10 of the Latest Cannabis Cup Winning Strains

The annual Cannabis Cup awards prizes in categories including: Flowers, CBD, Concentrates and Non-Solvent Hash, Edibles, Topicals, Vape Pens, and Medically Infused Products.
They are judged on complex criteria that include lab analysis of THC and CBD levels. Judges are looking to reward aroma, taste, appearance, burnability, and impact.
Five to nine judges are assigned to each category. High Times selects the judges, from applications submitted all over the world, as experts and professionals in the cannabis industry.

The 10 latest Cannabis Cup winning strains

1. Ghost Train Haze: Rare Darkness bred Ghost Train Haze (from Phresh Cannabis Oregon) from Ghost OG and Neville’s Wreck. Although sativa, it grows dense buds under a coating of crystal-capped trichomes. 

The high THC content packs a powerful and legendary punch behind its floral, pine, and citrus aroma. You’ll forget pain and depression and want to eat. New users and those with anxiety may want to avoid this powerful stone. 

80% Sativa and 20% Indica, “Ghost Strain Haze is one of the most intense strains that has ever been introduced to the marijuana universe.” And, that power can induce a paranoia if smoked too heavily.

2. Kosher Kush: This second-place strain comes from Van Nuys’ Karma Squad with The Kind Center. At 29% THC, it produces a lightning high. Smoke and taste of deep rich soil and fruit, this makes one tasty treat. 

It will put you to sleep with significant pain relief. A several time award-winner and blessed by a rabbi, it relaxes users for some time. But, novice users want to watch out for the powerful knockout.

3. Somari: This powerhouse combination lead to Somari taking home 1st Place for Best Hybrid at the 2013 High Times Cannabis Cup.

4. Gorilla Glue: This bud packs a crazy powerful high that leaves you feeling like your mind is filled with glue, all fueled by an insanely potent 25-28% average THC level.

5. Jet Fuel: With its powerful 17-19% average THC level and soaring effects, Jet Fuel is often said to be the “cocaine of marijuana.” And after one hit of this heavy hitter, you’ll definitely see why.

6. Amnesia Mac Ganja: This award-winning bud swept the competition at the 2014 and 2015 High Life Cannabis Cups thanks to its super potent 22% average TH level and dazzling full-bodied effects. With this bud, get ready for a super-powered high.

7. Purple Chem: This high Indica Purple Chem owes its parentage to Chem 91 Clone and Pre-98 Bubba. This one from Ri Finest with the Finerside won 1st in LA Cannabis Cup and 2nd in Michigan Cannabis Cup. Its high in THC is recommended for medical applications, and novices are cautioned about its immediate and sedative effects.

8. Crown OG: This winner has a pungent, earthy, skunk aroma. Greenwold with Crown Genetics issued Crown OG for its euphoric impact, as special service for patients with severe pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. It may come at some cost to memory and cognitive alertness.

9. Louis OG: Another winner from Phresh Cannabis of Forest Grove, OR, this Louise was to debut in late 2016. A feminization of Louis strains, it remains in the potent OG Kush family producing a head rush and body buzz.

10. Harle-Tsu: The Harle-Tsu high is very mellow in nature, and serves more so as a painkiller than a heavy head or body high. It starts with a happy and uplifted euphoric head buzz felt behind the eyes and in the forehead.

Winners all

The 2106 Gold Cup winners represent new strains, new hybrids, and new competitors. They also complied with new rules:

1. A competitor may only win a single award in a category to prevent stacking the competition.
2. With competitors limited to one award per category, only the higher of the awards will count with the other entries dropped from consideration.
3. These rules apply to collaborative entries, too.
4. The competition reserves the right to insist on presentation of paperwork proof that the competitor is a state licensed legal entity.
5. Only three company names are allowed on any collaborative entry.

Competitions are growing events and spreading throughout the country, especially their marijuana use has been legalized. There are competitions in Northern and Southern California, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, DC, and more.

Competitions that began as informative and educational are now major marketing events with providers able to advertise and profit from their performance. Awards have become an indispensable branding tool, acknowledging farmer, provider, and region.

And, competitions serve customers with information on use and effects, pros and cons, and ways to purchase. This list of 10 of the latest Cannabis Cup winning strains offers a consider the process and outcomes, a shopping aid, and internet short cut to satisfy your needs.