Connect with us

Announcements

Where Autoflowers Set the Pace – Ganjapreneur

Published

on

Where Autoflowers Set the Pace – Ganjapreneur

of Autoflower America’s Cup returns to California on January 31, 2026, bringing the fourth annual celebration of flowering cannabis genetics to Be True Los Angeles. Once underrated, autoflowers are now at the cutting edge of modern breeding, and the Cup has become the definitive stage for tracking that transformation.

Led by curator Jeremy Norrie, one of America’s earliest automotive flower champions, the event combines competition, education and culture to show how far the category has come and where it’s going next. “Autoflowers have evolved beyond expectation,” says Norrie. “This is where we measure that growth—in flavor, power, creativity and passion.”

2025 in Review: A Turning Point for Automatic Flowers

The 2025 Autoflower America’s Cup marked a defining moment for the category, attracting nearly 80 entries and offering a range of benchmark achievements. Atlas Seeds set a new potency record, pushing THC levels into uncharted territory, while Twenty20 Mendocino’s Love Bomb Auto appeared as Best new strain 2025drawing attention to both performance and profile.

Established community leaders Fast Buds and Mephisto Genetics (both ex The best car flower breeder recipients) continued to influence the direction of modern automotive flower genetics, reinforcing the growing credibility of the category on a global stage.

As curator Jeremy Norrie said:

“Every year, the cars get faster, stronger, more durable and more respected. What was once overlooked has become a legitimate showcase for some of the best breeding work in the US and beyond.”

Best Auto Hash

Introduced in 2025, Best Auto Hash highlighted a major shift in perception, proving that autoflowers are capable of producing high-quality, solvent-free rosin suitable for hashing. The category raised expectations across the board, and in 2026, the bar rises even higher as a wider field of extractors enter the competition.

Best Flower Breeder – Community Vote

This award remains firmly in the hands of the community. Determined by public vote, it recognizes the breeders who shape today’s automotive flower landscape. Past winners include Fast Buds and Mephisto Genetics, with voting for the 2026 title now open on the Cup website.

Highest THC – lab verified

Connoisseurs know that many factors contribute to quality, but overall potency continues to be a major consideration for growers around the world. In 2025, Atlas Seeds set a new standard with Think Breath Autotesting at 30.33% THC, an inflection point that redefined what autoflowers can achieve at the upper end of cannabinoid expression.

Meet the judges: Experience, Craft and Culture

The 2026 panel brings together respected voices in cannabis cultivation, education, extraction, journalism and culture.

All judges participate equally in a blinded and balanced evaluation process.

  • Kyle Kushman – Award-winning organic grower, educator, advocate
  • Danny Danko (Dan Vinkovetsky) – Veteran journalist and cultivation expert
  • Jenn Doe – Multi-awarded grower and single-source hashmaker
  • Maxwell Pharms – Dual Award Automotive Flower Farmer
  • Austin Kress (Stony McBlaze) – Cultivator, creator and cultural storyteller. In addition to his judging duties, Austin will bring his signature comedy to the Awards Ceremony’s entertaining lineup
  • IcanTHC – Cultivator, educator and influential media voice
  • Madman Plant – second time judge and host of the mental health panel
  • Jordan Harker – Founder of Autoflower.org and commercial cultivation specialist
  • David Downs – Acclaimed journalist documenting the culture, science and politics of cannabis

Together, they represent a multi-layered view of today’s cannabis landscape.

Education and Mental Health Panel

The 2026 American Autoflower Cup includes an Education and Mental Health Panel that addresses the human side of cultivation – where learning, discipline and personal well-being intersect. The session examines how structure, routine, and realistic expectations play a critical role in not only growing stronger plants, but maintaining balance and longevity as a grower.

Led by experienced growers and respected community voices, the talk explores common challenges such as creative pressure, burnout and the steep learning curve presented by modern autoflower genetics. Participants can expect practical suggestions, shared perspectives and an open, non-judgmental dialogue rooted in lived experience.

The panel is included with every event ticket and will take place during the Awards evening on January 31st.

Organized by Adam Ill

A familiar presence at the Cup, Adam Ill returns for his fourth year as host of the Awards Ceremony. A comedian and staple of cannabis culture, Adam blends humor with genuine community knowledge, keeping the night engaging, energetic and rooted in authenticity from start to finish.

Sponsor Spotlight: ELEMENTS + Industry Leaders

The 2026 sponsor list comes in stronger than ever.

ELEMENTS joins as an official sponsor, supporting the full judging process and the Awards Ceremony. They sit alongside an industry-leading partner table, including:

● Grove bag

● AC Infinity

● Dr. Dabber

● Harvest of Neptune

● Doctor Zymes

Not Just a Pageant: A Cultural Milestone

What started as an ambitious idea has become a defining element in the cannabis calendar. As its international reach continues to grow, the American Autoflower Cup brings together science, community, culture and craft, creating a rare space to witness the evolution (and future) of autoflower genetics.

Contest registration is now open

Learn more, register your entry and get your tickets on the website:

Join us on January 31, 2026 at Be True Los Angeles. Join the movement, because autoflowers aren’t here to compete, they’re here to lead!

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Announcements

Vee the Traveling Cannabis Writer Unveils First Book in Cannabis Legacy Series – Ganjapreneur

Published

on

By

Vee the Traveling Cannabis Writer Unveils First Book in Cannabis Legacy Series – Ganjapreneur

Renowned cannabis journalist and documentarian Veronica “Vee” Castillo has published the first part of her series. The Cannabis Travel Writer’s Guide to America’s Hidden Gems. Part 1 of the series, dubbed The view from 30,000 feetis an impressive collection of notes from the road that brings together more than six years of field reporting from across the United States and highlights voices, businesses and cultural movements often overlooked by mainstream media coverage.

Castillo has built a reputation as one of the most trusted storytellers in cannabis media. Through 200+ articles published in more than 20 publications, she has documented the cannabis movement not from behind a desk, but face-to-face with artisan growers, venture capitalists, reform advocates, and herbal medicine practitioners operating within the legacy of prohibition. From small farming towns to inner city collectives, Castillo’s work places community and lived experience at the center of the cannabis narrative.

About the Book

Part memoir, part documentary journalism and part social history, The view from 30,000 feet researches:

  • The origin of a journey — Castillo’s decision to leave her home in Ohio in 2018 and travel the country to learn about herbal medicine after cannabis helped her overcome debilitating migraines.
  • Women Shaping Cannabis Innovation — Sharp profiles of women—mostly Black, Brown and Latina entrepreneurs—building purpose-driven brands in a system that wasn’t built for them.
  • Culture and connection — A rare look at the cultural roots of cannabis across Puerto Rico, Florida, Chicago and beyond, where food, music, tradition and herbal medicine intersect.
  • Advocacy on tour — Behind-the-scenes documentation of educational, business, and policy tours that connected grassroots operators and advanced capital conversations around the country.
  • Survival economy — An honest examination of taxes, regulations and the true cost of building a fair cannabis industry under ongoing systemic pressure.

A record of the progress of cannabis, as shared by the people in it

With state-level drug policy reforms sweeping the country and consolidation reshaping the cannabis business landscape, Castillo believes it is urgent to preserve the legacy of the movement before it is distorted.

“Corporate cannabis did not build this industry,” Castillo writes. “Communities did. Healers did. Freedom fighters did. Farmers did. People damaged by the War on Drugs did. These are their stories and they deserve to stand.”

In contrast to most analyzes of the cannabis industry available in book form, Castillo’s work is lived, personal and remarkably human. She brings readers to farms, family kitchens, hemp palaces, trap-adjacent clinics, country tour vans and policy meetings. The view from 30,000 feet is a historical archive in motion and a call for equality-centered cannabis growth.

Availability

The view from 30,000 feet is now available on Kindle. For media inquiries, partnership opportunities and speaking engagements, please contact: Veetravelingvegcannawriter@gmail.com

Continue Reading

Announcements

Hypno Seeds Announces Bold New Creative Direction – Ganjapreneur

Published

on

By

Hypno Seeds Announces Bold New Creative Direction – Ganjapreneur

Hypno Seeds is preparing a bold step into the future with the upcoming launch of a next-generation 3D website in 2026 – an immersive digital world that will bring the brand’s creativity and visual identity to life. The new platform marks the evolution of Hypno’s ongoing transformation, expanding its experiential energy from social media into a fully interactive online experience.

Known for pushing the boundaries in a space where cannabis brands often face algorithmic hurdles, Hypno Seeds has already begun to rewrite the rules of digital presence. His Instagram feed has shifted from product photos to surreal, kinetic art, designed to move with color, rhythm and emotion, each post a hypnotic moment meant to be felt, not just seen. This approach to engagement now sets the stage for Hypno’s next act: an online universe that blends design, storytelling and commerce into something entirely new.

The next page will introduce an advanced three-dimensional interface that allows users to explore strains as living experiences: vivid worlds of sight and feel that reflect the creativity of the growers who cultivate them. Beyond transactions, the platform will bring together art, interaction and real-time engagement, providing a space that feels as alive as the community it serves.

“Society rarely focuses on the side of cannabis consumers who are winners. There are countless CEOs, artists and creative directors who use cannabis as part of their process, as a way to think deeper, create bolder and become stronger. We’re here to erase the stigma. We don’t just grow plants, we win.” -Ashkan, CEO of Hypno Seeds

The future of cannabis seeds for achievements is coming. Experience the evolution: Hypno Seeds, launching in 2026.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Sparky’s Launches Flavored Pre-Rolled Tips and Flavored Pre-Rolled Cones – Ganjapreneur

Published

on

By

Sparky’s Launches Flavored Pre-Rolled Tips and Flavored Pre-Rolled Cones – Ganjapreneur

Sparky’s, original innovators of fragrance pearl tips, are officially starting to change her game Pre-rotated sparky tips and pre-rotated cones of pearl peak. Already creating buzzing in warm circles and trading shows, Sparky’s is now going national – inserting retailers, wholesalers and international partners to enter the beginning of a product that is redefining the experience of smoking cannabis.

See us to live in the high industry show
Sparky will debut on its full line of products in The emergence of the large industry, October 14-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Cabin #1033. Participants are invited to join with $ 500 Club For exclusive starting offers and the benefits of early entry.

Displaying essential oils of natural herbs, certified and exclusive trademark tastes Press & PUFF® The aroma distribution system, Sparky’s pearl tips are powered by Jumbo Pearls– the only one of their type in the market. Regardless of whether you are following fruit vibrations or delightful mine freshness, Sparky’s gives a last personality personality with any hit.

“Cannabis culture is evolving, and our cones and tips bring mastery, fragrance and entertainment together in a way that the market has not seen before,” Daniela Ormaza said of Sparky’s.

What is on the deck: fragrances, sizes and options

Whether you are relying or buying pre-rotated, Sparky offers uncompromising personalization:

Wrapped cones

  • 3: Mini, 1 1/4, and king
  • 3 French newspapers ultrathin: Organic hemp, white and refined colors
  • 12 fragrance:
  • Bananas, blueberry, grapes, lemon, mint lemon, orange, spearmint, strawberries, watermelon, lemon + strawberries (combo), strawberries + banana (combo) and watermelon + lemon mint (Combo)

Pre-rotated tips

  • Type: 7 mm x 22 mm
  • 12 fragrance:
    • Bananas, blueberry, grapes, lemon, mint lemon, orange, spearmint, strawberries, watermelon, lemon + strawberries (combo), strawberries + banana (combo) and watermelon + lemon mint (Combo)

What makes sparky different

  • Patent -protected technology: As original innovators of fragrance pearl tips, we have set the standard for the distribution of aroma in the cannabis industry.
  • Press & PUFF Solution: The patented aroma distribution system offers activation on the request for a soft, durable spraying of the aroma. Press to activate. Puff to enjoy.
  • Pearls with dwarf: Exclusively from Sparky’s, our pearls Jumbo give a longer experience, stronger with fragrance-no other one has them, and no one else approaches the aroma they offer.
  • Third party tested and certified: Free from heavy metals, pesticides, remaining solvents and other harmful pollutants-our natural aromas are derived from vegetable-based essential oils, giving purity and texture. Even our colored papers are naturally colored using food rate coloring for a clean and safe experience.
  • Flavor: Sparky’s is the only brand that offers combinations like the favorite mix for watermelon fans + mint lemons.

Available now

Sparky pearl tips and pearl peak cones are available now in Sparkysmagic.com with limited quantities for early adopters.

“We’ve built something really different – not just a novelty, but a patented product, proven that gives a cleaner, bolder experience of smoking,” said Manuel Ormaza, CEO and Sparky’s founder. “We invite sellers, distributors and industry professionals to visit us at the Big Industry Show, Booth 1033 on October 14-15, to experience our first-hand fragrances and see why the new standard are becoming.”

For wholesalers and distributors

Sparky’s is now welcoming retail, wholesale and international distribution partners. Don’t miss your chance to bring something fresh, spicy and patented for your customers. Get at the beginning of the brand making real noise in the cannabis space. To ask e -mail vip@sparkysmagic.com or visit Sparkysmagic.com/wholesale.

About Sparky’s

Sparky’s is a trailblazer in the Accessory Cannabis innovation and the original patent holder of the pearl pearl. With a commitment to quality, creativity and pure aroma, Sparky gives products that exalt the experience of smoking-worked with natural ingredients and supported by third-party testing. From our patent Press & Puff The aroma distribution system in our exclusive Pearls of jumasSparky continues to lead the industry with bold ideas and funny delicious results.

Contact in the media
NAME: Manuel ormaza
Title: Inventor • CEO • Founder
E -mail: manny@sparkysmagic.com
phone: 1-838-766-9070
Website: Sparkysmagic.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2021 The Art of MaryJane Media