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Sun Cup 2020 recognizes outdoor growers

Last year’s Sun Cup Awards were presented in person at a private event in downtown Seattle on April 27, 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 awards were presented via Facebook Live on June 21. (Courtesy WSIA)
By Kate A. Miner EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

The Washington Sungrowers Industry Association is a trade association governed by and representing cannabis farmers and processors throughout Washington. Members are dedicated to supporting sustainably-farmed outdoor cannabis, and encourage environmental and economic policy through advocacy, education and research.

For the last few years, the WSIA has also invited members to compete in the Sun Cup Invitational, which recognizes growers in 10 categories.

Judges are chosen for having a strong reputation among their peers of staying current on product knowledge and methodologies, and recognizing sungrown cannabis as a top-shelf product. Over 100 individuals applied to be judges this year, and 30 were selected. They included retail store buyers, managers, budtenders, writers, social media influencers, photographers and consumers. On average, judges had 18 years of consumption experience, with over 500 years of consumption experience combined.

The entries for flower, concentrate and cartridges were fully blinded. Other categories such as infused joints and edibles were not blinded but included branding as part of the judging. Scoring was a on a scale of 1 to 10, and included packaging, appearance, fragrance, taste, smoothness, effect and overall impression. For flower and concentrate categories, judges chose from a list of descriptors for fragrance and taste, like citrus, floral, pine and vanilla.

This year’s awards were supposed to be held in Seattle at a private venue, but like many events, the physical gathering was cancelled, and awards were presented via Facebook Live on June 21.

Proceeds from Sun Cup support WSIA’s mission and ongoing work representing cannabis farmers and processors throughout Washington.

WSIA has a seat at the table on industry advisory boards to the WSLCB, including the Quality Assurance Advisory Group, Package & Labeling Advisory Group, Traceability Advisory Group, and the Cannabis Advisory Council. The association is also active in recent legislation regarding product labeling.

WSIA encourages support through membership. To learn more, visit washingtonsungrowers.org.

Kate A. Miner has a degree in visual anthropology, and has worked in marketing and advertising for many years. She writes, takes photos and teaches yoga.