In the heart of the Emerald Triangle, where the towering redwoods and misty mountains cradle some of the world’s most legendary cannabis farms, a beacon of the community has shone brightly for two decades: The Emerald Cup. This iconic event has grown from its humble beginnings at Area 101 in Mendocino County into a cultural cornerstone, celebrating not just the finest sun-grown cannabis but also the resilient, pioneering spirit of the community.

A Journey Back to the Roots at Area 101

The story of The Emerald Cup is deeply intertwined with the rich history of the Emerald Triangle. It all began in the heart of Mendocino County, at a little spot of land near Laytonville called Area 101. It is now a landmark on The Cannabis Trail and a sacred space for cannabis enthusiasts and activists alike. Area 101 is more than just a venue; it’s a hub for the cannabis movement, steeped in the countercultural history of Northern California.

In 2003, Tim Blake, a passionate advocate for cannabis and a stalwart of the Emerald Triangle, founded The Emerald Cup at Area 101. The vision was simple yet revolutionary: to create a platform where outdoor, sun-grown cannabis could be celebrated, judged, and honored. What started as a small competition and gathering of local farmers and growers quickly grew into something much larger—a movement.

Tim Blake and his team’s passion for cannabis and community shines through in every Emerald Cup. As he mentions in interviews, The Emerald Cup was born out of a desire to bring the cannabis community together in a time of uncertainty and change, when the War on Drugs and strict enforcement from CAMP hung heavily over the cannabis growing region. This gathering provided a safe space for cultivators to share their craft, knowledge, and love for the plant without fear of legal repercussions.

The Emerald Cup’s Evolution and Impact

Over the years, The Emerald Cup has evolved from its grassroots beginnings at Area 101 to become one of the most respected and anticipated cannabis competitions in the world. Despite its growth to attract attendees and competitors from all over, the event has remained true to its roots, continuing to honor the legacy of the Emerald Triangle and the traditions of outdoor cultivation.

The Emerald Cup has played a crucial role in legitimizing and promoting sun-grown California cannabis. In a world where indoor cultivation is often favored, The Emerald Cup has consistently championed the idea that cannabis grown under the sun, in its natural environment, is not only more sustainable but also of superior quality.

As the cannabis industry has grown and changed, so too has The Emerald Cup. It has become a platform for advocacy, education, and celebration, attracting attendees from all over the world. But at its core, it remains a celebration of the Emerald Triangle and the people who have made it the cannabis mecca it is today.

This year’s Emerald Cup will take place next weekend in Oakland at the newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts on the shores of Lake Merritt. The event celebrates Twenty Years of trailblazing with live music and entertainment, an awards ceremony, a robust marketplace of the state’s best cannabis products, a series of talks, art and awards winners on display and of course, connection with the community and celebration of the culture and the plant.

This year the Applegarth Strategies team will debut a cannabis travel information booth at The Emerald Cup’s 20th Anniversary event in Oakland, California – come say high at the CTA – Cannabis Travel Authority booth #43. 

At the CTA booth, you’ll find tourist info and brochures about cannabis travel attractions like farm tours, Bud n Breakfast stays, lounges, events, and more. Our helpful guides will offer their recommendations for stays, eats, lounges, shops and more to experience as you explore The Cannabis Trail. 

In addition, you’ll be able to Join a Challenge to Explore the Cannabis Trail starting in Oakland, through Mendocino County and deep into the redwoods in Humboldt. Joining the Cannabis Trail Challenge will also Enter you to Win a 3-night stay at Coral Cove in Jamaica, a beautiful wellness retreat center that is cannabis friendly. Our interactive guides and challenges are powered by Explore and we can’t wait to help you plan your adventure!

If you’ve had a bit too much fun at the Cup, you can also find harm reduction products from Undoo that can help bring you down a notch at the CTA booth. Come learn more, see what experiences are out there in the realm of cannabis travel, and plan your journey along The Cannabis Trail at the CTA – booth #43 at this year’s Emerald Cup.

If you haven’t gotten your Emerald Cup tickets yet, don’t wait! Use promo code CTA2024 for 35% off your Weekend Passes! 

The Legacy Continues

As The Emerald Cup moves forward, its legacy as a symbol of the Emerald Triangle’s cultural and historical significance continues to grow. Each year, the event serves as a reminder of the roots of the cannabis community—roots that are firmly planted in the rich soil of the Emerald Triangle and nourished by the passion and dedication of those who believe in the power of the plant.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of The Emerald Cup or new to the cannabis scene, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history, culture, and community that have made the Emerald Triangle the heart of cannabis culture in the United States. This is definitely a homegrown community event worth supporting, and it’s coming up quick – so Get Your Tickets TODAY! 

As you walk the grounds of the event, remember that it all started at Area 101, where a small group of visionaries dared to dream of a brighter future for cannabis. For more on Tim Blake’s story and the history of The Emerald Cup, check out his interview here and immerse yourself in the rich history of the event that continues to shape the future of cannabis.

Explore more about The Emerald Cup and the vibrant cannabis culture of the Emerald Triangle at The Emerald Cup’s official website.