Founder Tim Blake and The Emerald Cup (www.theemeraldcup.com), revered as the ‘Academy Awards of Cannabis’ by Rolling Stone Magazine, proudly announces its 20th-anniversary celebration, set to take place on May 4 and 5, 2024 at the prestigious Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland. This year’s Emerald Cup is a testament to and a celebration of the resilience and solidarity of the California cannabis community. This event stands as a beacon of hope and progress, celebrating the very best of cannabis culture and achievements.
Founded 20 years ago in 2004 with a vision to honor the best of the harvest, the Emerald Cup has since evolved into a symbol of excellence, innovation, and community in the cannabis industry. Founder Tim Blake’s legacy of building this esteemed platform showcases the remarkable journey from a small, intimate gathering at “Area 101” in Mendocino County to a destination event for connoisseurs from around the world that is now synonymous with the highest standards in cannabis.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Emerald Cup, we are excited to extend an invitation to all California cultivators, brands, innovators, and enthusiasts ages 21 and up from across the planet. This year’s event, building on a legacy that has previously honored icons like Willie Nelson, Mila Jansen, and Woody Harrelson with Lifetime Achievement Awards, seeks to showcase the rich diversity and dynamic energy of the cannabis culture.
At the heart of the Emerald Cup’s 20-year tradition is the annual Competition. With hundreds of entries submitted across more than 40 unique categories, the Emerald Cup Competition spans the full spectrum of cannabis consumption. It offers an inclusive and positive environment and a fair and level playing field, highlighting not only traditional cannabis products but also embracing the evolving scope of alternative cannabinoids and hemp, as well as product innovation, honorary awards, and more.
For the first time since 2019, the highly esteemed Emerald Cup Awards will converge with the public Emerald Cup Craft Cannabis Marketplace and weekend-long festival that expects to draw thousands of guests per day in what is shaping up to be the most highly attended Emerald Cup event in history.
Attendees will be immersed in an unforgettable experience that includes live educational Emerald Cup Sessions discussions, exhibitions, a vibrant marketplace, live entertainment, food and drink, and the friendly, communal vibe that the Emerald Cup is known for. The event continues to serve as the market’s preferred grassroots networking hub and is dedicated to highlighting the progressive and innovative nature of the industry.
“We are immensely proud to reach this 20-year milestone,” says Tim Blake, founder of the Emerald Cup. “This anniversary is a celebration of our journey, the incredible community that has been with us every step of the way, and the bright future of cannabis culture. We’re honored to host this year’s event at the re-opening of the Henry J. Kaiser Center for Arts, providing a fitting backdrop for what is set to be a historic gathering. The Emerald Cup 20th Anniversary is more than an event; it’s a landmark in the history of cannabis culture. Join us this Spring to be a part of this momentous occasion, celebrating the legacy, unity, and excellence of the cannabis community.”
Emerald Cup Announces Competition Entry Window
The Emerald Cup is excited to announce the opening of its competition entry window on January 2, 2024 with all applications due and entries submitted by February 9, 2024. This marks the official start for participants to submit their entries and showcase their commitment to excellence in cannabis cultivation and innovation. With the competition drawing in the best from across the state and a table of industry legends as judges, this year promises to be a showcase of unparalleled quality and creativity in the cannabis industry.
For more information about the competition, visit the Emerald Cup website or contact contest@theemeraldcup.com
For media inquiries, contact: press@theemeraldcup.com To learn more about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, contact: sponsors@theemeraldcup.com
ABOUT THE EMERALD CUP The Emerald Cup is the world’s premier cannabis destination and iconic live event. While advancing the concept of sustainable farming, the iconic 20-year old organization’s reputation is firmly solidified as the largest, most diverse, and most respected cannabis competition in the world. As an organization, The Emerald Cup prides itself in bringing together the leading experts in the cannabis industry to educate and inspire our fellow farmers, patients, and patrons each year. The community celebration has grown to become a global movement honoring each year’s cannabis harvest, as well as the finest cannabis products available. The Cup has stood as a celebration of excellence and over the years the founder, Tim Blake, has been recognized as one of the guardians of the cannabis industry. WEBSITE: www.theemeraldcup.com IG: @theemeraldcup
ABOUT HENRY J. KAISER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, a historic and publicly owned facility in Oakland, -California, was established in 1914 in the Beaux-Arts style by architect John J. Donovan. Initially named the Oakland Civic Auditorium, it was renamed in 1984 to honor Henry J. Kaiser. During its golden era, the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center hosted luminaries from the musical and political worlds. Elvis Presley, James Brown, and the Grateful Dead were among the artists that performed at the arena. World political figures like Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, and others also graced its hallways. This multi-purpose building includes a5,492-seat arena, a theater, and multiple ballrooms. Located in Oakland’s Civic Center district, it’s steps from the Oakland Museum, Laney College, and Lake Merritt. After closing in 2006, the center has been undergoing redevelopment by Orton Development, Inc. since 2015, transforming it into a commercial space with a focus on performing arts. The 20th Annual Emerald Cup will make use of the full building and grounds with exciting indoor and outdoor activations wowing the crowds late into the night and all weekend long.