High Times is bringing its flagship Cannabis Cup competition to Latin America for the first time, with events scheduled in Buenos Aires on October 23 and San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 5.
The Argentina event will feature five competition categories with lab analysis requirements and a registration deadline of October 10. Puerto Rico's competition expands to ten categories and will include a thirteen-judge panel, according to the event organizers.
The expansion marks High Times' continued international growth as cannabis markets develop across Latin America. Argentina legalized personal cultivation and medical cannabis in recent years, while Puerto Rico has operated a medical cannabis program since 2017.
Competition Details
The Buenos Aires Cannabis Cup gives cultivators and producers less than three weeks to submit entries before the October 10 deadline. All submissions require third-party lab analysis, following the standard protocol High Times uses for its North American events.
Puerto Rico's competition features a more extensive setup. The December 5 event will include the Cannabiz Awards on the same night, recognizing business achievements in the island's medical cannabis industry. Submissions for Puerto Rico close October 16.
The thirteen-judge panel for the San Juan event represents a significant judging pool compared to typical Cannabis Cup events. High Times has not disclosed the judges' identities or credentials.
Market Context
Argentina's cannabis sector has grown since the country authorized medical cannabis production in 2020. The government now allows registered patients to grow their own plants and has licensed several companies for medical production. But recreational sales remain illegal.
Puerto Rico's medical program has generated over $150 million in annual sales, with more than 100,000 registered patients. The island has struggled with oversupply issues as dozens of licensed cultivators compete for market share.
High Times has hosted Cannabis Cup events in more than a dozen countries since launching the competition in Amsterdam in 1988. The company went public through a SPAC merger in 2021 but has faced financial challenges, including delisting threats and restructuring efforts.
What's Next
Producers interested in the Argentina competition have until October 10 to register and submit products. Puerto Rico submissions remain open until October 16.
The events could provide market visibility for Latin American cannabis producers looking to establish brand recognition as regional markets continue developing. Winners typically see increased consumer interest and can leverage Cannabis Cup awards in marketing materials.
High Times has not announced whether additional Latin American Cannabis Cup events are planned for 2025 or beyond.
This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.
