THE HARVEST CUP NOT YOUR AVERAGE TROPHY

JENNIFER RUSSO

From seeds to flowers, infused gummies to beverages, glass pipes and artwork, and everything in between, The Harvest Cup celebrated the best of the best in cannabis. With guests from every walk of life, the event was colorful to say the least. Some guests came dressed to the nines, some sported their tie dye and marijuana leaf prints, and some even showed up in pajama pants. One guy had a huge gold chain on with a matching pendant that looked like a gold-dipped cannabis clump, and there was even someone completely dressed as a sasquatch. Anything went in this super relaxed and chill environment where everyone simply respected each other for having a common interest.

In the center of the exhibition floor was a glass case with all the entries for the Harvest Cup, New England’s foremost trophy for cannabis growth and utilization in different categories. Attendees could get a close look at all of the submissions and the beautiful crystal trophies adorning a shelf just waiting to be handed out to the winners. Veteran WAAF radio personality, Mike Tsu (who now hosts on Pike FM), was the master of ceremonies – letting people know where to go for what and taking bets on how many misplaced phones he would need to announce for pickup. Surrounding the tent were hundreds of vendors, selling items and treats related to the hobby. Many booths had spin to wins or samples (non-THC infused) to try and swag, including my personal favorites, the honeycomb gummy from Revclinics, a lime flavored Wynk seltzer at the Resinate booth and an apple cider gummy offered by The Botanist. There was even a guessing game where you had to determine what terpenes (natural chemical compounds in cannabis) were in unmarked bottles based on scent. If you got it right, you received a gift.

Many booths had flower in cases that you could look at closely and smell, and the vendors were extremely knowledgeable about their craft, easily answering questions about use, growing, deltas and various effects of the strains. It was impressive to see the equal balance of men and women-owned vendors at the event, and the slogan for Caroline’s Cannabis – Buy Weed from Women – was fantastic.

In addition to the main Harvest Cup competition there was also a live and interactive rosin competition happening at the event called Uncle Stoners Squash Off, where participants could enter in a flower they grew, which was then judged by a live panel on texture, taste, aroma, look under a high-powered microscope, etc. The flower is then pressed to extract the rosin, which is also judged. The winner was Christina Eva of Badd Girl Buddz.

Book signings with Benjamin Bartlett and Jeffrey Homan, writers of the Toking with the Dead comic books happened throughout the day. Sam Miserendino, author of If You Give a Bear a Bong and If You Give a Dog a Doobie, was also there signing his books.

Guest appearances didn’t stop there. Renowned puppeteer Bill Diamond, who has done a lot of work with Jim Henson, was there speaking to attendees and Wu-Tang’s Cappadonna also came by to say hello and take pictures with fans. There were many artists at the event as well including Dunkees (Daniel Militonian), well known for his psychedelic looking artwork depicting loved cartoon characters, like Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob, experiencing a good time. My favorite was an interesting take on George Jetson, Homer Simpson, and Peter Griffin in a spaceship. There were also exquisitely crafted pipes at the Green Goddess Supply Company tent (one even looked like a giraffe) and some gorgeous artwork by Serendipitous Highs. I Think I’ve Created a Monstah had the ugliest and yet cutest monster sculptures.

Upstairs in the ballroom, there were lectures by expert speakers. Therapist Erin Doolittle, did a wonderful presentation on the benefits of cannabis for those who suffer from anxiety and PTSD, explaining how and why our brains protect us after trauma, but discussing the effects and ailments we experience as a result of how our body responds to this physically. She discussed how the use of cannabis can regulate these responses and provide therapeutic relief and advocated for its use.

Marion McNabb, from the Cannabis Center of Excellence, discussed latest trends in cannabis research and the importance of creating educational programs around cannabis. One study revealed that a high percentage of people are using cannabis so that they can reduce dependency on prescription drugs and opioids and that the use of the plant can also assist in opioid addiction recovery.

Winners were announced over the two days of the event. They were:

Sativa Flower – City Slickers Genetics – Pineapple Citrus Indica Flower – House of Cultivar – Designer Runtz Savory Edibles – Nicci’s Pickles – Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slices Sweet Edibles – Northeast Alternatives – Nostalgia Bites PB&J Infused Bonbons Syrups/Sauces/Condiments – Tricann Alternatives – Tomatillo Sauce Beverages – TerpLife – Mulled Apple Cider Concentrates – TriCann Alternatives – Blackberry Kush Rosin Tinctures/Capsules – Queenie Care – FECO Capsules Topicals/Transdermals – Who is Mary Palmer – High Intensity Pain Cream CBD Flower/Extract – Northeast Alternatives – Whipped Cherry Tangie Purple Sunset Batter CBD Edibles – Northeast Alternatives – Posh Nibbles Infused Ganache Bonbons CBD Topicals/Transdermals – Who is Mary Palmer – Rose Lotion It was greatly impressive how supportive the crowd and other entrants were. Even those that didn’t win were thrilled for the people who did, really speaking for the strong community of growers and creators. The event was an excellent one and gets better year after year. We can’t wait to see what’s new in 2022.