Cannabis Competition "Best in Grass” Enters the Michigan Market

DETROIT, March 14, 2024 — Best in Grass, a national cannabis judging competition and product feedback platform, will host its first statewide competition in Michigan beginning April 6. 2,600 Michiganders will have the chance to discover and judge a variety of locally-grown cannabis products and crown the best in the state.

Judging Kits are loaded with Michigan cannabis products across 14 different recreational categories, including best indica, sativa, and hybrid flower; edible categories such as gummies and non-gummies, concentrates, vape carts, beverages and more. In total, the competition will feature 60 brands, 200+ product entries and 330,000 grams of cannabis including flower, concentrates, vape pens and edibles. Kits will be available for purchase at 25 select retailers across the state starting Saturday, April 6.

Judging Kits will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pricing is estimated at a lower price than other competition kits, between $75-$280 depending on the category. Judges will have until May 19 to submit detailed reports on the aesthetics, aroma, taste and effects of each product. Winners will be announced June 18 during a live, in-person award celebration. Upon completion of the judging process, each customer will be offered $20 off their next purchase at the dispensary where they purchased their Judge Kit, paid for by Best in Grass.

Best in Grass Michigan is presented by Leaf and Bud and made possible by official intake partner Trucenta. The competition is sponsored by retail partners Puff and The Grove.

Best in Grass is an entirely new player in the national cannabis space and has selected Michigan as its launch market. The venture comes from previous executives of High Times, a global name in cannabis known for its magazine and international Cannabis Cup events. Co-founders Mark Kazinec and Joey Posney launched Best in Grass to take all the best parts of popular cannabis judging competitions and elevate them to the next level — for both the participating brands and the “judges”, who are everyday cannabis consumers.

As more states have adopted cannabis-friendly policies, cannabis judging competitions have risen in popularity. But the approach Best in Grass is taking is truly unique, with a goal to support Michigan’s booming cannabis industry while appealing to a much broader base of consumers — the “canna curious” who might be interested in a sampling model that will help them identify which product type is the best fit for their lifestyle and needs. Best in Grass is also taking a different approach to the judging feedback process within the competition. The data intake from competition judges will be given to participating brands which could have a direct impact on product improvements and innovation. Mark Kazinec, the co-founder of Best in Grass, made the announcement.

“I’ve spent the past four years getting to know the vibrant Michigan cannabis community, which is a true standout among all of the cannabis-friendly states I’ve visited coast to coast. When it came time to select a launch market for Best in Grass, we knew the mitten state was the perfect location,” Kazinec said. “As one of the largest cannabis markets in the US, Michigan consumers have shown up in droves for previous competitions. We’re looking forward to tapping into that loyal audience and connecting with the cannabis community through Best in Grass.”

Judging Kits will be available for purchase at retailers starting April 6. For contest rules, questions or retail locations, visit bestingrass.io.

About Best in Grass
Launched in 2024, Best in Grass is a national cannabis judging competition and product feedback platform designed to help consumers Find Their High and Find Their Why. By combining the rich experience of a sample-based cannabis competition with sophisticated data collection, the company helps consumers experience a variety of cannabis products while providing industry brands with feedback and intelligence, leading to innovation and product development. To learn more, visit BestinGrass.io.