Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' first Cannabis Cup celebrates tradition and destigmatization

With the aim of celebrating traditional farming practices and destigmatizing cannabis, the’Alternative Holistic & Organic Cooperative Society (AHOCS) and CannaSVG, a medical cannabis cultivation company, are set to host the first Cannabis Cup in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Scheduled for December 10 at Pier 1, this event is not just a competition, but a step toward recognizing the role of traditional farmers in the emerging cannabis industry.

The island legalized medical cannabis in 2018, as part of a common movement of Caribbean countries at the very least, to legalize medical cannabis.

The Local Importance of Destigmatization

Josiah Cuffy, a member of the AHOCS, emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing cannabis in society. In an interview with Searchlight, he says: «The idea behind the Cannabis Cup is to establish a day of freedom for cannabis, because we’re really trying to destigmatize it. We now have medical cannabis here as well, so it’s only fair that destigmatization goes hand in hand with that.».

The SVG Cannabis Cup will not only be a competition featuring the best local cannabis products, but also a celebration of the diverse cultural aspects of cannabis. The AHOCS is committed to involving traditional growers and local artists in the event.

Cuffy emphasizes the importance of this involvement: «We really want traditional growers to be involved in the country’s medical cannabis industry—for the country’s sake—because that’s the only way to start destigmatizing it.» This inclusive approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and the evolving cannabis landscape.

The organization will also have a booth at the event, where it will provide information about the plant and various products derived from cannabis and other plants that offer health benefits, as well as promote informed and responsible cannabis use.

The competition will feature categories such as Indica, Sativa, and hybrid flowers, as well as hash. Prizes will be awarded for the best-looking flowers (visual appearance), the best aroma (smell), the best taste (smoothness when smoked), and the best high (intensity).

Conley Rose, president of the AHOCS, highlights the organization’s broader goal: expanding the cannabis market. By advocating for the sale of medical cannabis in various locations, the AHOCS envisions a future where medical cannabis products will be accessible to a wider audience in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.