High Times’ annual Cannabis Cup in Southern California is a bit like the Oscars, Comic-Con and E3 of marijuana all rolled up into one big event.
And since California voters passed recreational marijuana use in November, expect the Cannabis Cup to be a big celebration (and it has ditched the “Medical” prefix in its name). According to High Times, there will be only one Southern California Cannabis Cup this year, and it is set for April 21-23 at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. There’s one in Las Vegas happening this weekend, March 4-5, which came under fire from the Feds, as well as one scheduled for Northern California in Santa Rosa June 3 and 4.
The Cannabis Cup will include a “topical massage spa,” a grow room, a career fair and more, according to organizers.
Headlining entertainers have yet to be announced, but 2016’s performers included the Roots, De La Soul and Wiz Khalifa while Ludacris and Chief Keef are among the performers in Las Vegas this weekend.
If you’re thinking of making the trek, here’s what you need to know before you go, straight from the organizers:
How much is it?
You can buy Cannabis Cup tickets online, but prices may go up before the event and do cost more at the door. The general admission and VIP ticket sales at the following prices seem to end March 7, so you can save a little by buying early, but the Super VIP is on sale through April 23.
Alexis “Goody” Matias of New York takes a hit from a bong at the Valley OG booth, as Marina Paganessi acts as bud tender, at right, during the 2015 Cannabis Cup at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. (Kurt Miller, File Photo)
General admission: A one-day general admission pass is $50 and a three-day pass is $140.
VIP: A single day VIP pass is $85 and increases to $240 for three days. The VIP passes come with lounge access, goodies–including a show poster–water stations and dedicated bathrooms. Prices do not include fees. Doors also open earlier for VIP guests.
Super VIP: For $420–of course that’s the price–you get the same gift bag as the VIP passholders, plus the same welcome kit the judges get (this doesn’t make you a judge, though, it’s more like the swag bags the celebs get at the big awards shows), edible tastings and a tour of the Grow Room with High Times’ editor, Danny Danko.
Those prices do not include fees.
Who can go?
You must be 21 or older with a valid ID, or 18-20 with a medical card matching a valid ID. There will be a medical area open only to guests with cards, so if you want access, bring yours.
Can I bring in cannabis?
Yes, as well as smoking accessories, according to the Cannabis Cup FAQ, just mind the legal limit. However, food, alcohol, drinks, coolers and other items are not allowed.
And if you want to stock up on the winners from 2016, High Times has a list with pictures from last year’s event.
More culture from The Cannifornian:
Kushstock wants to be the cannabis festival of the people
Podcast ‘I’m Too Effing High’ will make you laugh
‘Doobious Sources’ has the makings of a modern stoner classic
