High Times New Jersey Cannabis Cup 2026 at The Steel Pier Amusement Park in Atlantic City, NJ. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta

The Arrival and Check-In

On May 1st, 2026, I check into the Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City, drop my bag, walk to the window, and there it is. That Atlantic City skyline sitting right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, glistening like it already knew what tonight was going to be historic. I had the first-ever High Times Cannabis Cup in New Jersey on my calendar for weeks in my home state. This event was hosted at the iconic Steel Pier. This was not just any event. It was a movement and statement. This was a long-overdue salute to the Garden State’s cannabis culture and community. Also, as a certified judge, I had to judge 15 pre-rolls from New Jersey dispensaries that participated in the cannabis cup.

“Thanks for recognizing us, High Times.”

Left to Right: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | The Iconic Ferris Wheel and Skyline | The Steel Pier Logo / Moonlight Over the Ocean. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta.

Cannabis Cup Judge: My First Time Ever as a Certified Judge

Before coming to the cannabis cup, I had homework to do as a certified judge. This was a high responsibility. I received my preroll judging kit from Bay Street Greenery, a Jersey City dispensary, ahead of the event and treated the evaluation process with the full seriousness it deserved. I had to look through a connoisseur’s eye, a trained nose, and experienced lungs. Each preroll was evaluated on its own merits through aesthetics, aroma, taste, smoothness of the burn, and ultimately, the entourage effects. Every score I submitted was my honest opinion. This was the first time me being a judge, and I gave the competition my honest integrity and ratings. I wore that responsibility with the highest pride.

What is a Cannabis Cup Judge Kit? Official judge kits can be purchased at select dispensaries. All judge kits include curated product entries from competing brands, a digital rating scorecard, and access to the judging portal. As a judge, you can score entries on aesthetics, aroma, taste, effects, and overall quality. Prices for judge kits vary.

Each official judge kit is categorized, which includes:

Flowers

• Indica Flower
• Sativa Flower
• Hybrid Flower

Pre-Rolls

• Infused Pre-Rolls – Indica
• Infused Pre-Rolls – Sativa
• Infused Pre-Rolls – Hybrid

Solvent Concentrates

• Solventless Concentrates
• Solvent Vape Pens & Cartridges
• Solventless Vape Pens & Cartridges

Edibles

• Edibles – Gummies
• Edibles – Non-Gummies
• Edibles – Beverages

Left to Right: Bay St. Greenery in Jersey City, NJ | Judge Kit Bag | Product Entries from Competing Brands. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta.

The Venue: The Steel Pier Amusement Park

I stepped on the Steel Pier for the first time, and it hit differently. The iconic Ferris wheel rising against the night sky. The walkway was filled with rides and games. The sound of the ocean humming underneath everything. The aroma of cannabis was heavy all around. The new High Times Publisher and RAW Rolling Papers Founder, Josh Kesselman, was heavily present, greeting everyone who came up to him. The lineup was serious. Smoke DZA held it down as host with that natural commanding energy. Beanie Sigel and Freeway hit the stage and reminded everyone exactly who Jersey-Philly hip-hop royalty is. DJ Caesar was on the ones and twos, keeping the energy locked in all night. And Haizi Haze brought a performance that had the crowd going. Atlantic City has hosted some things in its time, but a cannabis night like this? Never before.

Left to Right: Bay St. Greenery in Jersey City, NJ | Judge Kit Bag | Product Entries from Competing Brands. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta.

Cannabis Legend: Josh Kesselman, High Times Publisher and Raw Founder

Getting the chance to meet Josh Kesselman, founder and face of RAW Rolling Papers and High Times Publisher, in person at the Cannabis Cup was one of those moments you don’t take for granted. If you’ve ever rolled one up, there’s a good chance RAW was in your hands. The man lives and breathes this culture with a purity and passion that’s rare. We chopped it up, shared the energy, and it was a reminder that the people behind the brands that built this industry are real ones. To RAW and Josh, much respect.

Left to Right: Josh Kesselman interacting with enthusiasts  | The Kool Hempsta and Josh Kesselman Judge Kit Bag. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta.

The People: The Culture Was Present

The real energy this cannabis cup was the people. The connoisseurs. The enthusiasts. The cultivators. The advocates. The creatives. And yes, the canna-curious. Everyone who has been part of this journey toward legalization and normalization at the Cannabis Cup, all in one place. I met people I’ll remember, shared moments I won’t forget, and felt genuinely part of something bigger than a night out. Congratulations to all the Cannabis Cup winners.

Left to Right: Josh Kesselman interacting with enthusiasts  | The Kool Hempsta and Josh Kesselman Judge Kit Bag. Courtesy of The Kool Hempsta.

Final Roll: Salute to Garden State of Mind New Jersey

The first-ever High Times New Jersey Cannabis Cup was more than an awards show. It was proof that New Jersey’s cannabis community has arrived and that we’re not going anywhere. The Garden State has some of the finest cannabis in the country, and now the world knows it. Salute to High Times, RAW, Steel Pier, Hard Rock Hotel AC, The Cannabis Cup Winners, and every single person who made this happen. Thank you for bringing the culture home. Our flowers were earned.

This was the first, and it will not be the last. See you at the next Cup.

The Kool Hempsta  & Live High Social Club

#HighTimesNJCannabis Cup  #SteelPierAC  #HardRockHotelAC  #TheKoolHempsta  #LiveHighSocialClub  #NJCannabis  #GardenState  #MakeAmericaLiveHighAgain