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The Epic High Times Cannabis Cup Journey, From Amsterdam to the Empire State

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The High Times Cannabis Cup has come a long way since its scrappy beginnings in 1988. Born in Amsterdam’s smoky coffeeshops and now blossoming into a global competition judged by everyday fans, the Cup’s history is as colorful as cannabis culture itself. As High Times gears up for its New York Cannabis Cup in 2025, it is the perfect time to look back on how this competition became the world championship of weed.

The Cup Takes Root in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s tolerant cannabis culture made it the perfect birthplace for the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1988.

In late-1980s Amsterdam, High Times launched a small invitational to celebrate the best cannabis on the planet. The city’s unique tolerance system let people gather openly and judge the year’s standouts in public. In November 1988, the inaugural Cannabis Cup took place and set the tone for what would become an annual tradition. High Times’ Amsterdam retrospective captures those early days and why the format fit the moment.

That first Cup was a humble affair by today’s standards. Only a handful of Dutch seed companies entered, and a small panel of judges weighed the entries. Among the earliest voices around the Cup were High Times editor Steven Hager and longtime columnist and cultivation educator Ed Rosenthal. History was made when Skunk #1, entered by Cultivator’s Choice, took the top honors. Soon after, breeder Nevil Schoenmakers of The Seed Bank acquired Cultivator’s Choice and went on to capture the following Cups with his own work. High Times’ hybrid history outlines how those wins echoed through modern genetics.

Origin Notes: There are a few versions of how the earliest Cup moment unfolded. Some accounts describe a private judging in 1987 among a small group associated with High Times, with Ed Rosenthal involved. The publicly organized Amsterdam event that became the annual tradition took place in 1988, with Skunk #1 winning that year, and Steven Hager among the key organizers. We recognize different memories around those earliest days and present what is most consistently verifiable in print, while noting that some details are still debated within the community.

High Times in the High Country: 1990s Expansion

In the early 1990s, the Cup evolved from a niche gathering into a full-fledged cultural event. A U.S. crackdown on seed companies pushed parts of the scene further underground, and the 1991 Cup leaned into an Amsterdam coffeeshop crawl. For the first time, members of the public joined judging for coffeeshop entries. About 50 civilian judges voted that year, and the people’s pick landed. The door was open for fans to help crown champions.

Opening the judging did more than make the Cup fun. It shaped the industry. “Many coffeeshops and seed companies were made by winning the Cannabis Cup,” recalls High Times cultivation editor Danny Danko. A first-place trophy could turn an unknown breeder into an overnight draw. Amsterdam institutions like Green House and Barney’s became destination stops thanks to multiple wins and a friendly rivalry. Up-and-coming seed outfits got on the map after big results, with U.S.-based Rare Dankness and the U.K.’s Big Buddha Seeds among the success stories.

Competition also pushed innovation. The desire to win drove flavor hunts, higher potency, and better craft. The 1990s minted strains that still define the menu. White Widow clinched the 1995 Cup for Green House and reset expectations for resin. By 1998–99, Super Silver Haze ruled sativa. A decade later its citrusy offspring Super Lemon Haze made history as a back-to-back champion in 2008 and 2009. As genetics went global, the Cup kept spotlighting future classics, from Skunk #1 to Tangie in 2013.

By the mid-’90s, the Cannabis Cup was as much a cultural happening as a competition. High Times layered in a yearly salute to the movement’s architects with a Hall of Fame segment during Cup week, honoring figures whose work shaped the culture. The parties were part of the legend too. Shows at Amsterdam’s Melkweg brought hip-hop, rock, and reggae into the mix, with lineups that gave Cup nights a soundtrack fans still talk about. For many, the annual pilgrimage to Amsterdam became a high holiday.

End of an Era, Crackdowns and Change

Nothing gold stays. By the 2010s, the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup was under new pressure. On November 23, 2011, Dutch police raided the Cup expo, the first time authorities stepped into the event’s space. Cannabis was still tolerated, but a tougher political mood had taken hold. Officers enforced possession limits and seized personal stashes. No attendees were ultimately charged, but the message landed.

High Times kept the Cup in the Netherlands a little longer, yet planning got harder each year. In 2014, after 27 consecutive editions, Amsterdam’s run effectively wrapped. Stricter enforcement around drug tourism and gray-area supply made the old model harder to stage, while new legal markets in the United States were opening their doors. The Cup returned to Amsterdam for special editions in 2017 and 2018, but 2014 stands as the end of the continuous Amsterdam chapter as the spotlight shifted stateside.

The Cannabis Cup Comes to America

Before Amsterdam’s finale, the Cup had already started taking its show on the road. 2010 was a turning point. High Times launched the first U.S. events with a Medical Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. It was a natural move as America’s medical scene grew. In 2012, voters in Colorado and Washington approved adult-use. By 2014, Colorado had the first recreational shops, and in 2015 Denver hosted the first fully legal recreational High Times Cup. Adults 21 and over could attend, purchase products, and participate without a medical card. That same year a World Cannabis Cup in Jamaica brought the competition to the spiritual home of ganja.

Through the late 2010s, High Times staged Cups across legal markets from California to Colorado, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, and more. What began as an underground meetup in Amsterdam grew into a roadshow that mirrored legalization. Each regional Cup kept the spirit of the original while letting local scenes shine.

People’s Choice, A New Era

In 2020, the pandemic shut down large events. High Times pivoted to the People’s Choice Edition. Instead of crowded expo halls, the Cup reinvented the competition for an at-home experience and opened judging to everyday consumers via exclusive judge kits sold at dispensaries. Rather than a small expert panel, hundreds of local judges score entries from home. In statewide contests, roughly 228 judge kits per category are offered and tend to sell out fast.

The crowdsourced model democratized the Cup. Fans who never thought they would smoke a full Cup lineup now help decide who wins. Swapping concert stages for scorecards kept the competition alive and true to its roots.

2025, The Cup Comes Home to New York

In 2025, the Cup reaches another milestone. For the first time, High Times is hosting a Cannabis Cup in New York, and it is a People’s Choice edition open to the public. It is on track to be the largest People’s Choice Cannabis Cup to date. For a brand that got its start in New York in the 1970s, bringing the Cup to the Empire State feels full-circle.

As the Cannabis Cup enters its next chapter, it carries the legacy of all that came before, the early Amsterdam pioneers, the strains and personalities that defined cannabis history, and the community of enthusiasts who push it forward. From a small room of judges in 1988 to a statewide People’s Choice in 2025, the Cup reflects the broader journey of cannabis itself. Once underground, now on top of the world, and still a lot of fun. In true High Times fashion, the Cup continues to evolve without losing its cool. As New York’s People’s Choice kicks off, coffeeshop crawls give way to deli runs and tulip joints to bodega blunts. One thing remains constant. The Cannabis Cup is where cannabis history is made, one puff at a time.



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Bad Stoner Horror: The 10 Worst-Rated 420 Scary Movies

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The horror genre and weed culture have crossed paths plenty of times, giving birth to a quirky (and often laced with humor) subgenre known as stoner horror. But not all of these productions hit the mark as hard as the great masterpiece Cabin In the Woods (2011), the hilarious This Is The End (2013), or even the prettydecent Idle Hands (1999). Some have earned the label of the “worst stoner horror flicks” thanks to their ridiculous plots, low-budget special effects, and questionable acting.

Among the most notorious examples are Evil Bong (2006), Bong of the Dead (2011), and Pot Zombies (2005). While these films lack solid execution, they’ve managed to gain cult status among B-movie horror fans thanks to their over-the-top, often comical approach.

So, are they worth watching? Maybe, maybe not, but one thing’s for sure: when a film goes from bad to downright terrible, it can still make for some pretty good entertainment.

Here’s your list (watch out! Spoilers ahead).

Ranked from best to worst: 10 weed-infused horror movies

10 – Bong of the Living Dead (2017)

This horror-comedy follows a group of stoner friends who see their dream of surviving a zombie apocalypse come true. At first, it seems exciting, but they soon realize the apocalypse isn’t nearly as fun as they imagined.

The movie blends classic stoner humor with a heavy dose of zombie gore. With subtle recalls to Shaun of the Dead, it works as a parody of the zombie genre made on a shoestring budget, but standing out for its creativity and style.

9 – The Tripper (2006)

Directed by David Arquette and starring Courteney Cox (Friends), this film mixes horror with political satire. A group of young people head to a music festival in the woods, only to be hunted by a serial killer obsessed with Ronald Reagan. Serving as a critique of 1980s conservative politics, the movie stands out for its bloody, offbeat approach.

8 – Trim Season (2024)

In this horror thriller, a group of seasonal workers venture onto a remote weed farm in California, only to discover something far more sinister lurking among the plants. The film blends rural horror with a critique of labor exploitation.

7 – Hansel & Gretel Get Baked (2013)

This horror-comedy puts a modern twist on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. When Gretel discovers a powerful strain called Black Forest, she and her brother find themselves embroiled in a bloody adventure involving a modern-day witch, played by Lara Flynn Boyle (Twin Peaks). With irreverent humor and horror effects, this film is a bizarre and modern take on the classic.

6 – Evil Bong (2006)

A horror-comedy starring cannabis icon Tommy Chong, where a group of friends buys a mysterious bong that turns out to be possessed. After lighting up, they are transported to a hellish dimension where they must fight for their lives. The film is part of a series known for its absurd humor: its sequel, Evil Bong 420, has an even lower rating: a whooping 2.6/10 on IMDb.

5 – 4/20 Massacre (2018)

Five girlfriends decide to spend April 20th (4/20) camping in a national park, where they come across an illegal grow operation and are forced to fight to survive against a killer maniac. This film blends slasher horror with weed culture, offering both scares and references to stoner icons.

4 – Halloweed (2016)

Two brothers, one of them famous for being the son of a serial killer, move to a new town to escape their past. However, murder follows the family as they try to enjoy a quiet, pot-fueled life.

3 – Star Leaf (2015)

In this science fiction film, a group of friends discovers an alien cannabis plant in the forest that can connect humans to other dimensions. However, smoking from it attracts the attention of extraterrestrial forces.

2 – Bong of the Dead (2011)

Not to be confused with Bong of the Living Dead, in this low-budget horror comedy, two stoner friends survive a zombie apocalypse using weed as their primary defense tool. It’s an irreverent, low-budget take that parodies the zombie genre.

1 – Pot Zombies (2005)

In this cult horror film, people who smoke contaminated pot turn into bloodthirsty zombies. It’s a low-budget production with a B-movie aesthetic that has become a classic within the stoner horror subgenre.



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

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Acclaimed cannabis journalist and documentarian Veronica “Vee” Castillo has released the first installment of her series The Traveling Cannabis Writer’s Guide to America’s Hidden Gems.  Part 1 of the series, dubbed The 30,000-Foot View, is an impactful collection of notes from the road bringing together more than six years of on-the-ground reporting from across the United States, and highlighting the voices, businesses, and cultural movements often overlooked by mainstream media coverage.

Castillo has built a reputation as one of the most trusted grassroots storytellers in cannabis media. Through 200+ published articles across more than 20 publications, she has documented the cannabis movement not from behind a desk, but face-to-face with craft cultivators, equity entrepreneurs, reform advocates, and plant 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 30,000-Foot View explores:

  • The origins of a journey — Castillo’s decision to leave her home in Ohio in 2018 and travel the country to learn about plant medicine after cannabis helped her overcome debilitating migraines.
  • Women shaping cannabis innovation — Insightful profiles of women—primarily Black, Brown, and Latina entrepreneurs—building purpose-driven brands in a system not built for them.
  • Culture and connection — A rare look at cannabis’ cultural roots across Puerto Rico, Florida, Chicago, and beyond, where food, music, tradition, and plant medicine intersect.
  • Advocacy on tour — Behind-the-scenes documentation of educational, business, and policy tours that connected grassroots operators and advanced equity conversations nationwide.
  • The economics of survival — A frank examination of taxes, regulation, and the true cost of building an equitable cannabis industry under ongoing systemic pressure.

A Record of Cannabis Progress, 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 becomes distorted.

“Corporate cannabis didn’t build this industry,” Castillo writes. “Communities did. Healers did. Freedom fighters did. Farmers did. People harmed by the War on Drugs did. These are their stories, and they deserve permanence.”

In contrast to most cannabis industry analysis available in book form, Castillo’s work is lived, personal, and fiercely human. She brings readers into farms, family kitchens, hemp mansions, trap-adjacent clinics, cross-country tour vans, and policy meetings alike. The 30,000 Foot View is a historical archive in motion and a rallying call for equity-centered growth in cannabis. 

Availability

The 30,000 Foot View is now available on Kindle. For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, and speaking engagements, please reach out to: Veetravelingvegcannawriter@gmail.com



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[Video] G Herbo: Snoop Rolled My Blunt and Let Me Hit It, Smoking A Zip a Day, Chicago Munchies (Weird) and What’s Next

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Some stories don’t need dressing. They just land. G Herbo sits back, cracks a grin and lets it fly. A story you can picture.

“Probably with Snoop,” he says when asked about his most memorable sesh. “I was like 18. I left a bunch of Swishers on the table, came back and Snoop was already rolling my [expletive] up. I was like, ‘Yeah.’ He let me hit the blunt. It was my blunt.”

That’s the energy of this sit-down, hosted by Shirley Ju for High Times and presented by Slapwoods. Herbo is calm, funny, direct. He talks like a guy who’s seen the miles and still remembers the corners.

Work rate stays high. “You just dropped the ‘Reason’ music video. One million in 4 days,” Shirley notes. Herbo nods: “Yeah, that’s crazy. I feel like the energy is picking up. The support I’m getting from my core fans and the new fans behind this… I thought it would get a million in a week or two, but four days was different. I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever hit that.”

Chicago pride shows up like a reflex. On the highlight of the shoot he adds, “Nobody really did that. No artist went back to Chicago and in 24s riding around in drop-tops and [stuff] like that. So I knew it was going to get some attention.”

Then comes the era fans always ask about. How much was he smoking back then?

“Probably like a zip,” Herbo says. With the homies it went faster, but solo it was still heavy. “By myself I know I smoke at least a seven to a fourteen a day for sure, ’cause I wake up and roll like four blunts and my blunts were big.” The routine was simple: “I get up, brush my teeth, smoke weed, then eat.”

When the jar dips below a threshold, it’s time to move. “Any time you go lower than a seven, you got to go get more,” he says. Strain-wise he kept it modern: “I really like smoking a lot of Runtz, Gumbo, [stuff] like that.”

Etiquette matters. Biggest pet peeve in a sesh? “Making a blunt wet.” The lip-gloss scenario comes up and he laughs: “Yeah, that’s terrible. That’s my second most for sure. With the lip gloss I don’t even want it no more. He can have it at that point.”

Herbo’s taste is classic. Favorite smoking song: “Styles P, ‘Good Times’.” (“Good Times (I Get High),” 2002.) Favorite stoner movies: “Between Friday and How High. I still watch either if I’m high and laugh all day. Or The Wash. I like watching The Wash when I’m high.” (Friday, 1995; How High, 2001; The Wash, 2001.)

Snoop again. The memory returns in full. “We were at Tree Sound in Atlanta. I left a bunch of Swishers on the table, came back and Snoop was just rolling my [stuff] up. I was happy. I hit the blunt a couple times and went to work. I was super star-struck, so I left him alone.”

Growth sits next to the flex. Holding the old Lil Herb cover, he reflects: “I’ll be 30 in six days. I don’t even remember what I got locked up for, but I look very frustrated… I was wild for sure back then, man. And I’m grateful to be in this headspace, to have matured and grown up from being that kid.”

The music is rolling. “The energy behind that record is insane right now. I got to give credit to Southside. He was like, ‘Drop this record. This the record you need to drop.’ He does it every time. It never fails.” There’s more coming too: “Lil Herb the album 1/17.” (Slated for January 17.)

For now, he’s taking a break from the smoke. “A few more months and I’ll be back smoking weed. I can’t wait.” CBD flower never grabbed him. “No, I haven’t.” Edibles are a no: “I never really got in tune with edibles. You’ll be glued to the couch. When I’m too high and can’t think, I’m trying to think for other people. I don’t like that. I try to sleep it off, but on edibles, your mind be going crazy. I can’t really rap off it either ’cause I’ll be too high. I overthink.”

Chicago slips back in through the munchies door with a hyper-local gem. “Have you had a pickle with chips at the same time? It’s like some Chicago [stuff]… Hot Flamins in a pickle.” The room backs it up. If you know, you know.

The conversation closes where it started, with work and collaboration. On Coi, he lights up: “That [stuff] is fire. Coi is super talented. She makes great music for sure. Any time she sends me something I’m on it quick.”

That’s the thread. The kid in the mugshot found his center. The fan who was star-struck at Tree Sound became the artist with a million-view sprint and a city on his back. The weed tales are part of it. The discipline is the other part. And the music keeps coming.

Interview by Shirley Ju for High Times.

Presented by Slapwoods.





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