Ohio festival is paying people US$1,000 to be judges at its first Cannabis Cup
No experience required
Rowan Dunne
Have you ever wanted to be recognized as a cannabis connoisseur but don’t have any credentials needed to receive the recognition you think you deserve? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has arrived.
On Tuesday, Ohio’s Stargazer Cannabis Festival revealed that it will be paying a select group of weed enthusiasts US$1,000 each to serve as judges at its upcoming inaugural Cannabis Cup. The second annual marijuanapalooza will be held from Jul. 25-27.
A love for the cannabis plant is the only qualification aspirants must have.
“By opening up the judging process to everyday fans through a lottery we’re making this competition as exciting and inclusive as possible,” festival communications manager, Chad Thompson, said in a news release.
Chosen stoners will have the opportunity to judge flower, edibles, pre-rolls, concentrates and CBD products. Prospects can enter on the festival website.
The Ohio pot fest will feature a farmers market, a blunt rolling workshop, scavenger hunts, art installations, another joint rolling competition like 2024, several vendors and much more. One of last year’s doobie twisting judges, Rana Samarghandi, currently rolls blunts for Snoop Dogg professionally.
This year they are planning to break the world record for the largest pot brownie ever made. It will need to weigh in at over 1,300 pounds.
About 1,200 people attended the 2024 event near the village of Waverly. Afroman is even going to be there this time around.
“One lucky couple will win the ultimate cannabis-infused wedding experience, hosted by none other than Afroman himself,” organizers explained. “Say ‘I do’ in a dream ceremony at Stargazer, surrounded by festival magic, music, and good vibes.”
Read more: Cannabis industry contribution to U.S. economy set to increase by 9% in 2025
Hosts have spent years pushing for cannabis reform
Before recreational sales commenced in Ohio last summer, the festival’s organizers had been lobbying for marijuana reform in the state and throughout the U.S. for over a decade.
A significant portion of the cash generated from last year’s fest was allocated to cannabis decriminalization initiatives.
“By participating in this event, you not only enjoy a unique and engaging experience but also contribute to a noble cause,” the festival hosts said, “aiding us in our continuous fight for sensible marijuana laws.”
Ohio’s adult-use cannabis industry has become one of the country’s top revenue generators.
The state has raked in over US$350 million from recreational weed merchandise since sales kicked off on Aug. 6, 2024.
Read more: Groundbreaking ceremony held for Kentucky’s first medical cultivation facility
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rowan@mugglehead.com
