The Cali Cup is a California state-wide Homegrown cannabis competition designed to recognize excellence across cultivation, breeding and advanced chemical expression of the final product.
This competition brings together:
Non-licensed flower cultivators (21+)
Independent non-licensed manufacturers
Scientists & sensory experts
Each entry is evaluated through a combination of:
Blind sensory analysis
Standardized lab testing
Advanced chemical profiling
(where applicable)
Our mission is to define and elevate the highest standards in cannabis — honoring both tradition and innovation.
Personal Grown Entries
Open to:
Independent cultivators
Legacy farmers
Non-commercial participants
Personal entries are:
Judged separately where applicable
Submitted via direct coordination with the Cali Cup intake team
Official Analytics Partner:
Official Analytics Partner:
Competition Categories
Non-licensed Homegrown Flower
- Sungrown
- Mixed Light
- Indoor
- Greenhouse
Minor Cannabinoid Flower
- CBD Dominant
- Minor Cannabinoids (CBG, THCV, etc.)
Concentrates
Solventless
- Ice Water Hash
- Rosin
- Traditional / Pressed Hash
Edibles
- Gummies
- Sweet Edibles
- Savory Edibles
- Health-Conscious Edibles
- Minor Cannabinoid Edibles
Tinctures & Wellness
- Tinctures
- Functional Wellness Products
Science & Sensory Awards
Awards may include:
- Most Complex Chemical Profile
- Highest Total Terpenes
- Chemotype Expression
- Minor Cannabinoid Expression
- Most Unique Aroma & Flavor Profile
- Best Cure & Smokability
Pre-Rolls
- Non-Infused
- Solventless Infused
- Deluxe / Specialty Joints
Topicals
- Therapeutic Topicals
- Minor Cannabinoid Topicals
Industry & Community Awards
- Best Dispensary (Regional)
- Best Budtender
- Best Farm
- Best Brand
- Best New Brand
- Community Impact Award
Honorary Awards
- Breeder’s Cup
- Heritage Cultivar Award
- Cannabis Stewardship Award
- Community Advocate Award
- Hall of Influence
Judging Methodology
Blind Judging
Select categories are evaluated anonymously to ensure fairness.
Scoring Criteria
May include:
- Aroma
- Flavor
- Appearance
- Effect
- Craft quality
- Chemical profile alignment
Lab Testing &
Analytics
All applicable entries undergo standardized lab testing, including:
- Cannabinoid profiling
- Terpene analysis
- Safety compliance verification
Advanced categories may include:
- Chemotype classification
- Minor cannabinoid analysis
- Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) detection
Entry Requirements
Entries
All entries must be:
- Properly packaged
- Clearly labeled
- Submitted in sealed containers (no loose units)
Standard Entry Quantities
- Flower: 4 oz
- Pre-rolls: 30–37 units
- Concentrates: ~23 x 1g units
- Edibles / tinctures / topicals: 20 units
Entry Intake
- All entries must be submitted via approved intake partners
- Drop-offs are appointment only
- Entries must include:
- Entry confirmation
- Payment confirmation
Storage & Handling
All entries are:
- Stored in climate-controlled environments
- Protected from degradation
- Logged and tracked through intake