful with new tools and new ideas, even as it pertains to the same fight that was started more than 50 years ago. Folks like Bill and Jeff of Beard Bros. And one person in particular that reminds me so much like my father, with his fuck you attitude, Elliott Lewis A man seeming fearlessness in his passion for both what is right and pointing out what is wrong. He uses his voice, his platform and any resource that he has available to him to not only be a passionate advocate, but an active litigant against the corruption that governs this space currently. I am lucky to call him a friend, and this community is lucky to have him as an advocate on our side doing what is right and necessary
A million other things ran through my mind during the time that I was at the fair walking from booth to booth meeting and seeing so many new faces, along with many familiar ones It was like a family reunion meeting those you’ve heard about but hadn’t met, those that were idealistic and bullish on the future without having their front teeth knocked out yet Lol but all metaphors aside, we are a strong family, a strong community, well-intentioned, and with good hearts
One of the things that I didn’t recognize on stage that I wish that I did was that my father‘s book The Emperor Wears No Clothes, now published in more than six languages - German French Spanish Portuguese Czech, and Japanese I didn’t recognize it until after I walked off the stage, that in every country that the book was published now has some form of cannabis access. What a remarkable statement that it says about the power of the printed word, and that of activism The world is waking up The drum beat might have started in California in the early 70s, but now the symphony of drums plays on the global stage Thinking about it raises the hair on my arms and my skin tingle in hopes for a better future as long as we continue the fight forward.”
Pg. 4: Market Report - Hoodie Analytics
By Bethany Niebauer
9: This is What Cannabis Normalization Looks Like By Dustin Hoxworth
By Daniel Crawford
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Pg. 30: Cannabis Founders Club w/ Max Simon
Pg. 54: Altered Eats w/ Zach Smith
Pg. 58: Blunt Horoscopes
Stardust Bee
Pg.
Pg. 50: Pink Jesus Saved My Life
Erin Cullison and Dustin Hoxworth
Pg. 36: Faces of Cannabis-Cali Canna Awards
Buoyant Bob
Photo by Paola Tello
Vivid Cannabis
Rainbow Guava
Photo by Paola Tello
Sacramento lit up in July, and it wasn’t just the summer heat The 2025 California Cannabis Awards turned the capital into the epicenter of our culture, where the craft, the hustle, and the true spirit of this plant took center stage This was raw, electric energy colliding with artistry, advocacy, and community
Fat Nugs Magazine showed up in force, bringing the Faces of Cannabis project to capture the heartbeat of the night; the growers with resin-stained hands, the makers whose glass still smelled faintly of torch flame, the advocates who’ve been in the trenches for decades Every portrait we shot was a story Every handshake was a reminder of why we do this. From the roar of the crowd to the sparkle of glass trophies under the stage lights, the air was thick with something far bigger than celebration, it was validation and weed!
Every grower, maker, activist, and visionary in that room wasn’t just being recognized, they were being seen And we were there to make damn sure the world saw them too. This is what it looks like when the plant wins, when the people win, and when our movement refuses to be anything less than legendary
Thank you to everyone involved who poured their hearts and souls into making this year’s Cannabis Awards unique and special!
Collard Greens
Photo by Paola Tello
meet the judges
g o l d e n b e a r a w a r d w i n n e r s
g o l d e n b e a r a w a r d w i n n e r s
Greenlight Zoda
Photo by Paola Tello
Greg Welch
Byfrost
Photo by Paola Tello
THE FACES OF CANNABIS PROJECT
BY DERRALL PEACH & DUSTIN HOXWORTH
ALL PHOTOS BY DERRALL PEACH
James Leitz
“Everyone digs a good transformation tale The California Cannabis Experience and Awards? That’s a full-on metamorphosis story from wild dream to mind-blowing reality Picture this: a sprawling, self-contained cannabis wonderland, packed with eye-opening exhibits, epic award celebrations, nextlevel brand activations, legit retail, and consumption zones wherever you turned
What used to be a forgotten, run-down water park right in the heart of Cal Expo flipped into a stoner’s paradise smack in the middle of the California State Fair It wasn’t a stroll in the park it took guts, political savvy, and an entire tribe of industry believers pulling together.
Step inside through the grand entry, winding along a green brick road that’s basically a Bachelor’s degree in cannabis history and science Jeeter took a tired souvenir shop and spun it into the Mile High Club The old towel check? Now Sparky’s Official Merchandise HQ That dusty beer concession? Serving up terpene-infused slushies that cool more than just your throat.
The weathered outdoor stage turned center stage for the Winners’ Circle where the curtain rose on emotional ceremonies honoring farmers and makers who set the bar sky-high They cleared out the old trees to make room for Humboldt Seed Co and American Weed Co, leading to a 12,000-square-foot tent, showcasing dozens of brands and yes, an old waterslide used to be there
Under the same tent, the Craft Stage pulsed with DJs, live bands, insightful panels, and the Golden Bear Awards Show, hosting over 800 guests in one unforgettable night And just when you think the magic ends, Embarc shows up, turning a building once ruled by wasps, geese, and squirrels into one of the finest cannabis shops you’ll find anywhere
We kicked back on a shady couch under a light mist and twinkling lights, lighting up as a community and honestly, it was ethereal This wasn’t just a fair It was a statement about what we can pull off when we actually come together as an industry”
Lauren Carpenter & Dustin Moore
“Partnering with so many folks from throughout the cannabis community to bring this event to life is the privilege of a lifetime The educational exhibit, sales and consumption opened the hearts and minds of approximately 250,000 fair attendees – a huge moment in our quest for destigmatization. We’re grateful to everyone who participated and are honored to collectively serve as stewards of this movement at the California State Fair ” ~Lauren Carpenter
Courtney Zalewski
“Everything we do at Embarc is in service of normalization, and that means creating experiences where cannabis is a celebrated part of culture I remind myself and my team every day that we’re in a rare and extraordinary moment in time, both in our industry and in the world, where the work we’re doing is actively changing perception. One day, we’ll look back and all of this will be normal But right now, we have the privilege (and the responsibility) of shaping that future
Being able to bring sales and consumption to the California State Fair for the second year in a row is still a pinch-me moment
When you see the sheer number of people walking through the exhibit, when you see hundreds of farmers, activists, and brands many who have been fighting for decades come together in one place, it’s electric You can watch opinions shift in real time. You overhear conversations between family members who might never have talked about cannabis before. You feel the culture changing right in front of you ”
Rachelle Gordan
“Having cannabis front and center at the California State Fair is already incredible, but to be the face of the country’s first state-sanctioned weed contest? It’s beyond anything I could have ever dreamed
FairPlay Ventures and embarc trusted me to host the California Cannabis Awards, and that’s something I did not take lightly. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the plant in a positive light, a chance to elevate our entire industry, and to unite our community for a common goal. I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve, especially in a time when the California market is struggling
Overall, I think the event was a smashing success Despite oppressive heat and some very last-minute technical difficulties, we pulled off a professional and polished show that both inspired and entertained Seeing the winner’s stunned faces in the crowd when their brand names were called was just a delight, and giving them their moment to shine filled my heart with joy Being able to invite the public into the conversation via the GreenState Consumers’ Choice award was the icing on the cake!”
Dee Sidhu
“Man, there’s an Embarc dispensary at the state fair now A whole consumption lounge too. Never thought cannabis would be part of something like this. Churro in one hand, smoking a joint with a Ferris wheel spinning in the distance. Folks just posted up, passing joints and catching a vibe. It's wild! That’s how far we’ve come ”
Scott Vasterling
“It was pleasure to be at the CA State Fair in Sacramento with so many great farmers, brands and consumers The weather was perfect and I believe events like this are what the normalization of cannabis looks like... with lots of flowers and roller coasters.”
Seth Yakatan
“What a pleasure it was to be at the California State Fair with the group from Embarc and Fat Nugs Magazine Just absolutely amazing to see how the entire community can come together to support one another with positivity Just honored to be a part of the whole thing ”
Joel Pearson
Joel Pearson and Canopy HR’s sponsorship was a game-changer for the Faces of Cannabis at this year’s California State Fair Their support didn’t just help, it made the whole thing possible. Without their belief in the project and willingness to put resources behind it, we simply couldn’t have brought this vision to life Their backing is a perfect example of how real community impact happens when businesses step up for the culture
“Regardless of geography, you run into the same people at events. The Cal State Fair was no exception and I am glad Dustin asked Canopy to participate in the faces of cannabis The set up at the fair was like nothing I have seen before and a testament to how far the industry has come ” ~Joel Pearson
Trufaloha
Photo by Paola Tello
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