Emerald Cup Unites with Local Oakland Dispensary Lounge Urbana for 20th Anniversary Celebrating Legacy and Community

OAKLAND — As the Emerald Cup marks its 20th anniversary this year, the event continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Often hailed as the “Academy Awards of Cannabis,” the Emerald Cup is celebrated for its commitment to honoring the best in cannabis while fostering a strong sense of community. 

Seeking a local partner with the expertise to manage complex inventory and compliance controls, the Emerald Cup has teamed up with Oakland’s Urbana to enhance the event’s vendor operations and strengthen community connection. 

Urbana is one of California’s most progressive cannabis dispensary brands and the operator of two award-winning dispensary and consumption lounge retail locations in San Francisco, in the popular Inner Richmond and Mission Districts.

Recognized for its knowledgeable staff, interactive customer experiences, and committed to community advocacy, Urbana is pleased to play a pivotal role in this year’s event. “We’re honored to be part of the Emerald Cup, particularly as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Urbana Oakland,” said Marty Higgins, founder and CEO of Urbana. 

“This partnership allows us to not only showcase our operational capabilities but also to deepen ties within the vibrant Oakland community and inclusion in California’s broader cannabis culture.”

Celebrating Two Decades of Legacy and Community in Cannabis

The Emerald Cup has grown from a modest gathering in Mendocino County into one of the world’s most respected cannabis competitions and festivals. The event is a symbol of California’s rich cannabis culture, advocating for sun-grown cannabis, small farms, and regenerative agriculture.

The Legacy of the Emerald Cup. Photo Courtesy of Emerald Cup.

The 20th anniversary of this iconic event will take place at the newly renovated historic Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland, a venue steeped in nearly a century of cultural history. 

The center, which opened in 1915, has hosted some of the most legendary events in history, from speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and Bill Clinton to performances by Elvis Presley, James Brown, and the Grateful Dead. The venue’s rich history adds a layer of prestige to this year’s Emerald Cup, and serves as a fitting backdrop for this milestone event.

Emerald Cup’s collaboration with Urbana, known for its community involvement and initiatives, is a natural extension of the Cup’s ethos. At the event, Urbana will manage vendor interface and compliance, ensuring the event runs smoothly and meets all regulatory standards. 

Strengthening Community Ties

“This anniversary is not just about celebrating cannabis; it’s about celebrating the people who have made this culture what it is today,” Higgins added. “Oakland has a rich history of activism and community, and we’re honored to contribute to that legacy through the Emerald Cup.”

By working with local partners like Urbana, the Emerald Cup has been able to extend its reach and offer more inclusive access, including an initiative that provided the local cannabis community with discounted and complimentary passes for those facing financial barriers, through this collaboration. 

This underscores the Emerald Cup’s dedication to making the event accessible to all who share a passion for cannabis and its culture.

Experience the Best of the Emerald Cup

The Emerald Cup’s 20th Anniversary promises a full weekend of culture, competition, and celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore specialty drops, exotic genetics, new products, and top brands from California and beyond in its renowned cannabis marketplace, enjoy live music, and participate in educational panel sessions. 

The Deep Roots of the Emerald Cup. Photo Courtesy of Emerald Cup.

Highlighting the best in cannabis products and innovation, the event will feature over 49 competition categories, ranging from Flower, Pre-Roll, and Edible to Innovative Product and Alternative Cannabinoids–and many more. With 100 judges to lend their expert tastemaking, the Emerald Cup remains the industry’s most prestigious cannabis competition of the year.

The festival site will span indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees. Highlights include the Emerald Cup’s Craft Cannabis Marketplace in the 25,000-square-foot auditorium, live DJ performances, panel sessions in the 1,500-seat theater, and a VIP Lounge in the Olympic Room. 

Outdoors, visitors can enjoy the Emerald Main Stage, various themed tents, and interactive vendor exhibits.

Art, Activism, and Engagement

Beyond the cannabis offerings, the Emerald Cup is a hub of creativity and activism, featuring exhibits, live art, and spaces for social justice organizations. Attendees can engage with a wide range of booths, from psychedelics to non-profit groups, and discover handmade goods from artisans. 

The event’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its recent introduction of a terpene classification system for competition entries, highlighting its role as a leader in cannabis science and education.

Stop By Urbana’s Booth at Emerald Cup

Urbana will be prominently featured at booth number 77, where attendees can discover their popular house-brand products, Yep, and learn more about the grand re-opening of Luka’s as Urbana’s new premiere Oakland dispensary and consumption lounge location. “We’re looking forward to engaging with the community and sharing what makes Urbana a trusted name in California cannabis,” Higgins shared.

2024 Emerald Cup Event Details:

Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
10 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Saturday August 17, 2024, and Sunday August 18, 2024

Marketplace Hours:
11am – 9pm Saturday & 11am – 8pm Sunday
VIP & Retailer-only entry:
11am – 12 Noon both days.
GA entry at 12 Noon.
The Emerald Cup Awards Ceremony will take place Sunday, August 18.

Ages: 21+ with valid I.D. including staff
Attendance: 10,000 per day
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit www.theemeraldcup.com. 

About Urbana: New Oakland Dispensary and Lounge

Urbana is one of California’s most progressive cannabis dispensary brands and the operator of two award-winning retail locations in San Francisco, in the popular Inner Richmond and Mission Districts. Urbana proudly announces a third retail location joins their family of Bay-area dispensary lounges in August 2024, now in the heart of Oakland’s eclectic commercial and entertainment district.

Since first opening in 2016 as Harvest and then transforming to Urbana in 2019, their stores have continually changed how customers shop for and enjoy cannabis. With bright and open retail spaces and beautiful on-site consumption lounges, Urbana attracts consumers from all walks of life looking for a safe and modern way to buy premium cannabis products. Voted one most beautiful dispensaries in America, a top-10 dispensary in Northern California, and “one the best dispensaries to visit with your Mom,” Urbana is proud to announce the expansion of their hospitality-rich service and commitment to serving the community.

Visit Urbana online to get directions or delivery, and browse their selections, rewards and events at www.urbananow.com. Learn more about Urbana’s renowned dispensary consumption lounges by downloading their deck here. 

Visit Urbana Oakland
Visit Urbana’s premiere dispensary and lounge at 415 W. Grand Ave, Oakland, to discover the best social cannabis lounge and retail experience in the city. Enjoy premium cannabis products in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Contact Urbana:
Marty Higgins
Founder and CEO, Urbana
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.urbananow.com 

Media Contact:
Highly Capitalized Network
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.highlycapitalized.com