“Some brands put in the best of their best knowing that it’s award-winning, while some brands submit their new products to get feedback.”
Across the country, cannabis competitions have become a proving ground for cultivators, extractors, and innovators pushing the plant to its limits. Among them, Best in Grass stands out as one of the most respected platforms showcasing true craftsmanship and quality.
In this interview with BiG Co-Founder Mark Kaz, we dive behind the scenes of what it takes to run a fair, transparent, and nationally recognized cannabis competition, and explore what “best in grass” really means in today’s evolving industry.
BN: As a coordinator, what are some of the biggest challenges you face organizing events across states with such different cannabis laws and regulations?
MK: One of the biggest challenges I face is learning and adjusting to the various track and trace laws in each state, ranging from the exact inputs in Metrc as well as the ever-changing packaging and labeling rules that cultivators must adhere to. Many cultivators suffer because they’ve produced thousands of packages with all the required verbiage on a label, and then all of a sudden a new law passes that requires them to add, “It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis,” or “Made in a facility without allergens.”
This is costly and time-consuming for everyone. Additionally, our industry typically wants to attend events where consumption is allowed, but the truth of the matter is, that won’t always be possible in every state. I think there’s a time and place for a big smoke sesh where we can all smoke in peace, but also a time and place for a more elegant evening where you keep the smoking for pre and post event.
What’s it like working with so many brands from around the country, each bringing their own style and approach to competition?
It’s very very interesting. We get to meet so many unique people from all walks of life and learn why they started their business, and what their hopes are for the cannabis industry. When it comes to their approach to the competition, some brands put in the best of their best knowing that it’s award-winning, while some brands submit their new products to simply get feedback from a wide variety of consumers across the state. We have brands that submit one entry, while others spread their chips across the board in hopes that one of their babies hits it BiG. [Ed. note: Pun intended.]
Have you noticed certain states consistently submitting the most entries or producing standout products year after year?
Certainly. Michigan is our biggest and best state in terms of number of brands and entries. They also come in hot with moonrocks as well as half and half concentrate jars for a fun way to sample two strains or consistencies in one package. New Mexico, soon to be announced February 2026, also has a robust micro-license category where the small batch, craft cultivators get to shine a light on their flower, and it’s been incredible to see small mom and pop groups enter some phenomenal flower.
How do you ensure fairness and consistency when judging across such a wide variety of products, regions, and regulations?
We pride ourselves in executing what we feel are the most honest and transparent cannabis competitions in the world. Here are a few ways: We limit the number of entries each brand can submit per category. We only allow each brand to win one placement per category. We do not allow brands to judge any categories that they’ve entered. In most states, except for Rhode Island, we produce around 2,000-3,000 judge kits per state and distribute them across 25-30 dispensaries across the State. This makes it tougher than any competition for any group of people to gather kits and sway the results.
Also, each judge kit has its own unique access code for judging, so kits cannot be shared and votes cannot be stacked by the same person and their friends. And we take several days to review all of the data to identify any outliers of “funny business.” We’ll disqualify data points or even entire entries if we find any wrongdoing. Even after people have tried several times, we will never accept any bribes or give anyone an advantage over anyone else, for any reason, ever.
For consumers or brands interested in getting involved, how can they find out more about major BiG cannabis competitions happening in their state or region?
Keep an eye out on our tour dates and deadlines on BestinGrass.io and @bestingras.io_. Anyone can email me at Kaz@bestingrass.io to say hi and start a convo, but please, although we’re friendly and approachable, do your research and don’t ask questions that are already listed online, and read your emails.
