Best Cannabis Cup Winner Strains

Our Top 10 Cannabis Cup Winners

There are some marijuana strains that are quite simply a class above the rest. We have chosen 10 seed strains that have continuously come out ahead in all cannabis competitions such as the High Times Cannabis Cup, the Highlife Hemp Fair, the Spannabis Cup, the IC 420 Growers and Breeders Cup and the Emerald Cup. These are the seeds that have been voted the best by smokers, growers, numerous judges and dispensaries. They include classic strains like Jack Herer, White Widow and AK 47 that have been winning awards since the 90’s. If you are not growing any of these cannabis cup super-stars, you should give them a try. They truly are the pinnacle of marijuana breeding.

Top 10 All Time Cannabis Cup Winners

2017 Cannabis Cup Winners

We couldn’t help but share a couple favorites from 2017 too…

2016 Cannabis Cup Winners

We couldn’t help but share a couple favorites from 2016 too…

Best Cup Winners of 2015

We couldn’t help but share a couple favorites from 2015 too…

Best Cup Winners of 2014

We couldn’t help but share a couple favorites from last season too…

Marijuana Cup History…

When you hear “cannabis cup” the event that likely springs to mind is the High Times Cannabis Cup. Inspired by the California harvest festivals of the ‘70s, this was the first cannabis event to take off on a world-wide scale. Founded in 1988 by then editor-in-chief Steven Hagar, during its first couple of years the High Times Cannabis Cup received little support. It wasn’t until the 7th Cup in 1995 that the event really took off, attracting 700 judges, 15 coffee shops and 3 seed companies. The following year those numbers doubled.

High Times brought the Cannabis Cup to the United States in 2010. Today there are cups held in California, Denver, Michigan and Seattle, with one planned for 2015 in Portland. There is also a High Times Medical Cannabis Cup for states that have legalized medical marijuana use.

At a High Times Cup all strains are tested for THC and CBD content, and judges vote for their favorite strains in a number of categories including: Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, Hydro, Edibles, Hash, Medical Cannabis and many more.

While they may be the best known, the High Times Cups are not the only cannabis competitions.

Other popular cannabis competitions include:

• Highlife Cup Hemp Fair
• Celebrating its 17th year in 2015, this Amsterdam event celebrates marijuana from around the world, but especially that from the Netherlands. Last year saw 6000 visitors and the addition of two new categories for judging: Medical Cannabis and Kush Strains.
• Highlife Cup Winners:
• White Widow: Hybrid 20% THC 400 g/m2 10 Highlife Awards
• Jack Herer: Sativa 15-20% THC 400g/m2 9 Highlife Awards
• IC 420 Growers and Breeders Cup
• Started in 2003, IC 420 Growers and Breeders Cup is a celebration all about those who are keeping marijuana culture alive. The competition is open to anyone on the planet, so long as they grew their entry themselves. Coffeeshops are also judged, but on ambience, service and cleanliness as well as their strains.
• IC 420 Cup Winners:
• NYCD: Indica Dominant 14% THC 450+ g/m2 2014 1st IC420
• Karma’s OG: Hybrid High THC High Yield 2x 1st 2014 IC420
• Spannabis Cup
• The Spannabis Cup is Spain’s answer to the High Times Cannabis Cup. Entering its eleventh year, Spannabis is THE cannabis event in Spain, featuring a trade show, live music, lectures, performances and, of course, lots of strains to be sampled and judged.
• Spannabis Cup Winners:
• Arjan’s Ultra Haze: 80% Sativa 20+% THC 800g/m2
• NYCD: Indica Dominant 14% THC 450+ g/m2
• The Emerald Cup
• For ten years, the Emerald Cup has provided a venue for outdoor growers to showcase their buds. These are often home-grown crosses with unique genetics. Their entries are all blind tested and checked for contaminants. Awards include the Emerald Cup Trophy and prizes like a week-long trip to Jamaica.
• Emerald Cup Winners:
• Darin’s Lemon Skunk: DNA Lemon Skunk Clone 1st 2014 Emerald Cup
• Sour Best Shit Ever: 19.6% THC 1st 2010 Emerald Cup
• The Secret Cup
• Starting as a private event, the Secret Cup has taken the world by grass root storm. This is a competition by, for and all about hash and hash makers.
• Secret Cup Winners:
• Sour Diesel Shatter: Sativa Dominant 80% THC 1.5% CBD
• Ogre Kush Wax: Hybrid Master Kush Genetics 2x 1st 2014 Secret Cup
• Treating Yourself Expo
• 2013 celebrated the 4th annual Treating Yourself Expo, a Canadian event focusing on networking and education for the medical marijuana user. Last year’s event was unfortunately canceled… we hope to see more from Treating Yourself in the future.
• Treating Yourself Expo Winners:
• Chocolope: 95% Sativa 15-20% THC 500 g/m2 1st 2013 TYE
• PainKiller: 75 % Sativa 9% THC/ 9% CBD 500g/m2

Who decides which Strains are the Best?

Judging at a cannabis cup:

There are many styles of judging at the various cannabis competitions. Some awards like “People’s Choice” at the High Times Cup are open to anyone, while other cups use official judges and a variety of criteria for choosing the best strains.

At the High Times Cannabis Cup there are two levels of judging. For around $250 anyone can purchase a judge’s pass. This allows you to vote on your favorite strains in each category. Everyone’s votes are compiled to decide the best strains. You don’t get any free marijuana as a judge, but you do get to have a voice in the outcome.

High Times also enlists the aid of “official” judges. An official judge arrives 5 days early and is given a package containing all the strains entered in a particular category. For instance, official judges may get 30-40 Sativa strains if they are judging that category. That means they have 5 days to smoke A LOT of cannabis, scoring each strain for taste, smell and effect.

At the Emerald Cup judging is a month long affair, sometimes more. Contestants submit a 3 oz sample which is judged for looks, fragrance, taste and effects (effects count double). Bit by bit the samples are narrowed down through rounds of competition until the final winner is chosen.

Here are a few of the things judges are looking for when they score a bud:

• Looks: Is the bud light and fluffy, or did it get smashed flat? How much resin is visible? Does it sparkle under bright light?
• Smell: Skunky? Fruity? Strong? Weak? Does it make your mouth water?
• Taste: This includes the actual flavors of the smoke, and its smoothness. Does the bud have a chemical bite to it that mars the taste? Or does it have a nice organic silkiness? Does it make you cough? Is it hard to put down because you just want one more taste?
• High: What type? How fast? How long? This is the single most important category when judging marijuana.
• Burn: Does it burn to a clean grey ash? If not, that can be a sign of errors in curing or drying.
• Do you want to smoke it again? After sampling five different buds, which one do you choose to smoke the next day?

Tips for Attending a Cannabis Cup

Attending a Cannabis Cup is every marijuana lover’s dream. There are all the latest growing and smoking gadgets to check out, endless new friends to make and, of course, free samples. Samples until your head is high above the clouds and your legs feel like something between rubber and lead.

When you head off for your cup adventure, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your trip.

• Stay nearby
  If you just spent all day hanging out at a cannabis cup, you are high. Odds are, you are probably higher than you have ever been in your life. Driving is the last thing you want to do, and it’s a bad idea to boot. Find a hotel within walking distance of the venue. You will be glad you did!
• Find a “hang-out” booth
  These events are notorious for having few places to sit and chill out. If you can make a friend with someone at a booth, it can be a great opportunity to be still and do some people watching- one of the most interesting cannabis cup activities.
• Don’t travel with marijuana
  Be smart. If you are crossing state or country lines, do not bring weed with you. You can buy it when you get there, trust me. Nothing will ruin you cup trip faster than getting pulled over in Nebraska with a bag of marijuana.
• Take a nap
  Cannabis cup events can feel marathon long. Give yourself a break mid-day so you can enjoy your time to the utmost.
• Dress for walking
  You are going to walk. A lot. This is not the time for your sexy new heels, ladies. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to cover some ground.
• Plan ahead… or not.
  There is a lot to see. Between the many vendors, performances and lectures there is no way you can check out each and everything. If there are events you don’t want to miss plan ahead to get there. Walking from one side of a cup event to the other can take half an hour… or more when you get sidetracked by a vendor. Alternately, you may enjoy wandering with no intentions and hanging out at whatever event or vendor catches your attention.
• Do NOT sell weed. To ANYONE
  While it is rare, it is not unheard of for officers to attempt sting operations at a cannabis event. If someone asks you to sell them weed, just say no. A cup is not the time for finding new clients for your tasty buds.

A cannabis cup or expo is a great opportunity to learn, sample and celebrate marijuana and cannabis culture. Even if you can’t attend a cup this year, try growing an award-winning strain. We have compiled a list of the 10 best cup winners of all time. These are some of the classic favorites that have influenced the breeding and development of marijuana strains for the last 20 years.

Top 10 Cup Winning Seeds of All Time

Best For: ’94 Overall High Times Cup Winner, 11 Awards

Awards Won:

• 2006: 2nd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Seed Bank Hydro Haze), 2nd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Grow Shop Hydro Haze)
• 2005: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro)
• 2004: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro), 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Seeds Haze Hydro)
• 2003: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Seeds Hydro), 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Grow Shop Bio), 3rd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro)
• 2002: 3rd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro)
• 1999: 1st – High Times Cannabis Cup (Sativa Cup)
• 1994: 1st – High Times Cannabis Cup (Overall)

Jack Herer from Sensi is the one of the most highly awarded strains of all time, with 11 prizes from the High Times Cannabis Cups alone. Named for the late marijuana activist Jack Herer, this strain won the ’94 High Times Cannabis Cup in its first year and is still wildly popular twenty years later. Jack Herer himself loved to smoke it, and would be proud to see it still thriving today.

Part of the joy of growing Jack Herer, a multiple hybrid, is in watching its four distinct phenotypes develop. Three show Sativa characteristics in growth while the fourth is shorter, squatter and faster to flower. All four yield the same potent, pure, clear high accompanied by a deep, relaxing body buzz that has made Jack Herer seeds so famous.

Jack Herer genetics have contributed to the award-winning strains Jack Flash and Candy Jack, to the much loved Cinderella 99 and many others.

• Type : Sativa Dominant
• Height : Tall and Big
• Flowering time : 9-11 weeks
• Awards won : 11 Cannabis Cup Awards
• Yield : 400 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Difficult
• THC level : 15-20%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Advanced Seeds Jack Herer Auto-Flowering Feminized Seeds

• Advanced Seeds Auto Jack Herer
• Royal Queen Royal Jack Automatic Seeds
• AC Genetics Turbo Jack Seeds
• Dinafem Critical Jack Seeds

Best For: ’96 overall High Times Cup Winner, 14+ Awards

Awards Won:

• 2014: 3rd High Life Hemp Fair (Hydro Cup)
• 2010: 3rd High Life Hemp Fair (Hydro)
• 2006: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Seed Bank Hydro), 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Bio)
• 2005: 2nd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Best Hydro Seed), 3rd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro)
• 2004: 3rd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Bio)
• 2003: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro), 3rd – High Life Cannabis Cup (Grow Shop Bio)
• 2002: 1st – High Life Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop Hydro)
• 1998: 3rd – High Times Cannabis Cup (Bio Cup)
• 1996: 1st – High Times Cannabis Cup (Overall)
• 1995: 1st – High Times Cannabis Cup (Bio Cup), 2nd – High Times Cannabis Cup (Bio Cup)

White Widow swept the coffeeshop cannabis scene the moment she appeared in the mid-‘90s. She won the overall High Times Cannabis Cup in ’96, setting the bar high for all “white” strains to come.

Covered in the sticky white trichomes that give her her name, White Widow is known as one of the strongest strains available, with THC levels reaching as high as 25%. The high is a hammering Indica stone followed sneakily by some delightful Sativa cerebral effects.

She does best indoors under the care of an experienced grower. She does not tolerate many errors in lighting schedule, watering or feeding. Don’t be scared- she is easier to grow than Jack Herer, and has won even more awards. Let her flower a full ten weeks to enjoy the maximum harvest of sugary, resin-soaked buds.

• Type : 60% Indica, 40% Sativa
• Height : 35-80 cm
• Flowering time : 8-10 weeks
• Awards won : 12 Cannabis Cup Awards
• Yield : 450 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Moderate
• THC level : 15-20+%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Pyramid White Widow Auto-Flowering Seeds

• White Label White Gold Cannabis Seeds

• Widow Bomb Seeds

• Sweet Double White Seeds

• Serious White Russian Seeds

• Dutch White Rhino Seeds

Best For: 2 x Overall High Times Cannabis Cup Winner

Awards Won:

• 2014: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Seattle (Best U.S. Sativa)
• 2007: 3rd Overall High Times Cannabis Cup,
• 2005: 3rd Overall High Times Cannabis Cup
• 2000: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup Sativa, 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup People’s Cup
• 1999: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Overall,
• 1998: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Overall, 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Hydro)
• 1997: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Hydro)
• + Numerous High Life Hemp Cup Awards

Super Silver Haze from Green House has award winning stamina. Not only did she sweep up the ’98 and 99’ Overall High Times Cannabis Cup awards, she has maintained a presence in both the High Times and High Life Cups for the last 15 years. As recently as 2014 she was ranked the #1 Sativa at the Seattle High Times Cup.

Super Silver Haze features the very best of Northern Lights, Haze and Skunk #1. Her taste is simultaneously sweet, citrusy and pungent. The high sits deep in your body yet manages to be energetic and creative as well as relaxing. A great day-time smoke for medicinal users it relieves depression and acts as a pain killer while making your whole day brighter, happier and more beautiful.

While she is still winning awards in her own name, Super Silver Haze has also left a mark through offspring carrying her genetics, such as Super Lemon Haze, a strain which has taken home two 1st place High Times Cannabis Cup awards.

• Type : Sativa/Indica
• Height : Tall
• Flowering time : 8-12 Weeks
• Awards won : ’98,’99 1st Overall High Times Cannabis Cup + many more
• Yield : 450 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Moderate
• THC level : 15+%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Silver Haze Seeds

• Green House Super Lemon Haze

• Dutch Passion Super Haze Feminized Seeds

• Super Silver Sour Diesel Haze

Best For: 7 High Times Cup Winner, 18 Awards

Awards Won:

• 2014: 1st High Life Cup (Hash Extracts), 2nd High Life Cup (Medicinal)
• 2013: 3nd Cata Invernal Spain (Outdoor)
• 2011: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup (Hybrid), 2nd Copa de Grows de Catalunya (Indoor Bio)
• 2010: 1st Treating Yourself Cup (Sativa)
• 2009: 2nd High Life Hemp Fair (Hash)
• 2008: 1st Auckland Cannabis Cup (Hydro)
• 2006: 3rd Cannabis Champions Cup (Resin)
• 2005: 1st High Life Cup Barcelona (Resin), 1st Overall High Life Cup Barcelona, 3rd El Punto Cup Malaga (Indoor)
• 2004: High Times Magazine Strain of the Year
• 2003: 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Sativa Cup)
• 1999: 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Sativa Cup)
• 1996: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup (Hydro)
• 1994: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup Overall, 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Hydro)

Serious Seeds’ AK 47 is a highly decorated Sativa, and for good reason. This strain gets its name because it is all speed: a fast finisher, it can produce tight, stinky buds in record time. The high hits you like a bullet, coming on hard and fast. AK 47 is known and loved for its clear and intense cerebral high and for its pain killing properties.

An easy-to-grow cup winner, AK 47 produces high yields and potent buds both indoors and out. Her versatility shows in her award record: she has won prizes for best hydro-grow, best indoor grow and best outdoor grow. She can be leggy and she always has a pervasive skunky odor. Use filters and keep a wary eye out for nosy neighbors.

AK 47 was tested at the ’99 High Times Cannabis Cup and found to have the highest THC content of any strain at the Cup that year. More recently she received recognition for her medical appeal as the winning Sativa at the Treat Yourself Cup in 2010. For Sativa lovers and medicinal users alike, AK 47 is a long-adored strain that grows quickly and easily and never disappoints in its smoke.

• Type : Sativa
• Height : Medium-Tall
• Flowering time : 8-9 weeks
• Awards won : High Times Cup 1999 (2nd), 2003 (2nd) Among Others
• Yield : High
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Easy
• THC level : 20+%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Lowlife AK-47 Auto-Flowering Feminized Marijuana Seeds

• Advanced Seeds- Auto Kaya 47 Seeds

• AK 48 Cannabis Seeds

• Vision AK 49 Auto-Flowering Seeds

Best For: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Indica, 8 Awards, Medicinal Strain

Awards Won:

• 2009: 1st Battle of the Bridge, 2nd Bio Highlife Cup
• 2008: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)
• 2007: 1st Kush Cup Las Vegas
• 2006: 3rd Kush Cup Las Vegas, Hightimes Strain of the Year
• 2005: 1st IC420 Breeder’s Cup (Indica), 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)
• 2004: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)

A multiple award winning Indica, L.A. Confidential is highly recognized for her medicinal properties. Known for reducing pain and relieving insomnia, she also packs a heavy punch for the recreational user. The high is powerful Indica body stone coupled with energetic and even psychedelic effects. L.A. Confidential is one potent plant.

There are two distinct phenotypes, both of which pack the characteristic knock-out high. With a little effort you can ensure good growth and high yields. The breeder recommends both pre-vegging and trimming the larger fan leaves to maximize yields.

• Type : Indica 100%
• Height : Small
• Flowering time : 7-8 Weeks
• Awards won : Numerous
• Yield : 350-400 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Easy to Moderate
• THC level : High

For Similar Strains check out:

• DNA Genetics Recon Cannabis Seeds

• OG Kush Marijuana Seeds

• DNA Genetics Cataract Kush Seeds

• DNA Genetics Confidential Cheese Seeds

• DNA Genetics Connie Chung Seeds

Best For: 2 X Overall High Times Cannabis Cup Winner

Awards Won:

• 2011: 2nd Spannabis Champions Cup (Indoor Hydro)
• 2010: 1st IC420 Grower’s Cup
• 2009: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Overall
• 2008: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Overall

Super Lemon Haze conquered the competition at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2008, and then stole the #1 Overall Award again the following year. Her sweet and sour citrus flavor, musky aftertaste, balanced hybrid high and a whopping 22% THC content make her an easy choice for any grower or judge.

Super Lemon Haze is the surprisingly smooth offspring of Lemon Skunk and the award winning Super Silver Haze. While the plants are tall, the internodes are closely spaced for easy topping and the calyx to leaf ratio is high. She thrives in both hydro and soil set-ups, though growing her in soil increases her lemony tang. Expect stellar yields that can surpass 1000 grams when she is grown outdoors.

When smoked Super Lemon Haze comes on strong with rolling waves of body stone, followed by a social, creative high with psycho-active effects.

• Type : Sativa 70% Indica 30%
• Height : Tall
• Flowering time : 8-11 Weeks
• Awards won : 1st Overall High Times Cannabis Cup 2008 and 2009
• Yield : 700-1000 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Easy
• THC level : 22+%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Green House Super Silver Haze

• Green House Lemon Skunk

• Emerald Triangle Lemon Haze Auto-Flowering Seeds

• Auto Ultra Lemon Haze Auto-Flowering Seeds

• Green House White Lemon Seeds

Awards Won:

• 1999: 1st Highlife Cannabis Cup (Bio), 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)
• 2000: 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)
• 2003: High Times Magazine Plant of the Year
• 2004: 2nd Highlife Feria Barcelona, 1st Highlife Cannabis Cup (Bio)
• 2005:3rd International Cannagraphics, 3rd Copa la Bella Flor Spain, 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup, 2nd Champions Cup Spain
• 2009: 3rd Highlife Cannabis Cup (Hydro)
• 2009-2010: Soft Secrets Spain Plant of the Year
• 2010: 1st Highlife Cannabis Cup (Hydro)

Consistently described as one of the hardest hitting Indica’s, Sensi Star has been putting the most hardened smokers on the couch for over 15 years. She is a mid-sized plant, thriving in either hydro or soil set-ups where she will produce astounding amounts of resin.

If you are willing to do a little trimming she does best in a SOG set-up with 20 plants/m2. If you let her side branches sprawl she will need more room. Outdoors she is hardy and gives yields of up to 500g.

Sensi Star has a pleasant lemony metallic flavor and the high is a powerful, knock-you-flat Indica body stone that will leave you stationary for hours. Some people report a certain amount of creative cerebral buzz as well, but you will be too high to act on it. It is no secret why this strain has consistently been named best Indica variety in numerous cups.

• Type : Indica Dominant Hybrid
• Height : 1.8 meters
• Flowering time : 53-63 Days
• Awards won : 2004 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Bio), Many more
• Yield : 350-500 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Easy
• THC level : 20%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Dutch Passion Ortega Indica Seeds

• Dutch Passion Mazar Seeds

• White Widow

• OG Kush

Best For: 1st 2000 High Times Cup, 5 Additional Awards

Awards Won:

• 2004: 2nd Cannabis Culture’s Toker’s Bowl
• 2003: 3rd Cannabis Culture’s Toker’s Bowl
• 2001: 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup Overall, 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)
• 2000: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup Overall, 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)

Blueberry from Dutch Passion has been around since the 70’s and still has what it takes to compete in a cannabis cup. A powerful, Indica dominant strain, Blueberry is loved for its potent highs and medicinal qualities.

Most of the modern fruity strains can trace their roots back to Blueberry, which has a distinct summer berry smell and matching taste. You can expect these seeds to produce classic Indica plants although an occasional Sativa phenotype can show up which likes to stretch. Exposing your plants to cooler temperatures towards the end of flowering will enhance the buds’ characteristic blue color and berry flavor. Using a SOG set-up will increase yields.

The buds from Blueberry last a long time when properly cured, so you can enjoy the euphoric high again and again. This is hard-hitting and long-lasting weed. A great smoke for nighttime use, as well as to relieve pain or insomnia.

• Type : Indica 80%/Sativa 20%
• Height : Medium
• Flowering time : 7-9 Weeks
• Awards won : 1st prize High Times Cup 2000, among others
• Yield : 450-500 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Moderate
• THC level : 19.5

For Similar Strains check out:

• Dutch Passion Auto Blueberry

• Dutch Passion Blue Moonshine Seeds

• Flying Dutchman Blueberry Skunk Seeds

• Bomb Berry Bomb Seeds

Best For: ’90 High Times Cannabis Cup, Influential Genes

Awards Won:

• 1990: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup
• Northern Lights #5 x Haze
• 1993: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup
• 2002: 3rd Bio Cup High Life Hemp Fair
• Northern Lights #5/Haze x Skunk/Early Pearl
• 1989: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup
• Original Northern Lights
• 1993: 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup
• 1988: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Indica)

A Cup Winner’s list would not be complete without a mention of Northern Lights. While the original Northern Lights never found first place fame, it did claim 2nd place in the High Times Cannabis Cup of ’93. Northern Lights #5 took 1st prize at the High Times cup back in ’90, and Northern Lights #5 was crossed with Haze to win the ’93 High Times Cup.

Northern Lights genetics are present in nearly all modern indoor strains, making it one of the most influential plants of all time. #5 looks a lot like the original; a short, squat plant with heavy, leathery leaves which is easy to grow and tolerates many different growing conditions. The only parameters to watch in the grow room are humidity and ventilation. The buds are so drenched in resin that air cannot circulate well and too much humidity during this stage can lead to bud rot.

Northern Lights #5 is one of the most widely sold strains in the world. Not only is it a beginner-friendly grow, the frosty buds promise a deep, thoughtful Indica stone that will please even the most weathered smoker.

• Type : Indica Dominant
• Height : Short
• Flowering time : 45-55 Days
• Awards won : 1990 High Times Cannabis Cup
• Yield : Medium
• Feminized : No
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Easy
• THC level : 15-20%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Northern Lights #1

• Nirvana Northern Lights

• Nirvana Northern Lights Autoflowering

Best For: 2001 High Times Cannabis Cup Winner, Multiple Awards

Awards Won:

• 2002: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Dutch Hash Cup)
• 2001: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (Overall)
• 2000: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup (People’s Cup)

Sweet Tooth is an example of a perfect hybrid. It combines the best of Sativa and Indica effects into a smooth smoking package. The taste is mellow but don’t be fooled. The high is a blend of rolling body stone and cerebral effects that will please aficionados of either type.

Sweet Tooth shows some of her Sativa heritage in the grow room. She isn’t the tallest of plants, but she has large side branches that like to spread. Use SOG, SCROG, Super Cropping or Topping techniques to help control her size and maximize yields, or give her room and let her sprawl.

With THC levels topping 20%, Sweet Tooth is powerful smoke. Barney’s Farm produced a true winner with this sweet-tasting, heavy-hitting hybrid.

• Type : Indica, Sativa
• Height : Medium, Large Side Branches
• Flowering time : 8-10 weeks
• Awards won : 2001 High Times Cannabis Cup
• Yield : 450 g/m2
• Feminized : Yes
• Autoflowering : No
• Growth difficulty : Moderate
• THC level : 20+%

For Similar Strains check out:

• Dinafem Critical Feminized Seeds

• Sensi Fruity Juice Seeds

2017 Cannabis Cup Winners

1. Orange Tree by Greenline Organics with Greenwolf

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Sativa Category)

Orange Tree comes from a cross between Orange Valley OG and 24K Gold and won first place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup at the Sativa category. Originally created by Greenline Organics, it took almost two years to develop due to the highly selective breeding.

Just by the name, you can guess what the strain smells and tastes like. Orange Tree is very balanced and it is ideal for use throughout the day, as it can help you cope with everyday stress and minor pains. Its taste is also very pleasant, with an overpowering citrus flavor that will dominate your palate.

2. AC/DC Cookies by Brown Dog Cannabis and Med Tree Seeds

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (CBD Flower Category)

AC/DC is a one-of-a-kind strain, as it is essentially a cross between Ruderalis and one of the highest-CBD strains, Cannatonic. Although it is 50% Sativa, it has an astonishing THC to CBD ratio of 1:20. As a result, AC/DC is not psychoactive, while its CBD count can go as high as 19%.

That fact makes it a very popular choice among medical cannabis users, who prefer it for its strong narcotic effect. The smell of the AC/DC is sweet and pungent, while the taste is skunky with hints of cherry and lemongrass. A great medicinal option, that can be used for the production of teas, tinctures, and lotions.

Type : 50% Sativa – 50% Indica

Height: Up to 4’

Flowering time: 9-10 Weeks

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (CBD Flower Category)

Yield: Average

Growth difficulty: Medium

THC level: 2-5%

CBD level: 15-25%

3. El Perro by Los Angeles Kush with Bert Baccarat

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Best Hybrid Category)

This potent hybrid is the result of the collaboration between Bert Baccarat and Los Angeles Kush. El Perro (meaning, quite literally “The Dog” in Spanish) is a cross between Stardawg and True OG. Its effects err on the cerebral side, but it never loses its indica profile. In other words, El Perro will stimulate your brain but relax your body.

The smell is earthy and skunky and its taste is similar, with hints of berry. Overall, this strain is perfect for a relaxing day at home, especially if you are planning to do some mental activity, such as studying, gaming or reading.

4. White Lavender by Lake Effect in collaboration with Kalamazoo Vines

Award Won: 1st Place at the Midwest High Times Cannabis Cup (Best Sativa Flower Category)

An evenly balanced hybrid strain (50% sativa – 50% indica), White Lavender has a proud heritage. It is a cross between the immensely potent White Widow and Lavender strains. The strain even shares a visual similarity with its parents, as it grows purple leaves and super-sticky white resin covers its plentiful buds. Effects are psychoactive and lead to an uplifting cerebral experience.

Although the effects resemble White Widow, the taste and smell are unmistakably lavender: sweet and pungent, with the ever-present floral twists. Calming, yet stimulating, this strain carries some amazing genes and stole the show in the Midwest High Times Cannabis Cup awards.

Type: Sativa Hybrid

Height: Average

Flowering time: 60-65 days

Yield: Very High

Growth difficulty: Medium

THC level: ±19%

2016 Cannabis Cup Winners

1. Mai Tai Cookies by WHTC and Terraform Genetics

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Best CBD Flower Category)

Mai Tai cookies is a sativa dominant cross between Alien Orange Cookies and AC/DC strains, which won Best CBD flower at the 2016 SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup awards. CBD levels of this strain are indeed high, with a minimum of 13% and a THC level about 10-14%. As a result, its effects are numbing, narcotic and only slightly cerebral.

Consuming Mai Tai will start with a euphoric hit that will gradually lead to a state of profound bodily relaxation. The high CBD counts mean that Mai Tai is great for a wide range of conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, migraines or headaches and depression. Mai Tai buds have an earthy sweet citrus aroma and flavor with a solid hint of cherry. Their light green chunky nugs are extremely dense with an immensely frosty layer of crystal trichomes, of bright white color.

2. Mega Queso by Happy Leaf and Nameless Genetics

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Best Medical Sativa Flower Category)

Mega Queso (aka “The Mega Cheese) is a blend of Afghani strains and Cheese, bred by Happy Leaf and Nameless Genetics. This indica-dominant hybrid combines powerful bodily effects with a euphoric feeling that makes it ideal for pain and anxiety relief.

The smell resembles -unsurprisingly- cheese and its taste is spicy. This is a highly sought after strain in the US, as it was originally bred in Europe by Kannabia Seeds, a seed bank based in Spain. Legend has it that they acquired a clone of Cheese from some British tourists in Spain back in the 90s. Then, to increase the meek yields they crossed it with Mazar-i-Sharif and then crossed the resulting genetics back with the original Cheese clone, to create a higher yielding plant.

Type: Hybrid (Indica Dominant)

Growth difficulty: Easy

THC level: 16%

3. CannaSutra OG by Chronic Capital with Lorax Labs and CannaSutra

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Best Medical Hybrid Flower Category)

Cannasutra OG is known around the cannabis world for its high potency and arousing effects. A unique combination of Reclining Buddha and Sensi Star, CannaSutra OG is a long known sexual intimacy tonic and stimulant. The deep green, crystal trichomes covered nug in the shape of a pineapple has a light odor of cannabis and is ultra-sticky.

A slow albeit steady build-up follows the first couple of hits and distinct cerebral effects generate arousal and an alert heady state. This strain is famous for helping users “get in the mood” as it stimulates sensual bodily effects. Apart from intimate moments, Cannasutra OG is great for daytime use and anxiety reduction.

4. Purple Tangie by Zeinstein Gardens, Loudpack, and Moxie Extracts

Award Won: 1st Place at the SoCal High Times Cannabis Cup (Best Medical Sativa Concentrate Category)

The crossing of two strains, an unknown Purple and a delicious Tangie resulted in the sativa-dominant hybrid Purple Tangie. Although it is a newcomer on the market, it already took the first place at the 2016 Los Angeles High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Medicinal Sativa Concentrate, with a THC level of more than 22%. This strain can be found both in a flowery state as well as a concentrate.

Purple Tangie has small piecey nugs in the shape of peppers, with red and purple hairs and a coating of bright white crystal trichomes. Apart from the classic purple flavor and smell, it has hints of spicy berries and sweet grapes. Purple Tangie’s high hits hard and lasts long, creating uplifting and energetic feelings. Following a cerebral rush of euphoria, you’ll experience a surge of focus and mental clarity that will last throughout the high. However, this can cause anxiety to some users, so beginners are advised to be careful. Purple Tangie can treat a variety of conditions, such as chronic stress, muscle spasms, chronic fatigue, and pain.

Type: 70% Sativa – 30% Indica

Height: Tall

Flowering time: 9-10 Weeks

Growth difficulty: Medium

THC level: 22%

2015 Cup Winning Seeds

The Cup Awards were full of new strains this year: YDK Jack, Orange Diesel, Colorado Big Bud, Ghost Train, Louie XIII and many more made strong showings at competitions around the world.

All in all, the real favorites of 2015 were medicinal strains. Cannatonic is one classic that received recognition.

Here’s a few of our favorite cup winners from 2015.

#1 Seedsman – Cindy White Feminized Seeds

Awards Won:

2015 1^st High Times Cannabis Cup Denver– People’s Choice

Cindy White appears to be the up and coming strain of Colorado. This cross between White Widow and Cinderella 99 boasts a whopping 25% THC. She’s Sativa dominant, and though the hit is hard experienced smoker’s enjoy her as a daytime smoke. It is uplifting, cheerful and has moderate pain-killing effects. The taste is mild and floral and the buds don’t have a strong skunky smell; another plus for daytime smokers.

However the novice or paranoid smoker should avoid this strain, as it can create anxiety in those who are prone to it. Start out with a single hit, because this is seriously potent bud.

For Similar Strains check out:

• Mosca – Cinderella 99 BX1 Feminized Seeds

• Brothers Grimm Cinderella 99 Seeds

• Mandala – Satori Seeds

• Homegrown Fantaseeds – Trainwreck

• AK-47

#2 Reserva Privada – Tora Bora Seeds

Awards Won:

2015 1^st High Times Cannabis Cup Denver – Best CBD Flower
2015 2^nd High Times Jamaican Cup – Best CBD Flower

Tora Bora is a potent Indica strain. There is no better option when it comes to relieving pain or insomnia. A fast finishing strain, Tora Bora is easy to grow. She vegges in record time and flowers in just 8 weeks. Don’t smoke this bud if you plan to leave the house.

Her high CBD content (14%) and powerful medicinal effects made her a favorite at more than one High Times Cannabis Cup in 2015.

For Similar Strains check out:

• Grass-o-matic – Med Gom 1.0 Seeds

• Royal Queen – Royal Medic Feminized Seeds

• CBD Crew – Critical Mass Seeds

#3 Reserva Privada’s – Strawberry Banana Seeds

Awards Won:

2015 1^st High Times Cannabis Cup Best Sativa
2015 2^nd High Times Cannabis Cup Best Indica

The strain from Mass Genetics claimed Best Sativa Flower at the Michigan Medical Cannabis Cup, while Strawberry Banana from the Green Wolf Collective took 2^nd place for Best Indica Flower at the same event. Earlier last year Strawberry Banana from DNA Genetics boasted one of the highest THC contents around at over 22%.

So what’s the real story behind Strawberry Banana?

This flavorful strain was bred by Crocket Family Farms back in 2007 and distributed by seedbank DNA Genetics through their exclusive ReservaPrivada line. It is a cross of Banana OG Kush with a strawberry phenotype Bubblegum, resulting in a 70:30 Indica to Sativa hybrid.

Perhaps this strain should have been judged in the Hybrid section… but there can be no doubt that it is amazing. The hit is happy, creative and peaceful, and apparently pleasing to both Indica and Sativa lovers.

For Similar Strains check out:

• Bulldog – Bubblegum Kush Feminized Seeds

• Female – Bubblegummer Feminized Seeds

• Dinafem – Blue Fruit Feminized Seeds

• Ceres – Fruity Thai Seeds

2014 Cup Winning Seeds

AK 47, Nebula, White Widow and Candy Kush all took home prizes in the 2014 High Life Hemp Fair, making a strong showing for the old classic strains. Newer strains dominated at the High Times Cannabis Cup.

Here’s a few of our favorite cup winners from 2014.

Awards Won:

• 2014: 1st High Life Hemp Fair (Overall), 1st High Life Hemp Fair (Kush)
• 2013: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup

A medical strain that doesn’t taste like it, Rollex OG Kush swept the High Times Cup in 2013 and the High Life Hemp Fair in 2014. With a sweet, earthy flavor and an uplifting, social high this is a must try for any daytime smoker. It is frequently used by cancer patients to improve appetite and relieve depression. The recreational user will find it perfect for a night out on the town with friends.

For Similar Strains check out:

• DNA Genetics Cannadential Seeds

• Granddaddy Purps Candyland Seeds

• Dutch Passion Strawberry Cough Seeds

Awards Won:

• 2014: 1st Spannabis Cup (Outdoor)
• 2010: 2nd Sativa High Times Cannabis Cup
• 2008: 3rd High Times Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop), 3rd Spannabis (Indoor Bio), 1st High Life Cup (Hydro)
• 2007: High Times Strain of the Year, 2nd High Times Cannabis Cup (Coffeeshop), 2nd High Life Cup (Hydro)

Chocolope is pure Sativa. She responds well to super cropping, topping and pretty much any training techniques, but if left to her own devices she will dominate your grow room. She thrives outdoors as well, a trait which allowed her to win the 2014 Spannabis Outdoor award.

Chocolope’s chocolaty flavor and euphoric, psychedelic high have won her many other awards. Not for those prone to anxiety, as the high often gives a sense of altered reality.

For Similar Strains check out:

• Royal Queen Royal Moby Seeds

• Mosca C99 Bx1 Seeds

• DNA Genetics Mean Green Martian Seeds

Awards Won:

• 2014: 1st High Times Cannabis Cup

This is a new strain from Barney’s Farm that swept the High Times Cannabis Cup. Cookies Kush is a vigorous strain yielding up to 600 g/m2 with THC levels at a whopping 24%. The smoke is sweet and smooth with an uplifting high. It is just now available- be one of the first to try it out in your grow room.

For Similar Strains check out:

• The Cookie Family- Girl Scout Cookie Seeds

• Kannabia- Big Band Seeds

• Greenhouse- Diamond Girl Feminized

In Conclusion…

Attending a cannabis awards event or expo should be on the bucket-list of every true toker. Not only do the cups recognize great strains, they provide a wonderful opportunity for networking, making new friends and checking out the latest in paraphernalia and grow gadgets. Until you have the opportunity to check out a cup in person, try growing one of the multi-award winning cup strains. Even beginning growers can expect success with AK 47 or Northern Lights #5, while more experienced growers will enjoy the challenge of Jack Herer or White Widow.

Tell us about your Cup experience or your favorite prize winning strain in the comments below.