High Times Medical Cannabis Cup, San Francisco

As the laws surrounding Cannabis and medical marijuana in California become more reasonable, its use becomes more mainstream and normal. This year the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup in San Francisco even had a nearby billboard. Attendees were of all shapes, sizes and colors - all brought together over a common interest in marijuana. Regardless of its legal status, it was obvious that while there were plenty of 20-somethings in attendance, there were plenty of 30- to 70-somethings as well.

Last year when I attended the HTMCC the line to enter the event was nightmarish. At last year's awards ceremony High Times magazine's executive editor Dan Skye promised they would improve the process for this year's show. To give the organizers credit, the 2011 entry was both quick and painless in comparison. It was nice to see that promise kept. The venue was larger, and had a better layout as well. It also appeared to have a lot more attendees; if this year's event was any indication, next time they will need more room, at least in the smoking section outside.

Seminars and panels were held by Cannabis celebrities and experts, including author Jorge Cervantes, Harborside's Steve DeAngelo, and the senior cultivation editor of High Times, Danny Danko. The main floor of the indoor area was busy, but with a festive atmosphere. Vendors sold pipes, bongs, and a wide variety of marijuana-related products. Handcrafted wares by artists were sold next to slick commercial products. Credit card grinders and a staggering variety of ways to consume were available to eager shoppers. Several booths were rented by LED companies, each seeming to make a bigger claim than the last.

I even renewed my California patient identification card at one of the booths. Upstairs had a nice mellow area, which made for a very relaxing place to visit after making a circuit in the 215 patient area. Artwork lined the walls, rugs and tables set in the center. In sharp contrast, the 215 patient area had a very nightclub/party atmosphere. Oversized joints were passed around, loud music played in the background, and it was wall-to-wall with people. Marijuana was sold and sampled. Edible samples were handed out, including some tasty treats by last year's medal winners Bliss Edibles. A visible haze rose above the crowd like a fog. At the end of the show on Sunday night, the winners were announced to much fanfare and cheering.

The Results:

HYBRID

1st Place: OG Kush (D & M Compassion Center) 2nd Place: Star Dawg (Buds & Roses) 3rd Place: The Pure (Leonard Moore Co-Operative)

INDICA

1st Place: Boggle Gum (Harborside Health Center) 2nd Place: The True OG (Elemental Wellness Center) 3rd Place: 7 Star Pure Kush (7 Stars Holistic Healing Center)

SATIVA

1st Place: Bay 11 (Granddaddy Purple Collective) 2nd Place: Alpha Blue (OrganiCann) 3rd Place: Sonoma Coma (Happy Lil' Trees) Peace, love and puka shells, Grubbycup