For over 10 years, the Karma Cup Cup has been showcasing innovation, creativity, and excellence in the cannabis industry. What started as a humble initiative in 2014 has since evolved into the longest-running Canadian Cannabis Cup to date, bringing the community together year after year. From its legacy days to today, the format has evolved significantly, adapting to the developments in legalization and the shifting landscape of cannabis laws and retail regulations.
The Vision Behind Karma Cup
The Karma Cup was founded by Sarah Sunday, a dedicated cannabis grower who sought to create a professionally-run, fair, and transparent competition where growers could showcase their products.
Sarah's goal was to highlight excellence and foster healthy competition that would help improve the industry.
The Karma Cup has always operated as a blind competition, meaning entries are submitted in unbranded packaging. Judges do not know the producer or strain they are evaluating, ensuring impartiality.
11 Years of Innovation and Growth
What began as a small competition and private gathering with just 70 judges quickly grew into something much larger. The first event received around 80 entries—double the number of submissions any other Canadian cup had received at that time. The following year, the number of judges doubled as well, leading to another great success.
By the third year, Karma Cup introduced an outdoor festival, a market, and educational panels. Over the course of the legacy competitions, the Karma Cup attracted over 1,600 judges, 550 competitors, and more than 1,000 entries.
With 9-13 categories each year, the event adapted to the evolving market, expanding to include multiple categories, extracts, pre-rolls, edibles, topicals, and even glass categories in the early years.
Winners in each category were awarded a unique handmade functional glass trophy, a symbol of excellence in the cannabis community.
Evolving the Process: Entry, Judging, and Selection
The Karma Cup adapted to the Ontario recreational market in 2023. Due to product approval regulations, some changes were necessary. Four categories were approved for sale by the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS): Bud (Indica, Hybrid, Sativa) and Pre-Rolls. The process now starts with competitors submitting samples of their best products.
Professional judges then evaluate the entries using the Karma Cup evaluation software. The top seven entries in each category are selected to compete in the final judging kits, which are sold in licensed retail stores.
In 2023 and 2024, 28 curated entries were featured in the Karma Cup. A total of 1,000 kits for each category were produced and up to 1,000 judges — including consumers, budtenders, and professionals—evaluated the entries online from the comfort of their homes.
In October, the top 3 winners in each category received the iconic glass trophy bong at The Karma Cup Gala Awards Ceremony, held at a secret location in downtown Toronto, where consumers and budtenders met the growers and celebrated the winners.
The Elite of 2024: Karma Cup Finalists
In the four categories, 7 of the 24 finalists were Licensed Producers growing with CANNA nutrients, and 3 of those producers ranked within the Top 3:
- Mauve et Herbes claimed 1st Place in the Indica category for Ripped Off Runtz and 2nd Place in the Sativa category for Jack Herer.
- VASCO took home 2nd Place in the Indica category for Pavé Runtz.
- Green Karat secured 3rd Place in the Hybrid category for Pavé.
Karma Cup 2025: What’s Next
For 2025, Sarah Sunday says they will be streamlining the process by eliminating the Judges Kits at retail. Instead, they will feature a Winners / Best of product kit, showcasing the top products. All entries will be welcomed, with professional judges and lucky consumers evaluating the received sample packs. As always, the top three in each category will receive the prestigious functional glass trophy and the winning products will be available in licensed retailers across Ontario as part of the Karma Cup Winners series!
The Karma Cup has come a long way since its inception in 2014. From humble beginnings to a powerhouse in the Canadian cannabis industry, it continues to evolve, adapt, and champion the very best in cannabis cultivation. Whether it's celebrating legacy growers or introducing the next wave of industry innovations, the Karma Cup remains a symbol of excellence and community in the ever-changing cannabis landscape.
CANNA Canada encourages all Canadian Licensed growers to participate in the 12th Annual Cup in 2025. Stay tuned by subscribing to the Karma Cup Newsletter via www.thekarmacup.com and follow them on socials!
