Rules
Disclaimer:

518 Empire State Cannabis Cup

Entry Requirements:

Drop off party date: Nov (TBA)
Product Eligibility: Only NY state self grown/made cannabis-related products as specified by the Cup's organizers (e.g., flower, concentrates, edibles).
Product Quality: Entries must meet specific quality standards (e.g., potency, terpene profile, appearance).
Lab Testing: Products may require lab testing for potency, contaminants, and other factors.
Packaging: all products entered will be sealed in grove bags
Licensing: Entrants must comply with all local, state, and federal cannabis regulations.

Judging Criteria:

Taste: Flavor profile, aroma, and overall sensory experience.
Potency: THC and CBD levels, as well as other cannabinoid content.
Effect: Desired psychoactive or medicinal effects.
Appearance: Visual appeal of the product.
Terpene Profile: The presence and balance of terpenes.
Competition Categories:


Concentrates: bubble hash, Shatter, wax, budder, live resin, etc.
Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, beverages, etc.
Will be judged from a drawing of VIP Ticket holders the day of the event.
There will be 5 chosen judges you will need to have enough for 5 samples.

Best Pre rolls:
Best Blunt


Entry Process:

Entry Fees: There may be entry fees associated with each category.
Judge fee -indoor $200
Judge fee -outdoor $120
-others (tbd)
Entry Limits: Free to enter product.
30 gram flower samples to enter.
Indoor - Maximum 4 entries
Outdoor- Maximum 4 entries
If you wish to have your product tested for Turpines and cannabinoids it will be a $100 charge per product entered for testing.
The testing will be done by Kaycha Labs
And all the samples will be held in Grove Terp lock bags for maximum protection!

Deadline: Entries must be submitted by the end November.

Judging Process:

Blind Judging: Entries are typically evaluated anonymously.
Judging Panels: Panels of cannabis experts and lottery style judge participants will score the products.
Scoring System: A standardized scoring system is used to determine winners. An judging instruction pamphlet will come with each judge test kit. You are also allowed to do live sampling on social media.

Awards:

Awards ceremony date is January (31)

Trophies or Prizes: Winners receive recognition for their achievements. Awards will be available to winners picked by Judges.


Media Coverage: Winning products may receive media attention.
Additional Rules:

Age Restrictions: Participants and attendees must be of legal age to consume cannabis.
Consumption Rules: Cannabis consumption may be restricted to designated areas.
Health and Safety: Adherence to health and safety regulations.

-Pending dates November 21st  “drop off”
                              -January 31st Awards Day
We will collect any entries from the beginning of November up till December 1st.







Sponsors
Mobirise Website Builder
gold Sponsor
R&K Garden supply

(518) 853-6036

http://eastcoastyankee.com
Gold sponsor
Quality Flight 




http://eastcoastyankee.com
silver sponsor
Dankerseed 

 

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### Cannabis Cup Sponsorship Tiers – Amsterdam, NY
Event Context:
- Location: Amsterdam, New York
- Audience Reach: ~5,800 Facebook followers (Empire State Cannabis page)
- Attendance: 500+ attendees (based on last year)
- Goal: Attract high-value sponsors to fund the event while offering impactful branding and engagement opportunities in a competitive cannabis market.
Sponsorship Structure Overview:
- Platinum Tier: $5,000 (cash or goods), limited to 2 sponsors for exclusivity.
- Gold Tier: $3,000 (cash or goods), limited to 3 sponsors.
- Silver Tier: $1,500 (cash or goods), recommended 5–7 sponsors to balance revenue and visibility without oversaturation.
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### Platinum Tier: $5,000 (Cash or Goods) – Limited to 2 Sponsors
Rationale: The Platinum tier is the premier sponsorship level, offering maximum exposure and exclusivity for high-profile cannabis brands (e.g., dispensaries, cultivators, or equipment providers). At $5,000, it aligns with premium sponsorships in cannabis events (e.g., MJ Unpacked’s Platinum tiers) while reflecting Amsterdam, NY’s smaller market compared to major urban events.
Benefits:
1. Exclusive Branding:
  - Title sponsor status (e.g., “Presented by [Sponsor Name]” on all event materials).
  - Prominent logo placement on event website, posters, banners, judge kits, and social media (5,800+ followers).
  - Dedicated “Platinum Sponsor” booth (prime location, 10x10 space) for product displays or sampling (if legally compliant with NY cannabis laws).
2. Event Integration:
  - Opportunity to sponsor a major award category (e.g., “Platinum Bud Award” for Best Flower), announced on-stage and in post-event media.
  - Exclusive 5-minute speaking slot during the awards ceremony to address 500+ attendees.
  - Logo on event merchandise (e.g., T-shirts, tote bags) distributed to attendees.
3. Digital and Social Media Exposure:
  - Featured in 3 dedicated social media posts on the Empire State Cannabis Facebook page (5,800+ reach), plus inclusion in all event-related posts.
  - Top billing on the event website’s sponsor page with a clickable link and 200-word company bio.
  - Inclusion in pre- and post-event email blasts to 500+ attendees and subscribers.
4. Networking and Engagement:
  - 4 VIP tickets to the event, including access to exclusive networking areas or after-parties.
  - Opportunity to provide branded swag (e.g., lighters, rolling papers) in attendee goodie bags.
  - Access to attendee opt-in contact list for post-event marketing (GDPR/NY privacy law compliant).
5. Exclusivity:
  - Limited to 2 sponsors to ensure maximum visibility and category exclusivity (e.g., one dispensary, one cultivator). No competing brands in the same category.
Value Proposition: Platinum sponsors gain unmatched visibility among 500+ attendees and 5,800+ online followers, positioning them as leaders in New York’s growing cannabis market. The exclusivity and award sponsorship enhance brand prestige.
---
### Gold Tier: $3,000 (Cash or Goods) – Limited to 3 Sponsors
Rationale: The Gold tier offers robust exposure at a lower price point, appealing to mid-sized cannabis businesses (e.g., local dispensaries, CBD brands, or accessory companies). Priced at $3,000, it balances affordability with significant branding opportunities, reflecting mid-tier pricing in events like the Connoisseur Cup.
Benefits:
1. Prominent Branding:
  - Logo placement on event website, posters, and social media (below Platinum sponsors).
  - “Gold Sponsor” booth (8x8 space) for product displays or engagement.
  - Inclusion in goodie bags with branded swag (e.g., stickers, discount codes).
2. Event Integration:
  - Opportunity to sponsor a secondary award category (e.g., “Gold Leaf Award” for Best Edible), announced on-stage.
  - Logo on select event signage (e.g., stage backdrop, check-in area).
3. Digital and Social Media Exposure:
  - Featured in 1 dedicated social media post on the Empire State Cannabis Facebook page, plus inclusion in group sponsor posts.
  - Listing on the event website’s sponsor page with a clickable link and 100-word company bio.
  - Inclusion in one pre-event email blast to attendees.
4. Networking and Engagement:
  - 2 VIP tickets to the event, including access to networking areas.
  - Opportunity to host a small activation (e.g., product demo or mini-workshop) at the booth.
5. Category Consideration:
  - Limited to 3 sponsors, with preference for non-competing categories (e.g., one vape brand, one grow supply company, one edible brand).
Value Proposition: Gold sponsors receive strong visibility and engagement with a targeted cannabis audience, ideal for brands looking to build local recognition in Amsterdam, NY, without the premium cost of Platinum.
---
### Silver Tier: $1,500 (Cash or Goods) – Recommended 5–7 Sponsors
Rationale: The Silver tier is designed for smaller cannabis businesses, startups, or ancillary brands (e.g., local growers, packaging companies, or lifestyle brands) seeking cost-effective exposure. Priced at $1,500, it aligns with entry-level sponsorships in cannabis events while offering meaningful benefits. I recommend 5–7 Silver sponsors to generate $7,500–$10,500 in revenue without diluting brand visibility, based on the event’s 500+ attendee size and local market dynamics.
Benefits:
1. Branding:
  - Logo placement on the event website and select signage (e.g., general event banners).
  - “Silver Sponsor” table (6x6 space) for product displays or engagement.
  - Inclusion in goodie bags with small branded items (e.g., business cards, coupons).
2. Event Integration:
  - Recognition as a Silver sponsor during the event’s opening remarks.
  - Logo in group sponsor listings on event materials.
3. Digital and Social Media Exposure:
  - Inclusion in group social media posts on the Empire State Cannabis Facebook page.
  - Listing on the event website’s sponsor page with a clickable link and 50-word company bio.
4. Networking:
  - 2 general admission tickets to the event.
  - Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at the sponsor table.
Value Proposition: Silver sponsors gain affordable access to a dedicated cannabis audience, ideal for emerging brands or local businesses looking to network and build brand awareness in Amsterdam, NY.
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Returning Judge 

Jeffrey Hoffman

Got questions?

No, there are no additional costs associated with entries unless you are opting for testing. Each sample sent for testing will require a $100.00 fee per sample entered for testing.  The fee covers all the  cannabinoid and terpene tests. 

December 1st is the deadline for flower entries. Perishable entries will be judged the day of the event. 

Yes, delivery options are available for the judge kits.  We can provide information on delivery services and associated costs, allowing you to conveniently receive your judge kits at your preferred location. 

Delivery times for the kits can vary depending on your location and the delivery service used. We will provide an estimate of the delivery timeframe, ensuring you have a clear expectation of when you can expect to receive your kits. All flower it due to be distributed the second week of December. 

Yes, as we have a large judge panel and a blind judging system we allow entrants to also participate in judging. Judges for perishable products will be picked by drawing the day of the event. Hash-Rosin-Preroll-vapes will be judged the day of the event. Flower Judges will be sampling from home prior to the event.  

Our events

Drop Off Shesh

November 21, 2025

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

To Be Announced, Amsterdam, NY 12010

$100, per sample entered for testing. You do not have to enter the contest to have testing done. You may also  enter
30 grams per product for either/each category. Testing is optional. tests will be for terpene and cannabinoids.

Way up High Winners Event 

January 31, 2026

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

37 Prospect St, Amsterdam, NY 12010

$30, at the door or online for general admission, judges,
VIP access and sponsors inquire info@newyorkcannacup.com 
you can also access these below.

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