Once a premier cannabis competition in the U.S., the International Cannagraphic Cup (often abbreviated to IC Cup) has long drawn elite growers, breeders, and cannabis enthusiasts to Las Vegas. Sponsored by International Cannagraphic Magazine (ICMag), this Cup celebrates genetic innovation while connecting the global cultivation community.
When & Where
- Traditionally held annually in the spring, the IC Cup in Las Vegas typically takes place in April or May, with judging and ceremonies occurring over several days.
- In 2024, preliminary rounds & final ceremonies wrapped up around April 21, Cannagraphic Forums suggesting the event spans mid-to-late April.
- The competition takes place in private indoor venues—prior editions used grower-friendly spaces in and around Las Vegas—so exact locations are kept internal and subject to change from year to year.
What It’s About
- The IC Cup centers on quality cultivation, low-entry barriers, and community-driven judging.
- Unlike commercial cups requiring big production, this event invites experienced and emerging growers to submit original phenotypes—often grown in small containers. Judges evaluate appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall effect, giving preference to true craftsmanship .
- Awards span sativa, indica, hybrid, concentrates, and more, with winners earning recognition for excellence in genetics and cultivation art.
Recognition for Winners
- Top growers are celebrated across categories, with winners highlighted in ICMag issues and online forums, including ICMag.com and various cannabis community platforms. Learn More About: Alchimia
- Trophies or plaques, bragging rights, and visibility within the craft-cannabis scene follow—often boosting reputation and future collaborations.
- Winning cultivars sometimes spread into broader communities, prompting phenotype drops, trades, or new hybrid projects within underground networks.
Who Can Attend?
| Group | Role in the IC Cup |
|---|---|
| Growers/Breeders | Primary participants—submit entries and cultivation techniques. |
| ICMag Judges | Experienced hobbyists and breeders who evaluate entries based on quality. |
| Public/Fans | General attendance is limited—judging is mostly private. Some past festivals aligned with cup showcases have offered VIP or limited public passes. |
| Media/Industry Insiders | Press and trade presence is common, especially for documenting winners and future phenotypes. |
- The event isn’t open to general walk-in public, but close-knit cannabis community members, industry journalists, and invited guests are typically permitted, maintaining a craft-focused atmosphere.
Why It Matters
- The IC Cup roots itself in craft cultivation culture, emphasizing small-batch genetics and genuine growing expertise—often spotlighting unique phenotypes that later shape future strains.
- It’s a mentor-to-mentor environment, fostering networking and seed-sharing that can ripple out into the legal market with new entries into state-legal dispensaries.
- As one of the few remaining non-commercial, grower-led Cups, it retains authenticity and transparency—veteran participants praise its peer-reviewed structure, with blind judging and documented results>. Read More: LinkedIn, Cannabis Cup
Event Timeline & Format
- Call for Entries (Winter–Early Spring)
Growers submit multiple entries, often small containers (~16 oz pots). Photos and grow details may be required. - Judging Week (April)
Judges evaluate under blind-testing conditions at private venues, scoring each entry for visual, aroma, flavor, and effects. - Awards Ceremony (Late April)
Winners announced per category. Top entries receive accolades and exposure through International Cannagraphic Magazine and associated online forums. - Post-Cup Discussions
Growers and judges debrief, sharing notes about top phenos and cultivation techniques—encouraging innovation within the community.
Attendance & Participation
- Growers: Must be registered ICMag members—submission guidelines posted on ICMag.com.
- Judges: Selected for growing experience. Training in blind judging ensures consistency and fairness.
- Guests/Media: Invites limited; fans may attend related festival events when timed with the Cup, but ceremonies are generally private or invite-only.
Your Invitation to Join
To engage with the IC Cup Las Vegas:
- Growers: Head to ICMag.com, join the forum, and watch for entry deadlines (typically in March–April).
- Judges: Apply via ICMag—selection is based on growing record, fairness, and community reputation.
- Media/Insiders: Contact ICMag ahead of the event for press credentials.
- Cannabis Enthusiasts: Follow ICMag online or forums like CannabisCupWinners.com to track entries, winners, and future phenotypes.
In Review
The International Cannagraphic Cup stands out as a beacon of craft cultivation, peer evaluation, and community pride. Held annually in Las Vegas during spring, it brings together passionate growers and breeders in a respected, low-barrier competition. While not widely open to the public, it fosters deep networking, phenotypic innovation, and authentic recognition through ICMag’s platform. With its legacy from the 2000s and steady continuity, it underscores Las Vegas not just as entertainment capital, but a hub for cannabis excellence and underground legend.