Several cannabis-centric competitions have emerged in the legalization era, but at the heart of them all is the Emerald Cup Awards. What started as a way for Emerald Triangle farmers to share their harvest bounties two decades ago has evolved into a storied celebration of cannabis culture that reverberates in California and beyond. And this year, the festivities are bigger than ever.
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The 20th annual Emerald Cup is coming to the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland on August 17th and 18th. The two-day extravaganza will feature musical performances by artists like Mistah F.A.B., The Grouch & Eligh, and Keak Da Sneak, along with educational panels, a bustling craft cannabis marketplace, and of course, the esteemed Emerald Cup Awards ceremony.
Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the precarious pendulum swings within the California cannabis market, the Emerald Cup has remained resilient. The event’s continued triumph has been lost on no one, especially Emerald Cup founder Tim Blake.
“After many years of trials and tribulations, it feels incredibly satisfying to know we’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary,” Blake told GreenState. “I never imagined we’d produce five Emerald Cups let alone 20! The past 20 years have seen more evolution in our cannabis industry than the previous 50 years, and with it, every Cup has been a unique historical event.”
A competition for the ages
The core of the Emerald Cup is the esteemed contest itself. This year, there were nine main product categories, each with several subcategories. This includes not just flower but other finished goods such as edibles, tinctures, and cartridges. The expansion of the competition reflects the diversity of products on dispensary shelves today.
This year’s submission window saw hundreds of brands entering their favorite products in the hopes of winning a coveted Ryan Fitt trophy.
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“To see over 600 entries in this year’s competition and to feel the love and support of our community is heartwarming,” Blake shared.
Dozens of expert judges carefully assess each entry, calibrating during regularly scheduled team meetings. The panels include certified Ganjiers, journalists, industry thought leaders, and community elders. The contest team gets hundreds of judge applications annually, and organizers do their best to have a well-rounded roster made up of new faces and old favorites.
Awards are also given to the most innovative product and environmentally conscious packaging. Additional “people’s choice” categories are voted on by the public and include a photography contest and best dispensary. This year’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to activist Keith Stroup, founder of NORML. Previous winners include Mila “the Hash Queen” Jansen, Woody Harrelson, and the Red-Headed Stranger himself.
Building a legacy
The Emerald Cup has humble beginnings, starting in Mendocino and eventually making its way south. The event got the Hollywood treatment in 2022, and last year’s Cup was held just across the Bay at Richmond Pavilion.
Blake added that while the Cup has ventured across the state during its tenure, the team is thrilled to be heading to Oakland for the first time. He aims to take the Emerald Cup nationally and even globally within a few years.
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An expansion makes sense, given that the Emerald Cup has continually set the standard for cannabis contests across the country. As new markets come online and create their own homegrown competitions, the Emerald Cup is frequently seen as a model to emulate—something sure to cement the event’s legacy forever.
Despite all the excitement about the historic anniversary and things to come, when asked what he’s most excited about, Blake returns to what matters most.
“As always, the thing I look forward to most is being there when the winners are announced and connecting with our community,” Blake concluded.
Tickets for the Emerald Cup are available at www.theemeraldcup.com
