On a warm, sunny day in LA, I attended my first Budist event. The Budist Blue Dream Tasting Party was, indeed, quite dreamy. The food and flower were delicious, and the setting was casual, California cool.
Budist: One Year and Going Strong
If you aren’t familiar with Budist , they are a social review platform for cannabis and brands. Reviewers are Ganjiers, journalists, and connoisseurs who rate cannabis products to share with others who are members on the Budist App, akin to how wine ratings are done. The products reviewed are currently from the licensed California cannabis market.
Attending this Blue Dream event was significant for me because Blue Dream is my favorite cultivar. It suits my body, mind, and ECS (Endocannabinoid System) very well. When I consume this long-standing cultivar, it provides energy, and creativity and makes me productive.
I was also at the launch party for Budist, in March 2024 at Sunstone Winery in Santa Barbara. It feels full circle to attend my first, official Budist event on the 1st anniversary. What a year it has been for Budist and the co-founders, Jocelyn Sheltraw and Claudio Miranda, both certified Ganjiers. The Budist team has created and hosted unique events in the cannabis space this past year. The list of their events, past and present, can be found on their website and I encourage you to check them out.
I had a chance to chat with Jocelyn at the Blue Dream Tasting Party and I asked her what the past year had been like for herself, Claudio, and Budist. She had this to say,
“The Blue Dream Tasting Party marked a milestone in the journey we began a year ago—a celebration of cannabis connoisseurship, community, and craftsmanship. At Budist, honoring exemplary growers and makers is at the core of what we do, and this event created an unforgettable moment for them to share their finest expression of this legendary cultivar.”
The Blue Dream flower, pre-rolls, and edibles offered at the party were provided by 10+ farms and brands throughout California, from LA to the Emerald Triangle. Garden Society, Humboldt Family Farms, Humboldt Nation, Autumn Brands, and Jetty to name a few. Certified Ganjiers were there too, to guide us through the tastings, and offer their knowledge as we floated from table to table to check out each farm or brand.
There was a beautiful trunk show, provided by SmokeShow.co which has fun, stylish apparel and – even a Blue Dream collection.
Budist Blue Dream Event
The Food Parings and Surroundings
The event space and food were as equal to the experience as the Blue Dream itself. Co-Hosted by Christina Wong and Wendy Zeng, each sampling of Blue Dream did not disappoint.
Chef Wendy and her staff created delicious, small bites to complement the flavors in Blue Dream. Everything was fresh, exceptionally prepared, and elevated.
The space was Wendy’s home which gave us the cool, laid-back, Cali vibe. She has created an outdoor space with lush vegetation, trees, and plants to stay cool and shaded from the sun. There are benches, lounge areas, and tables to for comfort. This serene setting surrounds an outdoor kitchen cooks dream of. It was nice to watch and see her crew create the amazing food we all enjoyed. Music to fill the air provided by a 4-piece bluegrass band.
The event felt dreamy indeed. Incredible, craft cannabis, delicious food, music, and great conversation made for a stellar event. Departing, we received a Gift Bag filled with many of the Blue Dream products we tasted and sampled to take home. One of the best bags I’ve received recently!
Well done to all who made the Blue Dream Tasting Party an event to remember!
