18th Annual Emerald Cup Awards Ceremony Held in Hollywood
The 18th annual Emerald Cup awards ceremony recently took place at the Montblanc Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This year’s event, returning after a two-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, was especially lively and well-attended. In addition to guests and their companions, the celebration drew a large number of journalists and representatives from various private cannabis companies, who promoted their products and provided gift sets for attendees and winners.
According to eyewitnesses from the HIGH TIMES team, who were on site to cover the event, the theater quickly filled with people exploring every corner and floor. Although the main festivities were held on the rooftop, some guests immediately headed to the bar or the designated consumption area, both located on different levels of the theater lobby. The musical program kicked off early, featuring performances by Andreas Von, Dasmine Solana, and Lafa.
The awards ceremony itself was hosted by Swami Chaitanya and Nikki Lastreto of Swami Select, joined by guest hosts Ngaio Bealum and Whitney Beatty. This year, awards were presented in 50 different categories, covering not only various types of cannabis flowers and oil extracts but also a wide range of cannabinoid-infused products.
As noted by journalists from Rolling Stone, the event had the vibe of a “hippie, more relaxed version” of the Academy Awards. Throughout the evening, the atmosphere remained energetic and engaging, with the audience—despite their formal appearance—responding enthusiastically to the hosts’ jokes, asking questions, and interacting with guests on stage.
Community Spirit and Industry Growth
“I’m thrilled to see how far we’ve come. Cannabis enthusiasts no longer have to hide or be ashamed of their passion,” said Tim Blake, founder and organizer of the Emerald Cup. “This is our version of the Oscars—just as big and important, but still rooted in the laid-back stoner culture that created it. What matters most is that people are still interested in the industry itself, its achievements, and the success of individuals—not just the money. Of course, business is business, but our event highlights that the real focus is the community and its love for cannabis in all its forms.”
Blake also emphasized the event’s inclusivity: “Even as we go international, the cannabis community remains one big, quirky family. We value individuality and a personal approach, which is why we have categories for independent growers who don’t have licenses for well-known strains and hybrids.”
From Northern California Roots to Hollywood
Until recently, the Emerald Cup was closely associated with Northern California’s “Emerald Triangle”—the historic heart of cannabis cultivation, known for its small, craft farms. Until 2017, the event was held in Trinity, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties. With full legalization, the Cup expanded, gained new sponsors and resources, and moved south to Los Angeles.
“After 2017, when full legalization arrived, we realized it was time to grow and move forward,” Blake explained. “Our classic participants and partners supported the expansion, seeing new opportunities for investment and business. That’s why our headquarters is now in Los Angeles, the center of the largest and most profitable legal cannabis market in the U.S. and the world.”
Judging and Winners
The judges reviewed over 700 entries from companies and independent farmers nationwide, selecting 182 winners across various categories. Judging was conducted blindly and in multiple stages to ensure fairness and impartiality. The panel included 150 industry figures, such as Alex Dixon of SC Labs, Bill and Jeff Levers, Eric Brandstand, Guy Rocourt, Jimi Devine, Maya Elisabeth, Abdullah Saeed, The Dank Duchess, and many others.
The trophies were crafted by renowned local glassblower Ryan Fitt, with support from the Puffco workshop. Event logistics were managed by Taylor Blake, Tim’s daughter and apparent successor.
The standout of the event was Dennis Hunter of Farmer and the Felon, whose products won in several categories. Other notable winners included LitHouse, Rebel Grown, Fig Farms, and Huckleberry Hill Farms, whose first victory was met with a standing ovation.
Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the cannabis industry. This year’s honoree was actor Woody Harrelson, who had just opened his new therapeutic cannabis dispensary in Hollywood the day before the event. Previous recipients include Tommy Chong, Winona LaDuke, Valerie Corral, and Willie Nelson himself.
Harrelson was recognized for his long-standing and active support of legalization in the U.S. “We reached out to Woody, and he gladly accepted our invitation,” said Blake. The event faced challenges when the original venue, Green Street, lost its business license. Harrelson helped negotiate with city officials and ultimately secured a new venue and a temporary license for a smoking area, saving the event. “Woody truly proved his commitment to the cannabis community and more than earned this award,” Blake added.
Harrelson was chosen not only for his business contributions and positive portrayal of cannabis in film but also for his long history of cannabis activism. He first publicly supported legalization in 1996 by planting hemp during a Green Party protest in Kentucky. Harrelson advocates for a non-commercial, community-based cannabis industry focused on sustainable, natural cultivation without chemicals.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
“The topic of ‘green,’ naturally grown cannabis is more relevant than ever,” Blake noted. “For the first time, most entries were for indoor-grown plants rather than outdoor. While that’s a bit sad, the industry’s growth has brought many new products that wouldn’t exist without legalization. We shouldn’t forget our roots in organic cultivation, but we also shouldn’t dismiss innovation. Even die-hard fans of classic organic cannabis will be amazed by the variety of extracts, edibles, drinks, salves, and other products with unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles.”
A detailed breakdown of the event, including interviews, discussions, and the full awards ceremony for all 50 categories, is available exclusively on ALTRD.TV.