Celebrating and defining quality craft cannabis.
2020 CUP RESULTS
Cultivation Classic awards are designed with the evolving cannabis market (and some of its challenges) top-of-mind. We honor flowers for their spectacular terpene profiles, standout aroma, and cross-judge consistency of effect. And, perhaps most importantly, we do this using a consistent, double-blinded data set – allowing our cup to truly compare apples to apples. We test all entries with our laboratory partner Lightscale Labs for terpenes and cannabinoids.
A team of 200+ diverse judges evaluated a kit of between 8–12 flowers over 30 days during the early spring of 2020. Our judges do not know the chemovar name, potency, terpene profile, or name of the producer in efforts, resulting in the fairest unbiased an evaluation as possible.
Congratulations – and thank you – to all our 2020 competing producers.
The 2020 digital awards ceremony pivot was made possible by:
WINNER – CREDIBLE CULTIVAR
SOUR SPACE CANDY
GROWN BY HORN CREEK HEMP
Cannabis is well-known for its ability to produce vastly different effects across different people. That’s why we created our flagship award, the Credible Cultivar: to recognize the flower that produced the most consistent effects across our judges. This cultivar was by far the most relaxing flower in the entire competition, despite having only 0.8% THC.
Presented by
WINNER – THE NOSE KNOWS
MAC NO.1
GROWN BY DESCHUTES GROWERY
In our 2019 awards ceremony we revealed, for the first time in human history, that there is a statistically significant correlation between a flower’s aroma and the pleasant experience it produces. We found the exact same thing this year; a pleasant aroma is correlated with both euphoria and a desirable experience. Judges all agreed this flower was the best smelling, created an enjoyable experience, and made them happy.
Presented by
WINNER – LADIES’ CHOICE
ORANGE PUSH POP NO.2
GROWN BY ROLEN STONE FARMS
The scientific literature confirms there are biological sex differences in how people experience cannabis. There was a huge sex difference for this sungrown flower, with women reporting feeling “motivated” and “more thoughtful about future planning and organizing”. Women enjoyed this flower significantly more than the men who sampled it.
Presented by
WINNER – SILVER FOX FAVORITE
OBAMA KUSH
GROWN BY VERDANT LEAF
A deep dive into our data over the past two years has shown us that people over 60 get more enjoyment out of cannabis compared to people of any other age group. This flower was the most enjoyed bud by our judges* over the age of 60. (*Of 200 total judges, n=46 were 60+.)
Presented by
WINNER – OUTSTANDING TERPENE DIVERSITY
RASPBERRY PARFAIT
GROWN BY RISING LEAF FARMS
Lightscale Labs tested all flowers entered in the cup for 48 unique terpenes, and detected 27 unique terpenes in 3 different entries. Our tie breaker for this year’s award: Raspberry Parfait was enjoyed most by the judges. Most judges picked up aromas of pine, citrus, or both in this flavorful flower.
The other two with 27 terpenes: Quantum Kush #5, and Cosmic Temple, both grown by Ebb & Flow Farms.
Presented by
WINNER – OUTSTANDING TERPENE INTENSITY
ZSWEET INZANTIY
GROWN BY CANNASSENTIALS
Lightscale Labs tested all flowers entered in the cup for 48 unique terpenes. This award recognizes the entry with highest percentage of total terpenes, clocking in at 6.02%. (Note: Myrcene dominant chemovars are not eligible for this award.)
Presented by
2020 BEST IN CATEGORY
The “Best in Category” medalists are determined by a combined, weighted score of the following elements:
- Individual judge enjoyment of aroma and experience
- Agricultural quality score as assess by a panel of highly trained graders
- Facility sustainability data from the Resource Innovation Institute’s PowerScore™ tool
WINNER – HEMP
SUVER HAZE
GROWN BY HORN CREEK HEMP
Judges reported a high degree of focus, an earthy flavor, and a noticeable, enjoyable, head change when consuming this highly smokeable hemp.
Effects: Focused, Sedated, Social
THC: 0.71%
CBD: 16.54%
BRONZE
SOUR SPACE CANDY
LADYLAND HEMP FARMS
SILVER
SPECIAL SAUCE
HORN CREEK HEMP
Presented by
WINNER – TYPE 1 SUNGROWN
LEMON MERINGUE
GROWN BY SACRED FLOWER FARMS
This social flower has a “big hazy, lemony flavor and aroma.” One judge noted, “I immediately felt happy, calm, and alert. My confidence rose, my anxiety vanished.”
Effects: Focused, Energized, Very Social
THC: 19.29%
CBD: 0.07%
BRONZE
COSMIC TEMPLE
EBB & FLOW FARMS
SILVER
RASPBERRY PARFAIT
RISING LEAF FARMS
Presented by
WINNER – TYPE 1 SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
BIRDS OF PARADISE
GROWN BY CANNASSENTIALS
This was an extremely competitive category. It had 53 total entries in 2020, and the top six finishers were separated by less than 1 point. This rare ocimene-dominant flower was rated as the most “social” in the entire competition.
Effects: Focused, Energized, Very Social
THC: 20.92%
CBD: 0.06%
BRONZE
MAC NO.1 (CAPS CUT)
DESCHUTES GROWERY
SILVER
WILSON ZERO
ROLEN STONE FARMS
Presented by
WINNER – TYPE 2 SUNGROWN
PINEAPPLE WINE
GROWN BY ALTER FARMS
Multiple judges reported feeling “energized, motivated,” and even “sassy” with this flower! With a balance ratio of lower THC to 12% CBD, this flower ascends to the podium in an increasingly competitive category.
Effects: Focused, Energized, Introspective
THC: 10.10%
CBD: 12.60%
SILVER
GOJI DC
EBB & FLOW FARMS
Presented byBRONZE
ACDC COOKIES
EAST FORK CULTIVARS
WINNER – TYPE 2 SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
PRūF NO. 24 ASTRAL WORKS
GROWN BY PRūF CULTIVAR
With an “amazing, delicious, intoxicating” fragrance, 62% of our judges reported that this flower would be great for outdoor activities like hiking. Noteworthy: she also took home the Ladies’ choice award in 2019.
Effects: Focused, Social
THC: 5.49%
CBD: 9.29%
SILVER
AC/DOSI
YERBA BUENA FARMS
Presented byBRONZE
PRūF NO. 120 MONDAY TONIC
PRūF CULTIVAR
WINNER – TYPE 3 SUN GROWN
TALKIMA KUSH
GROWN BY EAST FORK CULTIVARS
This is one of several selinadiene-dominant flowers to appear in the competition this year, and judges agreed: it is a fantastic choice for daytime activities.
Effects: Focused, Sedated
THC: 0.61%
CBD: 14.24%
SILVER
SOUR TSUNAMI
SISKIYOU SUNGROWN
Presented byBRONZE
EARLY SISKIYOU
SISKIYOU SUNGROWN
WINNER – TYPE 3 SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
BUBBA KUSH HEMP
GROWN BY TRICHOME FARMS
Judges reported that this cultivar created a particularly nice sense of focus, and that it was equally suitable for paddle sports, skating, or video chatting.
Effects: Focused, Energized, Social
THC: 0.53%
CBD: 11.36%
SILVER
BLUE DRAGON DESERT FROST
YERBA BUENA FARMS
Presented by
BRONZE
CORAZON
YERBA BUENA FARMS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 2020 COMPETING PRODUCERS
54 Green Acres
Alter Farms
Angel Industries
Avitas
Benson Arbor
Cannassentials
Cloud Cover Cannabis
Deschutes Growery
East Fork Cultivars
Ebb & Flow Farm
Focus North
Forbidden Flower Farms
Fox Hollow Flora
Frontier Farms
Gaias Ganja Garden
Golden Dama LLC
Green Choice Farms
Green Source Gardens
Güd Gardens
Heroes of the Farm
Horn Creek Hemp
Indo Supply, LLC
Skookump Hemp
Kado
Ladyland Hemp Farms
Lane Creek Hemp Co.
Old Apple Farm
OM Shanti Farms
Oregonic
Pacific Green Growers
Pacific Hills Farms, Inc
Pilot Farm
Pruf Cultivar
Rising Leaf Farms
Rolen Stone Farms
Sacred Flower Farms
Sahalie Herbals
Siskiyou Sungrown
Sovereign Fields
Sun Gold Botanicals
The Plant
Trichome Farms
Truehitt Co. Farms
Verdant Leaf Farms
Viridia Farms
White Tygh Farms
Wisely Organics
Yerba Buena Farms
2019
Watch 2019’s Awards Ceremony!
2016 – 2019 entries were tested by Cascadia Labs.
Outstanding Terpenes: Diversity
Cascadia Labs examined samples for the presence of 21 different terpenes. Fire Runner (Alter Farms) was the only cultivar in the entire competition that had some amount of every single terpene that we looked for.
The Credible Cultivar
The credible cultivar is the one with the most consistent effects, or lowest standard deviation, of all the subjective effects we asked judges about. Judges agreed that Goji DC #1 (Ebb & Flow Farm) was very enjoyable, and uniformly relaxing.
All analysis were completed using statistical software R. Cultivars were organized by Entry ID number. After analyses were complete, the Entry IDs of the identified winners were cross-referenced with the complete data set to reveal the cultivator and cultivar names.
Outstanding Terpenes: Intensity
Black Widow (Trichome Farms) stood out as having the highest percentage of total terpenes, clocking in at 5.69% total, dominant in terpinolene. Note: myrcene dominant chemovars are not eligible for this award.
Ladies’ Choice
A composite of aroma, desirable effects, and happiness ratings (Composite Enjoyment). We looked for a cultivar which had 1) a high degree of Composite Enjoyment 2) a low standard deviation (judges all agreed), and 3) a prominent difference between male and female responses. Females enjoyed Astral Works (Pruf Cultivar) more than any other chemovar.
The Nose Knows
Examining the standard deviation (variability) of three different measures: happiness, aroma, and desirable effects. Judges all agreed (low standard deviation) that Tropicanna Cookies (Eugreen Farms) was the best smelling, created an enjoyable experience, and made them happy.
Gender Non-binary Choice
A composite of aroma, desirable effects, and happiness ratings (Composite Enjoyment). We looked for a cultivar which had 1) a high degree of Composite Enjoyment 2) a low standard deviation (judges all agreed), and 3) a prominent difference between male, female, and gender-non-binary responses. Gender non-binary evaluators enjoyed Hells Angels OG X Sunshine Daydream (Paschal Farms).
Supplemental Light Type 1
Gold: Durban Chocolope – Cannassentials
This terpinolene dominant cultivar was the most energizing of all the winning flowers. Nine out of ten judges picked up on its citrus-like aroma.
Silver: Wedding Crasher – Rolen Stone Farms
Bronze: Now n Later (NnL) – Focus North
Supplemental Light Type 2
Gold: Dynasty Genetics Huckleberry Web – Deep Creek Gardens
This cultivar has a pungent aroma and represents a balance of action and and relaxation: The majority of judges reported it would go well with light activity like yoga, hiking, or walking the dog.
Silver: Lite Me Up – Bull Run Craft Cannabis
Bronze: Kween – Ideal Farms
Supplemental Light Type 3
Gold: Blue Dragon Desert Frost – Yerba Buena
To quote one of the judges directly: “This was the most beautiful of the samples. It smells like Flintstone vitamins, and it tastes like fruit.” This cultivar is well-rounded in terpenes and also contains the minor cannabinoid CBD-V.
Silver: Corazon – Yerba Buenaz
Bronze: Harle-Tsu – Truly Oreganic
Sun Type 1
Gold: Purple Wildfire – Alter Farms
To quote one of the judges, “This is the ONE. From the very moment I saw her I knew she was something spectacular and special.” Judges LOVED the look of this purple bud, and were able to tell by scent that it was terpinolene dominant.
Silver: Cuban Linx – Frontier Farms
Bronze: Koffee – Green Source Gardens
Sun Type 2
Gold: Goji DC #1 – Ebb & Flow Farm
Multiple judges commented that this flower was perfectly cured. Despite VERY high myrcene levels, judges uniformly agreed that it was not at all sleepy; rather, it almost uniformly produced a relaxing effect on judges’ mental state.
Silver: Mighty Quinn – Phantom Farms
Bronze: Pineapple Thai CBD – Alter Farms
Sun Type 3
Gold: Blue Orchid – East Fork Cultivars
This is a very unique beta-Ocimene dominant cultivar. The majority of judges said it would go well with relaxing activities like “watching the surf, zoning out to music, showering, and watching TV.”
Silver: ACDC – East Fork Cultivars
Bronze: Sour Tsunami – Siskiyou Sungrown
Hemp
Gold: Suver Haze – OM Shanti Farms
2019 was the first year Cultivation Classic has included Hemp in the cup, and since judges were blind to their samples, evaluators did not know if they had hemp in their kit. Judges agreed: this was a sticky flower that ticked a lot of boxes: Euphoric, relaxing, facilitating focus. This looks like a good one for productivity, judges reported it paired well with creative tasks, cleaning, cooking, and computer work.
Silver: Elektra – OM Shanti Farms
Bronze: Oregon Guava – East Fork Cultivars
Resource Innovation Institute’s Energy Efficiency Winner 2019
Presented by Tonkon Torp
Winner: Deschutes Growery
Runner Up: Wy’est Gardens
Watch the video by The Hood Collective to learn about Deschutes Growery. Learn more about qualifications for this award here.
Regenerative Cannabis Farm Award Winner 2019
Presented by Sana Packaging | Powered by The Emerald Cup
Winner: Lane Creek Hemp Co.
Finalists: Mentari Farms, East Fork Cultivars, Phoenix Rising Farm, The Plant, StaeFli Farms
Watch the video to learn more about Lane Creek Hemp Co. and all RCFA finalists. Learn more about qualifications for this award here.
Lab Partners: Our analytical lab partner 2016 – 2019 was Cascadia Labs. Our partner for 2020 is Lightscale Labs.
Data Poster Information: These posters are a data visualization project developed in intentional collaboration with many people, for the people.
Effect + Analytics | Smart Cannabis™
Laboratory | Cascadia Labs
Energy Efficiency | Resource Innovation Institute
Software | Seth Andrews, Dave Becker
Photography | Resinated Lens
Design | Brandilyn Wycoff
Printing | Hemp Press
Note: All analysis were completed using statistical software R. Cultivars were organized by Entry ID number. After analyses were complete, the Entry IDs of the identified winners were cross-referenced with the complete data set to reveal the cultivator and cultivar names.
2018 WINNERS
TYPE 1 (THC) / INDOOR
GOLD
Entry 1372
7 Points Oregon
Voyager 1
SILVER
Entry 1788
Eugreen No-Till
OG Pie Breath
BRONZE
Entry 1031
7 Points Oregon
Future # 11
TYPE 1 (THC) / OUTDOOR & GREENHOUSE NO SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 2890
Grow Organic
Jazz
SILVER
Entry 2736
The Plant
Samoas
BRONZE
Entry 2085
Ebb & Flow Farm
Cookies
TYPE 1 (THC) / GREENHOUSE WITH SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 7799
Aroma Cannabis
Alaskan Blackberry F2
SILVER
Entry 7761
Cannassentials
Green Ribbon
BRONZE
Entry 7397
Truly Oreganic
Oregon Huckleberry
TYPE 2 (MIXED RATIO) / INDOOR
GOLD
Entry 3396
Bull Run Craft Cannabis
Lite Me Up
SILVER
Entry 5918
Yerba Buena
Dragon Snacks
BRONZE
Entry 5336
Yerba Buena
CBD Kush
TYPE 2 (MIXED RATIO) / OUTDOOR & GREENHOUSE NO SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 4149
Ebb & Flow Farm
Goji DC
SILVER
Entry 4954
Green Source Gardens
Ancient Art (Pennywise x Black Grape Romulan
BRONZE
Entry 4775
Siskiyou Sungrown
Twisted Siskiyou
CATEGORY: TYPE 2 (MIXED RATIO) / GREENHOUSE WITH SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 8001
Truly Oreganic
CBD Skunk Haze
CATEGORY: TYPE 3 (CBD) / INDOOR
GOLD
Entry 5167
Yerba Buena
Blue Dragon Desert Frost
CATEGORY: TYPE 3 (CBD) / OUTDOOR & GREENHOUSE NO SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 6672
East Fork Cultivars
Sour Tsunami
SILVER
Entry 6883
Siskiyou Sungrown
Harley Wreck #2
BRONZE
Entry 6288
Phantom Farms
Cannatonic #4
CATEGORY: TYPE 3 (CBD) / GREENHOUSE WITH SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT
GOLD
Entry 9001
Cascade High Organics
Cannatonic
DEPENDABILITY AWARD (PRESENTED BY HABU HEALTH)
Eugreen No-Till’s OG Pie Breath
OUTSTANDING TERPENES AWARD
Phantom Farms’ Jager
Mother Magnolia Medincial’s Sweeties
WEEDMAPS’ PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD 2018
WINNER
Entry 1590
Fox Hollow Flora
Sour Banana Sherbert
2017 WINNERS
CBD OUTDOOR
Winner: Alter Farms, Cherry Wine
Second Place: Siskiyou Sungrown Farm, Z7
CBD INDOOR
Winner: Yerba Buena, Corazon
Second Place: Cascade High, Steven Hawking
CBD GREENHOUSE
Winner: Cheshire Kind, Cannatonic
Second Place: Cheshire Kind, AC/DC
1:1 OUTDOOR
Winner: sofresh farms, Critical Cure
Second Place: Siskiyou Sungrown Farm, HarleyWreck
1:1 INDOOR
Winner: East Wind Cannabis, CBD Critical Mass
Second Place: Gaia’s Ganja Garden, Kush Med
1:1 GREENHOUSE
Winner: Toro Ma, CBDiesel
No Second Place: Only one entry
THC OUTDOOR
Winner: One Family Farms, Blueberry
Second Place: High Valley Organics, Purple Hindu Kush
THC INDOOR
Winner: Ten Four Farms, Sour Tangie
Second Place: Bull Run Craft Cannabis, Golden Cobra
THC GREENHOUSE
Winner: Cannassentials, Guava Chem
Second Place: Cannassentials, Bubblegum
2016 WINNERS
OUTDOOR THC
Winner: Alter Farms, Purple Hindu Kush
GREENHOUSE THC
Winner: Hill Fire Farms, Jack Herer
INDOOR THC
Winner: Garden Terrace Farms, Jack Herer
GREENHOUSE CBD
Winner: Essential Agronomy, Fisher’s CBD
INDOOR 1:1
Winner: Newcleous Nurseries, Cannatonic