High Times Brings Back Cannabis Cup to New York

LOS ANGELES – Josh Kesselman, the entrepreneur behind RAW® Rolling Papers and recent steward of High Times magazine, has revived the storied Cannabis Cup competition in New York, setting it up to be the first in the state since voters approved recreational Cannabis sales almost five years ago.

The event, set to culminate in winner announcements next month, adopts a fresh structure [People’s Choice format] that puts product evaluations in the hands of everyday buyers rather than industry insiders, a move that could reshape how brands chase recognition in a maturing market.

Kesselman, a New York native who acquired High Times and its assets for $3.5 million last summer, framed the relaunch as a nod to grassroots input. “The community finally gets to help crown the champions of Cannabis, and I couldn’t be happier that this next chapter kicks off in my home state of New York,” he said in a statement released this week. Partnering with Matt Stang, a longtime High Times figure, Kesselman has steered the publication toward limited-edition print runs and event revivals, betting on nostalgia to draw in a new generation of participants.

The competition kicked off last fall with submissions in 12 categories, from flower strains to edibles, and judge kits distributed through city dispensaries like Torches and The Flowery. Each kit packs samples, scorecards, and online access for ratings on factors such as aroma, flavor, and effects. With caps at 228 kits per category, the setup aims for broad but controlled participation, culminating in a February awards show. High Times Editor-in-Chief Javier Hasse called it a win for authenticity:

“Good Cannabis doesn’t need hype. It needs tasters.”

This consumer-led approach arrives as New York’s Cannabis sector grapples with uneven rollout. By empowering buyers to spotlight standouts, the High Times Cannabis Cup sidesteps elite gatekeeping and offers data-rich feedback for brands navigating tight margins and supply constraints. Early buzz on social platforms like X suggests strong turnout, with posts amplifying the “people’s choice” angle since kits dropped in November. Still, skeptics question whether crowdsourcing dilutes rigor; after all, the original Cup, born in Amsterdam in 1988, built its cachet on expert scrutiny.

For the Cannabis industry, still finding its footing, this edition seeks to determine if a direct consumer voice can accelerate trust and sales. Meanwhile, High Times, under Kesselman’s watch, positions itself not as a bystander but a catalyst, reminding operators that in Cannabis, the real verdict always comes from the ultimate consumer.

Additionally, please check out the interview with Josh Kesselmann, exclusively for HCN, from the recent IgniteIt (former Benzinga) Cannabis Business Conference.