Steve Hager: Cannabis Cup History (part 1)
Steve Hager: Cannabis Cup History (part 2)

Video: The captivating History of the High Times Cannabis Cup, as told by Its Founder, Steve Hager

Steven Hager is a journalist, author, and activist who played a pivotal role in founding the High Times Cannabis Cup, one of the most iconic events in the cannabis industry.

The Underground Harvest Festivals: A Foundation for Change

The 1960s was a time of counterculture movements, including the rise of interest in cannabis. This period saw the beginnings of cannabis activism and the underground cultivation scene.

As cannabis was illegal in the United States for most of the 20th century, the very act of gathering to celebrate the plant was fraught with risk. However, despite the legal risks, cannabis activists, growers, and enthusiasts began organizing underground harvest festivals in the 1970s and 80s, particularly in regions like Northern California—home to the famous Emerald Triangle, a major cannabis cultivation area. These informal events were small, secretive, and often held in remote locations to avoid detection by law enforcement.

The harvest festivals were not just about partying; they were a celebration of the cannabis plant, a chance for growers to share cultivation tips, exchange seeds, and show off their harvests. It was a time for cannabis lovers to come together, share knowledge, and create a sense of solidarity. These festivals were also a space for advocacy—an opportunity to discuss the political struggles surrounding cannabis prohibition and the fight for legalization. While they were held in the shadows, these underground gatherings had a profound impact on shaping cannabis culture and laying the groundwork for future public events.

The Birth of the High Times Cannabis Cup

By the mid-1980s, Steven Hager, who was working as the editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, recognized the need for a more open and visible celebration of cannabis culture. Inspired by the spirit of the underground harvest festivals and the growing movement for cannabis legalization, Hager wanted to create an event that would not only bring cannabis enthusiasts together but also showcase the best marijuana products in a positive and legal environment. The result was the High Times Cannabis Cup.

Hager’s vision for the event was clear: He wanted to celebrate cannabis culture, highlight the best marijuana strains and products, and, most importantly, create a platform for cannabis legalization. He chose Amsterdam as the location for the first Cannabis Cup because of the Netherlands’ progressive stance on cannabis laws, which allowed people to gather, consume cannabis, and participate in the celebration without fear of legal consequences. Amsterdam, with its famous cannabis coffee shops, provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration of cannabis culture that would attract people from around the world.

The inaugural Cannabis Cup took place in Amsterdam in 1988 The event was designed to unite the global cannabis community—growers, enthusiasts, activists, and consumers—by creating a space to openly celebrate the plant and its culture. It quickly became an annual gathering for cannabis lovers worldwide.

The Format and Influence

The Cannabis Cup was structured as a competition where cannabis growers and producers could showcase their best products—flowers, edibles, concentrates, and other cannabis-related goods. Participants voted for their favorite strains and products in various categories such as “Best Sativa,” “Best Indica,” and “Best Hash.” This competition helped elevate the cannabis industry, encouraging innovation and pushing the boundaries of what was possible with cannabis products.

Beyond its role as a competition, the Cannabis Cup played an important role in changing public perceptions of cannabis. The event helped legitimize cannabis in the eyes of the general public and positioned High Times as the central platform for cannabis culture. It also contributed significantly to the broader movement for cannabis legalization and normalization.

As the event grew in popularity and laws started to relax in the US, the Cannabis Cup expanded beyond Amsterdam. The first official High Times (Medical) Cannabis Cup outside of Amsterdam took place in San Francisco, California, in 2010. Like the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup, many marijuana strains were judged, and trophies were awarded in a number of categories at the Medical Cup.

Founding Vision

Hager’s vision for the Cannabis Cup helped solidify his reputation as a passionate advocate for cannabis culture. He used the celebration to promote positive social change and further the conversation on cannabis legalization, as well as the rights of consumers, cultivators, and dispensaries.

Although Hager left High Times in the 1990s, his influence on cannabis culture and the Cannabis Cup remains profound. The event continues to serve as an iconic gathering for cannabis industry professionals, consumers, and activists, celebrating innovation, culture, and community.

In addition to his work with High Times, Hager is known for his activism and for publishing books like The Murder of John Lennon and Marihuana: The First 12,000 Years. He remains a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization, viewing the plant as a tool for personal freedom and social change.

The Legacy

The High Times Cannabis Cup remains one of the largest and most influential cannabis events in the world. Steven Hager’s founding vision was to create a space where people who shared a love for cannabis could come together and use that collective energy to push for cultural change. Over the years, the Cup has grown into a celebration of cannabis innovation, culture, and community, with Hager’s legacy at its core.