Five people will be selected and paid $1,000 each to smoke marijuana and help determine Ohio’s top cannabis product during the Stargazer Cannabis Festival, which takes place July 25 to 27 in Waverly—and organizers are still accepting applications.
Unlike many cannabis competitions that limit judging to industry insiders, the Stargazer Cannabis Cup is open to anyone 21 or older. No prior experience is necessary, only a passion for marijuana. Applications are open now and judges will be chosen at random.
“We’re opening this up to everyday people that are cannabis lovers,” said festival organizer Chad Thompson. “We really want to open this up and have a broader appeal.”
Judges will receive $1,000, free festival admission, and a curated kit of cannabis products. They’ll evaluate entries across several categories and help select the overall “Best in Show,” which comes with a $2,500 prize and the Stargazer Cannabis Cup trophy.
Cultivators from Ohio can enter products into the contest for $50 each. Thompson says he’s also hoping to bring in out-of-state entries to raise the competition level.
The event is being organized in collaboration with Big Cloud Presents, known for running cannabis competitions internationally. Ranagade PerRana, Snoop Dogg’s personal blunt roller, will return to host a joint-rolling workshop and help judge a separate contest where the winner earns $100 an hour.
This year’s festival will also feature rolling classes and a cannabis-themed wedding giveaway officiated by rapper Afroman. With tickets selling fast, Thompson urges interested attendees—and aspiring judges—to apply and book early.
