The 2026 New York Cannabis Cup showcased the rapid evolution of New York’s legal cannabis market, highlighting some of the best cultivators, brands, and products currently available in the Empire State. Hosted by High Times, the Cannabis Cup remains one of the most respected competitions in the cannabis industry. Each year the event draws entries from top growers, extractors, and product manufacturers who compete for recognition across multiple product categories.
The New York Cannabis Cup uses a People’s Choice judging format, which means consumers themselves serve as judges. Participants purchase official judge kits containing cannabis products from licensed producers and evaluate them over several weeks. Each entry is scored based on factors such as aroma, flavor, potency, appearance, and overall experience. This format allows real cannabis consumers to determine the winners, making the results a valuable snapshot of what products truly stand out in the marketplace.
The 2026 competition featured a wide variety of products including flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles, and beverages. The winners represent a mix of legacy cannabis genetics, modern hybrid strains, and innovative infused products that demonstrate how far New York’s regulated cannabis industry has come in a short period of time.
Best Sativa Flower
The Best Sativa Flower category focuses on sativa strains known for uplifting and energizing effects. These varieties are often favored for daytime use, creativity, and social experiences.
First place was awarded to White Widow from Doobie Labs. White Widow is one of the most legendary cannabis strains in the world, originally bred in the Netherlands and widely recognized for its balanced potency and heavy resin production. The Doobie Labs version impressed judges with frosty buds, bright citrus aromas, and a smooth smoking experience. Many participants praised the strain for delivering an energetic yet balanced high that makes it ideal for daytime consumption.
Second place went to Golden Garden, a cultivator known for producing terpene-rich flower with excellent curing techniques. Judges noted the strong aroma and clean smoke of Golden Garden’s entry, which offered a classic sativa-style effect with uplifting mental stimulation.
Third place was awarded to RUNTZ, a brand more commonly associated with dessert-style hybrid strains. Their entry stood out for its vibrant appearance and sweet terpene profile, showing that the brand can compete successfully in a wide range of categories.
Best Indica Flower
Indica strains are prized for their relaxing body effects and are often preferred for evening use or stress relief. The Best Indica Flower category featured several impressive entries from New York cultivators.
First place went to Blue Zushi from Golden Garden. Blue Zushi has become one of the most talked-about modern cannabis strains, known for its striking appearance and powerful terpene profile. The winning entry featured dense buds coated in trichomes with hints of purple and deep green coloration. Judges praised the strain’s sweet, berry-like aroma and deeply relaxing effects, which made it one of the standout flowers in the entire competition.
Second place was awarded to Doobie Labs, which earned multiple placements across the flower categories. Their indica entry impressed judges with rich earthy aromas and a strong calming effect that many described as ideal for unwinding after a long day.
Third place went to Skyworld, another New York cannabis brand that has been gaining recognition for its cultivation quality. Judges highlighted the strain’s smooth smoke and balanced terpene profile, which combined herbal and sweet notes.
Best Hybrid Flower
Hybrid strains dominate the modern cannabis market because they combine the best qualities of both indica and sativa genetics. The Best Hybrid Flower category featured several of the most popular contemporary strains.
First place was awarded to Permanent Marker from The Kaleidoscope Collective. Permanent Marker has quickly gained international attention as one of the most distinctive modern cannabis strains. The winning entry featured dense, resin-coated buds with a pungent aroma blending sweet candy notes with diesel and chemical undertones. Judges praised the strain’s complex terpene profile and powerful effects that balanced mental euphoria with relaxing body sensations.
Second place went to Hepworth, a brand known for its focus on small-batch cultivation and high-quality curing practices. Judges noted that their hybrid entry offered a smooth smoking experience with strong terpene expression and balanced effects.
Third place was awarded to Golden Garden, marking the cultivator’s third placement in the flower categories. Their consistent performance across multiple categories highlights the brand’s strong reputation for quality cannabis cultivation.
Best Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls have become one of the most popular product formats in legal cannabis markets because they offer convenience and consistency for consumers.
First place in the Best Pre-Roll category went to Obama Runtz from RUNTZ. This strain impressed judges with its sweet, fruity aroma and smooth smoke. The pre-roll burned evenly and delivered a flavorful experience that captured the distinctive terpene profile of the Runtz genetic line.
Second place was awarded to Hepworth, whose pre-roll entry demonstrated the brand’s commitment to using high-quality flower rather than trim or shake. Judges praised the consistent burn and balanced potency.
Third place went to Florist Farms, a well-known New York cannabis company that focuses on sustainable cultivation practices. Their pre-roll entry delivered excellent flavor and a clean smoking experience.
Best Infused Pre-Rolls
Infused pre-rolls combine premium cannabis flower with concentrates such as hash oil or kief to create a more potent smoking experience.
First place was awarded to Strawberry Shortcake Remix from RYTHM. This infused pre-roll impressed judges with its dessert-like terpene profile and strong potency. The combination of flavorful flower and concentrated extract created a rich and powerful smoking experience that stood out among competitors.
Second place went to Hepworth, once again demonstrating the brand’s strong performance across multiple product categories.
Third place was awarded to RUNTZ, which continued to show its strength in infused and flavor-forward cannabis products.
Best Vape Cartridges
Vape cartridges remain one of the most widely used cannabis consumption methods thanks to their portability, convenience, and discreet nature.
In the Best Non-Distillate Vape category, first place went to Hash Burger from MFNY. Non-distillate cartridges typically preserve more of the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a more authentic cannabis flavor. Judges praised the cartridge for its robust terpene profile and smooth vapor production.
Second place was awarded to Hepworth, whose vape cartridge delivered consistent performance and balanced flavor.
Third place went to RUNTZ, adding another category placement to the brand’s strong showing in the competition.
In the Best Distillate Vape category, first place went to Gas Leak from Heady Tree. This cartridge featured potent distillate paired with flavorful terpenes, producing a powerful and enjoyable vaping experience.
Second place was awarded to Florist Farms, while third place again went to RUNTZ, demonstrating the brand’s continued presence among top-performing cannabis products in the state.
Best Edibles
Edibles continue to grow in popularity as more consumers seek alternatives to smoking or vaping cannabis.
First place in the Best Edibles category went to the Empire State Bar from Incredibles. This infused chocolate bar impressed judges with its rich flavor, smooth texture, and reliable dosing. Many reviewers praised the balance between enjoyable taste and consistent effects.
Second place went to Off Hours, a brand known for producing carefully formulated edibles designed for relaxation and social enjoyment.
Third place was awarded to Hepworth, further reinforcing the brand’s strong performance across multiple product categories in the competition.
Best Cannabis Beverages
Cannabis beverages are one of the newest and fastest-growing segments of the industry. These products offer a smoke-free way to consume cannabis and often feature lower doses that appeal to a broader audience.
First place in the Best Beverage category went to Fruit Punch from Layup. Judges praised the drink’s refreshing flavor and balanced infusion, which created a pleasant and approachable cannabis experience.
Second place went to Off Hours, whose beverage entry impressed judges with its smooth flavor and consistent effects.
Third place was awarded to Hepworth, rounding out another strong performance by the brand across multiple categories.
The Rise of New York’s Cannabis Industry
The 2026 New York Cannabis Cup highlights how quickly the state’s cannabis market is developing. As more cultivators, processors, and brands enter the regulated industry, the quality of cannabis products continues to improve. Competitions like the Cannabis Cup provide an important platform for producers to showcase their craftsmanship while helping consumers discover the best products available.
Several brands—including Golden Garden, Hepworth, and RUNTZ—appeared multiple times across different categories, demonstrating consistent quality and strong consumer appeal. Their success reflects the growing professionalism and expertise emerging within New York’s cannabis industry.
Final Thoughts
The winners of the 2026 New York Cannabis Cup represent some of the best cannabis products currently available in the state. From legendary marijuana strains like White Widow to modern favorites such as Permanent Marker and Blue Zushi, the competition showcased a diverse range of genetics and product formats.
As New York’s legal cannabis market continues to expand, future Cannabis Cup competitions will likely feature even greater innovation and higher-quality products. For consumers and cannabis enthusiasts, the results of the 2026 competition offer a valuable guide to some of the top-performing strains, brands, and products shaping the future of cannabis in New York.
