Life is short—so smoke the best weed in human history. Shoot, help vote for the next best weed in human history.
More cannabis competitions are coming coast to coast, and even across oceans, in 2024. High Times results come in hot this month, and entries are already open for multiple East Coast competitions.
To help you keep up with deadlines and ceremony events, we’re tracking dates for the cannabis cups, contest, and championships you can’t miss. Keep an eye on upcoming deadlines, and make sure to grab your tickets early to be the cannabis culture you want to see in the world.
Here’s the singular list of winter and spring 2024 cannabis contests that you need to know.
Email Leafly to submit a listing, or boost your placement.
January cannabis cups
High Times judges kits bring smiles to Oregon consumers this year. (Courtesy High Times)
Voting is now open in multiple categories for the inaugural International Cannabis Awards, with the ceremony slated for March 13 in Barcelona. [link]
Entry for the Spring 2024 Maryland Home Growers Cup is open. [link]
Entry for the Greenskeeper Cup in Massachusetts is open. [link]
Entry for the Florida Cup 2024 is now open. [link]
Nominations for the 2024 Pennsylvania Cannabis Awards are now open. Deadline is Feb. 14. [link]
Winners announced for Farmers Cup: Harvest edition in San Diego, CA. [link]
Winners announced for High Times Cannabis Cup Oregon: People’s Choice 2023. [link]
Related
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
Get to the golden bear trophy. (Photo by Justin Abrahams, courtesy of CA Cannabis State Faire)
February cannabis cups
February 5
Winners announced for the Cannabis Cup Arizona: People’s Choice 2023. [link]
February 9
Entries due for the 20th Emerald Cup in California. If you’re not entering, what are you doing? [link] Judge applications are also still open. [link]
February 15
Voting begins for the 2024 Pennsylvania Cannabis Awards. [link]
February 24 & 25
Winners announced for the X Cup in Connecticut. [link]
Talking Trees owner Craig Nejedly accepts an Emerald Cup award in 2023. (David Downs/Leafly)
Related
Stay high in Dry January on Blue Dream—2024’s first Leafly HighLight strain
March cannabis championships
March 1
Entry deadline for the Greenskeeper Cup in Massachusetts. [link]
March 2
Entry deadline for the National Cannabis Championship in Washington, DC. [link]
March 13
The first International Cannabis Awards, “the Oscars of weed” will be held in Barcelona in a 14th-century building. This will also open the stateside competition portion to 2025, so prospective entries should keep an eye out for the official announcement and how to enter. Leafly is a media sponsor and judge. [link]
More seeds, Zkittlez strains, live rosin, and dope collaborations are just a few of the trends coming to your cannabis from Europe’s 25,000-person megafest in Barcelona, Spain.
(Courtesy Spannabis)
Related
Sniff away, America—Permanent Marker wins Leafly Strain of the Year 2023
April cannabis contests
April 13
Winners announced for the Greenskeeper Cup at the Grass is Greener Gathering in Worcester, MA. [link]
Winners announced for the 2024 Pennsylvania Cannabis Awards. [link]
April 19
Winners announced for the National Cannabis Championship in Washington, DC. [link]
April 27 & 28
Winners for the Florida Cup 2024 and festival announced in Miami. [link]
2023 Hall of Flame
For a roundup of last year’s winners, check out our guide to 2023 cup winners and where to buy them.
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Strains & products
2023 Cannabis Cup winners and where to buy them
Amelia Williams
December 21, 2023
Email Leafly to submit a listing, or boost your placement.
Arizona’s cannabis market is blooming, offering a variety of top-tier brands that cater to discerning enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for potent flowers, innovative vapes, or gourmet edibles, the Grand Canyon State has it all. Here’s a quick hit list of the best cannabis brands and products you should try in 2024.
1. Aeriz: Live Rosin Pods
Aeriz, renowned for its sustainable aeroponic growing techniques, continues to impress with its award-winning lineup. Notably, their Live Rosin Pods have taken the market by storm, capturing the essence of the plant without the use of volatile solvents. These pods are a testament to Aeriz’s commitment to purity and innovation, making them a must-try for vape enthusiasts.
2. STIIZY: Prerolls in Watermelon Z and Strawnana Cookies
STIIZY is celebrated for its innovative approach to cannabis, and their prerolls are no exception. Offering a delightful variety of flavors, including the juicy Watermelon Z and the sweet Strawnana Cookies, STIIZY’s prerolls are perfect for those seeking taste and convenience. Each preroll is crafted to deliver a smooth, flavorful smoke, embodying STIIZY’s commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. These flavorful options make STIIZY’s prerolls a top pick for enjoying Arizona’s cannabis culture.
3. Canamo Concentrates: Premium Extracts
Canamo Concentrates is celebrated for its high-quality cannabis extracts, revered by both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers to the dabbing scene. Utilizing top-notch flower from Sonoran Roots, Canamo offers an exceptional range of cured and live extracts. Their standout products include the Ghost Lime Pop Live Resin Vape, which delivers vibrant citrus flavors with a potent kick, and the Chem D Live Hash Rosin, known for its pure, solvent-free concentrate that appeals to purity enthusiasts.
4. Grön Chocolate: CBD Infused Bars
Grön has rapidly grown from its humble beginnings in CEO Christine Smith’s kitchen to become one of North America’s largest producers of adult-use cannabis-infused edibles. Known for their commitment to quality, Grön’s products like the 1:1:1 Blackberry Lemonade Pearls and 3:1 Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt utilize organic, Fair Trade Certified ingredients. With accolades such as the High Times Cannabis Cup and recognition from Benzinga as the “Most Innovative Brand,” Grön continues to set the standard in the edibles sector.
Exploring Arizona’s Cannabis Excellence
These brands are just the tip of the iceberg in Arizona’s rich cannabis landscape. Each offers unique products that stand out for their quality and innovation, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.
As the market continues to grow, these brands set the standard for excellence, ensuring that consumers have access to the best the state has to offer.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, exploring these top cannabis brands in Arizona is sure to enhance your experience with high-quality, reliable products designed to meet diverse consumer demands. Enjoy the pinnacle of cannabis culture in one of the most vibrant markets in the US.
As the sun-drenched state of Arizona continues to thrive as a hotbed for cannabis culture, its residents have shown a clear preference for both classic and emerging strains. The latest rankings reveal a fascinating mix of old favorites and new challengers, painting a vivid picture of the evolving tastes among Arizona’s cannabis enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the strains that are capturing the attention of the Grand Canyon State in 2024.
Ranking supreme throughout the year, Blue Dream continues to enchant with its sweet berry aroma and the perfect balance of sativa and indica effects. This strain is the epitome of euphoria and relaxation, making it the go-to choice for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers eager to explore the soothing aspects of cannabis.
Blue Dream
Hybrid
Creative • Uplifted •Energetic
THC ~18%
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Blueberry with Haze. This strain produces a balanced high, along with effects such as cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. Blue dream is 18% THC but has a low CBD percentage, making this potent strain a fan favorite of both novice and veteran cannabis consumers. In terms of flavor, Blue Dream is reported to smell and taste like sweet berries. Medical marijuana patients often use Blue Dream to treat symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and nausea. Blue Dream originated in California and has since achieved legendary status among West Coast strains and has quickly become one of the most-searched-for strains in the Leafly database.
GG4 continues to stand strong in third, known for its potent effects and sticky resin. Its earthy and pungent aroma is matched by a powerful euphoria, making it a go-to for a deep, full-bodied relaxation.
GG4
Hybrid
Relaxed • Sleepy •Hungry
THC ~20%
Gorilla Glue is a hybrid weed strain made from a genetic cross between Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. This strain is 37% sativa and 63% indica. “Gorilla Glue”, also known as “Original Glue” or “GG4”, is a potent strain that delivers heavy-handed euphoria and relaxation, leaving you feeling “glued” to the couch. Its chunky, resin-covered buds fill the room with pungent earthy and sour aromas inherited from its parent strains. Gorilla Glue is 20% THC, making this strain an ideal choice for experienced cannabis consumers. Leafly customers tell us Gorilla Glue effects include feeling relaxed, sleepy, and hungry.
Jumping from ninth to fourth place, Kush Mints has surged in popularity thanks to its refreshing minty flavor and balanced high. This climb highlights a growing interest in strains that offer both invigorating taste profiles and comprehensive effects.
Kush Mints
Hybrid
Relaxed • Sleepy •Hungry
THC ~28%
Kush Mints is a hybrid weed strain made from a genetic cross between Animal Mints and Bubba Kush. This strain is 50% sativa and 50% indica. Kush Mints is a potent and flavorful strain that has a minty and cookie-like aroma and flavor, with hints of gas and pine. It has a balanced high that is both relaxing and euphoric, with a pleasant body buzz and a creative mind. Kush Mints is 28% THC, making this strain an ideal choice for experienced cannabis consumers.
Making an impressive leap from 30th to fifth place, The Soap captivates with its unique, clean scent and uplifting effects. Its rapid ascent is a clear indicator of Arizona’s adventurous palate and openness to new cannabis experiences.
The Soap
Hybrid
Hungry • Sleepy •Happy
THC ~18%
The Soap is a sativa weed strain made from a genetic cross between Animal Mints and Kush Mints. The Soap is 19% THC, making this strain an ideal choice for beginner cannabis consumers. Leafly customers tell us The Soap effects include focus, feeling energized, and arousal. Medical marijuana patients often choose The Soap when dealing with symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Bred by Seed Junky Genetics and Berner’s Cookies, The Soap features flavors like mint, pine and cheese.
Notable Climbers and Surprises
Egg Roll: This strain has made an astonishing jump from 168th to 28th place, showcasing the dynamic nature of Arizona’s cannabis market. Its exotic flavor profile and balanced effects have quickly made it a favorite among connoisseurs.
Grape Pie: Climbing from 56th to 26th, Grape Pie has caught the attention of many with its sweet, fruity flavors and relaxing high, indicating a sweet spot for grape-flavored strains among Arizona’s enthusiasts..
Lilac Diesel: The most dramatic rise comes from Lilac Diesel, soaring from a previous 680th place to 71st. This incredible jump suggests an emerging trend towards floral and diesel notes, marking it as one to watch in the coming months.
The cannabis scene in Arizona in 2024 is marked by a blend of steadfast loyalty to classic strains and an eagerness to explore new flavors and experiences.
From the enduring appeal of Blue Dream to the meteoric rise of unexpected newcomers like Egg Roll and Lilac Diesel, the state’s cannabis culture is as diverse and vibrant as its landscape.
As we move forward, the shifting preferences of Arizona’s cannabis community will undoubtedly continue to reflect the state’s dynamic spirit. Keep an eye on these trends, and you’re sure to discover some exciting new favorites along the way.
America’s tens of millions of stoners need not endure unequal access to their life-saving medicine and safer alternative to alcohol. They can vote with their feet for some fine cannabis cities, or stay to fix the terrible ones. Right now, all across the US, Americans enjoy widely different levels of weed freedom.
Real Estate Witch’s website computed the top 50 best weed cities in America, and the differences speak volumes. Denver, CO ranks No. 1. Louisville, KY ranks dead last. Below, Leafly presents some highlights and picks from each spot.
John Denver wasn’t kidding! The Mile High City defends its name with a first-place finish in the stoner city rankings for 2024. I mean, it has a fricking Mile High 420 Fest. Colorado legalized in 2012, and today a mature cannabis industry competes to serve the highest-quality flower and extracts at the lowest price. Denver has nearly four times as many shops per capita as Los Angeles, and the top-shelf ounce average price there bucked inflation, falling $1 in the last year to $242 per ounce. Whether it’s fine dining, shows at Red Rocks, stunning trails, or killer art, Denver delivers for its irie residents and visitors. We can’t wait to visit again.
No. 2 Portland, OR
Moonbow #99 grown by Archive Portland. Indica hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)
Ghost Train Haze goes choo-choo in Sin City. (Courtesy Nature’s Chemistry)
Sin City aims to corner the market on turnt-up cannabis fun. Las Vegas offers legal tree from the second you land. There’s kiosks in the airport, and the cabbies will drive you straight to da club. Combo that cannabis with a trippy visit to The Sphere, some tasty food, and so much more. The cherry on top: Las Vegas’ licensed cannabis smoking lounges are finally opening up. Read our Las Vegas weed visitor’s guide.
No. 4 Buffalo, NY
According to Whitney Economics, just 4 percent of New York smokers consume licensed cannabis. That’s a failure. But not in Buffalo, NY, where locals—including indigenous communities—charted a speedy path to tons of stores and literal tons of cultivation. That’s how you get safe access and do the will of the voters. Buffalo outranks New York City—ouch! Go Bills!
No. 5 Baltimore, MD
Special Sauce in a jar at Baltimore’s Charm City Smoke Fest (J.M. Giordano for Leafly)
American cannabis regulators don’t want to learn from their competitors in other states. But we can still beg them to study Maryland. which canna-balled into adult-use sales in 2023 with a smash success launch. Existing medical growers bulked up, stores flipped from medical to recreational, and supplies never ran dry. May the speedy reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge inspire us all.
That Badu. Cookies opens its first store in Arizona—Cookies Tuscon June 24. (David Downs/Leafly)
It’s so great to see this big desert city flower into a cannabis capital. Phoenix has a huge amount of large-scale indoor cultivation bringing down prices. Its regulators did a savvy job of spreading clubs around the state, and getting city buy-in with the carrot of tax revenue, and another special incentive. Cities that ban stores must allow home-growers.
No. 7 Seattle, WA
Torus Gas Face. Hybrid sativa. Gassy! (David
Downs/Leafly)
Shout-out to all the amazing breeders and growers of Washington: From Exotic Genetix, to Torus, to Artizen to Freddy’s Fuego, Phat Panda, and Constellation rosin. The party is on Bainbridge Island this 4/20!
No. 8 Sacramento, CA
Flo White from Amplified Farms 26.8% THC (David Downs/Leafly)
The world doesn’t know it yet, but Sacramento is going to run away with the weed bag. Killer indoor ships statewide from California’s capitol—Alien Labs, Amplified Farms, Natura, Seven Leaves, and so much more. SacTo is perfectly positioned between the foothills, the mountains, and the coast—with water, power, labor, and affordable land. Locals enjoy fine cannabis at fair prices from plentiful stores, and combine it with tasty eats, trips to the Sacramento River, and the mountains. Go meet your legislator with California NORML May 8, and demand ‘Deli-style.’
No. 9 Kansas City, MO
The Good Day Farm dispensary serves adults 21 and older now in Kansas City. (Courtesy Good Day Farm)
Hot damn! Welcome, Kansas City, Missouri, to America’s top 10 weed cities. Missouri pulled off an epic, drama-free 2023 legalization launch and K.C. is on fire with NFL champs The Chiefs, a new airport, a cleaned-up downtown, and the impending arrival of the US Women’s Soccer team stadium. Missouri has solid medical indoor that flipped to recreational, and they are rapidly getting up the learning curve on dope strains. Plus, world-class barbecue, jazz, shopping, affordability, and plenty of room for newcomers.
No. 10 Providence, RI
The East Coast continues to come alive with legal cannabis, and Providence’s jump up seven spots to rank in the top 10 is a testament to its progress. What is going on in Providence? Well, weed is fully legal. They’re epically passionate, and the town boasts twice as many head shops per capita as Seattle. It’s hard to find a map, but once you get there, expect to find weed-friends.
How we rank the top US weed cities
Real Estate Witch conjured its results by giving cities points for:
Legality of cannabis
The cost of weed
Consumer interest as measured by Google Trends
Dispensaries per 100,000 residents
Doctors per 100,000 residents
Average rating of dispensaries out of 5 stars
Site visitors to Leafly
And the prevalence of head shops, concert venues, fast food restaurants, hiking trails, and movie theaters
The ten worst cannabis cities in the US
By that token, here are the ten worst weed cities in America, as well:
And that’s a breezy walk through the top 10 weed cities in the US. You can find your tree in any of them using Leafly, so download the app and tap in to win. Enjoy this golden age of cannabis coast to coast!
