I attended the High Times Cannabis Cup this past weekend in search of knowledge, vendors, and business partners. I found a huge stoner party, equipped with ghetto rappers such as Lil’ Debbie, free dabs at every booth, and the endless supply of concert-priced nachos and french fries. I know this sounds like heaven for all of you stoners [and it was tons of fun], but as a business woman going in, I hoped for more organized professionalism.
Entries
I would like to see High Times get a little more strict with their entries. There was only a small section of organic, solvent-less concentrates/extracts. As a sensitive, allergic-to-everything patient, I only vape solvent-less meds. Every other category was made using solvents such as butane, propane, iso-propane, etc. I expect a “medical” cannabis cup to serve only medicine – NOT extracts with >600ppm of butane. I understand this is the trend in the industry right now, but HighTimesMagazine is the media for cannabis users. It needs to SAY NO to impurities and be a good role model.
Organization
I would like to see High Times get more organized in general. I understand your Cup has expanded rapidly in the past five years, but please, put responsible, organized, planners in charge of these things. Entry and exit was a mess, food supply was very poor and disgusting, and there was no one to direct you anywhere.
[[I would also like girls in short skirts to not bribe me with vape pens to vote for their collective. I even said, “No thank you, isn’t that breaking the rules?”Also, your flavors make me sneeze. No thanks on additives.]]
Experience
Before taking any samples, I asked how the product was made. Just like grocery shopping, I’m an avid label reader. The problem with this was that only one person in each booth knew the answer to this question. The owner/scientist/creator/grower was one person, who was usually busy. Everyone else was a hot girl dressed sexy to pack you hits and smile pretty. (Fun touch, but slightly demeaning to a new woman business owner.)
[[Note: If you own a dispensary, please educate everyone who works for you! If you sign up for a convention, make sure you have enough educated volunteers to help you. Help our industry grow up.]]
Vendors
High Times should have an industry-only night before or after the Cup. Some of us come for business first, play second. It would be super awesome to sit around with all the professionals who would like to network, partner up, or expand. Also, an opportunity to talk to investors would be appreciated.
Please don’t be surprised at my choice of professional language, scientific questions, and the use of a business card. No, I do NOT want to contact you by DM on Instagram. Please grow up.
Besides the crowd of “stoners running businesses,” I met some great people. They agreed on organic and eco-friendly standards, medicine being tested for purity, and required you to join the collective before hitting their products. These will receive an email or phone call for future partnership.
Wrap it Up
I will give everyone the benefit of the doubt and say they’re trying their best. I apologize if I offended anyone or put anyone down. I enjoyed my time and am thankful for attending the event. I will attend another one and hope that it has grown.
Nixie Dee 