Cannabis Cups are the “Oscars” of the cannabis world. This competition brings together suppliers and seed banks to recognize their effort and talent. Annually, marijuana enthusiasts and followers attend this event to try unique products.
Many countries have lifted restrictions on the use of marijuana, contributing to the massification and more frequent organization of these types of events. In this post, you’ll learn about the top 5 prestigious and important marijuana and derivatives events in the world.
Cannabis Cups are fairs and events where top cultivators and creators of new strains gather. This competition involves judges who evaluate the quality of the product based on aspects such as aroma, appearance, and effects.
Steven Hager, editor of High Times Magazine, attended the California Harvest Festival in 1987. This event was an unofficial competition that rewarded independent cultivators in that state. Hager saw the potential it could have if he could officially award the best cultivators in the world.
Thus, in 1988, the first edition of the Cannabis Cup was born and celebrated in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was conceptualized as a festival where the most experienced and emerging breeders could present their latest creations. The growth of this cup has been such that it has expanded to the United States and the rest of the world.
In these competitions, certified cup judges evaluate the various marijuana varieties and combinations. Cultivators compete in several categories to determine the best:
All judges and event attendees will get to know the upcoming products that will hit the market. Each exhibitor will have a booth to promote and sell their products. Attendees of Cannabis Cups can also enjoy concerts and seminars.
If there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that Cannabis Cups bring together the best of the best. These events aim to create a brotherhood where new talents meet industry leaders. These competitions intend to discover the latest trends in emerging cannabis products.
The impact of these annual gatherings has been significant. It’s now more common to see the emergence of new events of this kind. However, not all possess the same prestige and recognition. For this reason, we present to you the top 5 most important Cannabis Cups in the world:
The High Times is the oldest of all the Cannabis Cups. Its first edition took place in Amsterdam in 1988 and continued uninterrupted until 2013. The new cannabis regulations in the Netherlands motivated the organizers to seek a new venue. Thus, since 2014, the High Times Cannabis Cup has been celebrated in the United States.
This competition underwent certain changes. For example, previously, the High Times was held annually. But since 2014, this competition has had multiple editions throughout the year. Among the most important contests of this cup, we can highlight the fairs in Seattle, Michigan, Detroit, and California.
Many marijuana strains have passed through this event. However, without a doubt, Amnesia Haze and OG Kush have left their mark on the history of this festival. The judges were attracted to their citrus tones and spicy aroma. As for Amnesia Haze, it stood out for its sweet aroma with fruity notes.
Barcelona, Spain, dresses up in celebration to reward the best cultivators in Europe. Spannabis is globally known for becoming one of the leading marijuana and derivative fairs in the world. The first edition of this fair took place in Barcelona in 2022. However, it has also held several editions in Madrid.
Spannabis is recognized as one of the best Cannabis Cups for its global vision of the business. This event features conferences with scientific and political personalities. These talks aim to inform attendees about the most important advancements in the cannabis sector.
One of the surprises of this fair was the award received by GWA Social Club with their Zkittlez. This indica hybrid is composed of a combination of Grapefruit and Grape Ace. With fruity notes and a THC concentration ranging from 18 to 22%, this strain is ideal for recreational consumers.
Expogrow was born in the Basque Country, Spain, in 2010. This event was founded to provide a space for reflection and debate. Fermín Les and Fernando Novi, founders of Expogrow, believe in cannabis as a way to integrate society. Their philosophy of life has resonated so much that many entrepreneurs are part of this project.
Music, forums, and over 6,000 square meters come together to create a unique atmosphere. At exhibitors’ stands, you can learn about and enjoy various types of marijuana strains. Additionally, you can use a press to extract hashish.
The history of Expogrow is marked by several awards won by Sensi Seed, a Dutch seed bank. For example, Sensi Seed was awarded as the best seed bank of the 2017 edition. This seed bank is a frequent participant in all Cannabis Cups.
Better known as the “Convención Cannábica del Plata,” it’s one of the most important Cannabis Cups in Latin America. Participants from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay come together in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete in different categories. It was founded in 2001 to promote small and new cannabis producers.
One of the most iconic moments of this cup was experienced in the 2009 edition. In that edition, Dutch Passion was awarded first place for the best sativa with their strain “La Desfrán.” Cannabis cup enthusiasts delighted in this feminized strain with floral notes. This sativa is a classic in the seed bank’s catalog.
Founded in 1994, the Highlife Cannabis Cup is one of the longest-running award shows in Europe. It is considered one of the best Cannabis Cups for its rigorous standards in choosing the participating strains.
Furthermore, this event showcases the cannabis products that will set trends in Europe.
One of the most awarded seed banks in this cup is Royal Queen Seeds. Their flagship strain, Royal Cookies, has captured the attention of both enthusiasts and newcomers. This strain has a sweet aroma taste with a high THC content. It allows you to experience deep relaxation in no time.
Cannabis Cups are events to enjoy the work and efforts of both large and small cultivators. Their dedication is rewarded by judges, but above all, by all of us who love this culture. If you have the opportunity to attend an event of this kind, don’t hesitate to go.
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