Jars and Jars of Buds: This Is the Emerald Cup, the World's Largest Medicinal Cannabis Competition

The Emerald Cup was founded in 2003 by Tim Blake–an expert who has been cultivating cannabis since 1971–to pay tribute to the community work of those who freely plant organic marijuana.

This year the competition received more than 600 applications and the judges had to select the finest product from over 100 kilos of therapeutic marijuana. The evaluation was based on more than smoking. They also analyse small samples of the grass, which await the judges in their respective numbered jars, as can be observed in these striking photos.

The event came about as a way to celebrate the arrival of the autumn harvests, and over the years its founder concluded that the time had come to recognize the numerous high-quality medicinal products that different industry professionals managed to turn out. Ever since, the artisanal creations of these growers have been recognized.

This year the competition featured six different sections: flowers, concentrates and solvents, edibles, topical products, photography and the growers' cup. The winners in the latter will enjoy a trip to Jamaica for two and the possibility that the owners of some clinics may very well show interest in their product.

In addition, attendees were able to participate in a series of workshops and talks featuring some 50 panellists, all internationally prestigious professionals recognized for their work with marijuana. This represents a good way to offer the latest information on the organic cultivation of cannabis, legalization, science, policy and sustainable growing practices.