Become a vipHigh Times Cannabis Cup: Massachusetts
Everything you need to know…
For the first time ever, the High Times Cannabis Cup is coming to Massachusetts! You might have seen our social media or our VIP emails that NEA is an official retailer and competitor in this year’s competition. The Cannabis Cup is people’s choice, and that means YOU can be a judge!
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s competition, and, most importantly, how you can be a judge.
What is the High Times Cannabis Cup?
Founded and sponsored by High Times Magazine, the Cannabis Cup was first started in Amsterdam in 1988 by former High Times editor Steve Hager. High Times holds many Cannabis Cup competitions all over the world for cannabis excellence. You can read more about the Cannabis Cup’s history here.
What does “people’s choice” mean?
It means that anyone eligible to purchase cannabis can be a judge in this year’s competition. If you’re reading this, you can be a judge!
What do I have to do as a judge?
As a judge, you’ll sample some of the best cannabis in Massachusetts and rate it according to factors like flavor, burnability, effects, etc., depending on the category you choose to judge.
Using the scorecard and unique access code in your Judge Kit, you’ll go online to the exclusive High Times portal to submit your rankings. You’ll have from Aug. 21 to Oct. 17 to judge your category. Check out this article from High Times’s VP of Content to find out more about the judging process.
First thing’s first, you’ll have to purchase a Judge Kit.
What is a Judge Kit, and how do I get one?
To be a judge, you’ll need a kit. A kit is a backpack filled with products from the category you choose to judge. You’ll also get some cool swag and a scorecard with your access code to get to the online High Times judge portal.
Judge Kits go on sale this Saturday, August 21, at 9 a.m. at our store and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Judge Kits are not available online, and there are no discounts, but they will be available on both our medical and adult-use sides.
Judge Kits are in limited supply! We only have about 100 Kits across all 11 categories, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
What are this year’s categories?
- Indica Flower
- Sativa Flower
- Hybrid Flower
- Pre-Rolls
- Concentrates
- Indica Vape Pens
- Sativa Vape Pens
- Edibles: Gummies
- Edibles: Chocolate Non-Gummies
- Edibles: Fruity Non-Gummies
- Topicals + Tinctures
How many Judge Kits can I get?
As many as you want, so long as you’re below your 1oz daily purchase limit and you’re prepared to judge the product in the Kits you buy. You may only buy one Kit per category.
How much are Judge Kits?
Judge Kit pricing will vary by category. Check out the graphic above or the MA Cannabis Cup website for pre-tax pricing.
I pre-registered online through High Times. Do I automatically get a Judge Kit?
No. Pre-registration does not guarantee you’ll get a judge kit.
Can I call ahead to put a Judge Kit on hold?
No. All kits are first-come, first-serve.
What’s the best way to ensure I get a Judge Kit?
Get to our store, Northeast Alternatives, 999 William S. Canning Blvd., Fall River, MA, early! Doors open at 9 a.m., but we’re expecting a line out the door. Plan accordingly!
Is there an in-person event this year?
Due to Covid-19 precautions, there is no live event this year. However, you can watch the awards show online.
Stay tuned to our social media and VIP email list for more details about our entries, backpack availability, competition details, and more throughout the next few days!
