Press & Awards
Since we opened our doors in 2016, Proof has been built one honest batch at a time – no shortcuts, no outside investors, just two women in Sonoma County making plant medicine we'd give to our own families. Along the way, judges, journalists, and our community have taken notice. We're grateful for every mention, every award, and every conversation that's helped us grow. Here's where you can see it for yourself.
Awards
California State Fair Cannabis Award
Our Orgasmic Oil took top honors in this
state-sanctioned competition, one of the highest bars for quality and craftsmanship in California's cannabis industry.
EmeraldCup, 1st Place: Icy Hot Roll On
The Emerald Cup is the gold standard of
cannabis competitions on the West Coast, and our topical pain relief roll-on took first place against a deep field of competitors.
Emerald Cup, 1st Place: Bazillion DropsTincture
Our Bazillion Drops Tincture earned first
place, recognizing the formulation work that goes into every drop.
EmeraldCup, 1st Place: CBG Elixir Drops
The same year, our CBG Elixir Drops also
took first place – a rare double win that speaks to the range of our formulation team.
Emerald Cup, 1st Place: Face Serum
Our very first Emerald Cup win came for our
Face Serum, proving that clean, effective cannabis skincare belongs on the same stage as tinctures and flower.
ArchviewWIN Competition Winner
Recognized for entrepreneurship and
innovation among women-led cannabis businesses.
MarijuanaVenture "Women to Watch": Julie Mercer-Ingram
Our founder and president was named one of the industry's Women to Watch for her work in cannabis law and advocacy.
NBBJ"Forty Under 40": Sarah Miletich
Our CEO, a formally trained organic
chemist, was recognized by the North Bay Business Journal's Forty Under 40 at age 33 for her leadership in formulation and business.
Womenin Cannabis Expo Nominee: Julie Mercer-Ingram
Julie was nominated for "Best West
Coast Woman Educator," recognizing her years of teaching and advocacy work in cannabis law.
Press & Media
We've been fortunate to have our story told
by some of the outlets we respect most:
Press Democrat
Sonoma County's paper of record has covered our growth as a local, women-owned business.
North Bay Business Journal (NBBJ)
Featured coverage of our team and Sarah Miletich's Forty Under 40 recognition.
MarijuanaVenture
Featured twice, including coverage of Julie's "Women to Watch" honor.
AskGrowers
Industry coverage highlighting our products and formulation approach.
PR Newswire
Wirecoverage of company milestones and announcements.
Yahoo Finance
Syndicated business coverage.
EIN Presswire
Wirecoverage of company news and awards.
NationalLaw Review
Coverage touching on Julie's work in cannabis and hemp law.
Speaking & Events
Beyond the products, Julie and Sarah show up in person to share what they've learned – in courtrooms, classrooms, conference stages, and community rooms across California:
- Cannifest "FEMINIZED" Panel
(August 2025) – A panel discussion on women's leadership and
perspectives in cannabis. - Wine & Weed Conference –
Speaking on the intersection of Sonoma County's two signature
industries. - CalNORML – Advocacy and education alongside California's leading cannabis policy reform organization.
- Sonoma County Bar Association –
Julie has presented to fellow attorneys on cannabis and hemp law. - Archview WIN Competition (2022) – Winning entrepreneurship showcase for women in cannabis.
Listen In: Proof of Wellness Podcast
Want to hear directly from us? Our podcast, Proof of Wellness, features Julie and Sarah in conversation about cannabis, wellness, and everything in between—no jargon, no judgment. Visit the podcast page to listen to Season 1.
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or more information about Proof, please reach out to [email protected]. We typically respond within one business day.