Is High Times Cannabis Cup worth it?

[flemflam]

Hello,

I'm planning my 3rd trip to the Amsterdam. I'm wondering if the Cup is worth my time.

Thanks for your input.

[bigbob]

Hello,

I'm planning my 3rd trip to the Amsterdam. I'm wondering if the Cup is worth my time.

Thanks for your input.

Depends on what your expectations are. If you expect a "real" competition to determine the best weed and hash available in A-dam; if you expect to have input into that determination as a "judge"; or, if you expect to receive lots of freebies, you will be disappointed. If you understand that the Cup is a trade show designed to generate publicity and business for High Times and the coffeeshop/seed shop/paraphernalia businesses who participate, then your expectations will be much more realistic. If you expect to find crowds of Americans, long lines and waits for service, and a thoroughly commercial experience, well, that's exactly what you are going to get.
I went in '07. The best part, and what made the cost worthwhile, was the two shows by Moe..

Toke on!
bigbob

[Sir Niall of Essex-sire]

Theres a few threads on this.

Not my cup of tea, Amsterdam is a chill place ideally imo, the cup isnt this at all. If you want a 'real' amsterdam experience, then not. However your from the states, so you might enjoy it. I usually say it's a cool way for Americans who haven't been to Europe before to see Amsterdam, because theres alot of your country men/women about. But, i see you've been before so i guess that don't really matter.

I say no, others yes. Maybe its worth finding out for yourself?

[cant_think]

I'm gonna go to the cannabis cup this year, I know a lot of folk say it's commercialised/fixed/full of american tourists, but I remember watching the DVD of the 2007 one and it seemed sick..

[Kacey420]

It's a good time no question, but don't expect to ever sit and chill in a coffeeshop. My favorite time to visit amsterdam is in January cause there are even free seats at grey area. I would never want to go during the cup....I go to Amsterdam to relax.

[Uncle Ron]

I agree with all responses, especially "bigbob".

I view the HTCC the same as Queen's Day and the Munich Oktoberfest, which is in order to fully appreciate the experience, go at least once. Something like the "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt" kind of thing.

Now the reality check: Expenses.
Travel (19-28 Nov) - $741 from JFK (Kayak.com)
Lodging (20-28 Nov) - from $188 for 8 nights (Kayak.com)
Food/Drink - ??
Judges Pass - $199 until 1 June; $250 until 15 Nov (online); E250 (approx. $350 at the door) from hightimes.com
Gear - depends on your tolerance; also, won't be free as some ill-informed believe.
Weed - $10 (E7) to $20 (E14) per gram
Hash - $15 (E10) to +$65 (+E50) per gram

Roughly, you are looking at a minimum of $1400. Expect to pay more as time passes, especially for lodging.

Good luck.
Peace.

[Cal X]

Going to Amsterdam on 4-20 may be a better choice for you. It won't be as crowded as the Cup but it will still have a festive atmosphere. My favorite time to go is early May. The weather is nice and the shops are not to crowded.

[Uncle Ron]

Going to Amsterdam on 4-20 may be a better choice for you. It won't be as crowded as the Cup but it will still have a festive atmosphere. My favorite time to go is early May. The weather is nice and the shops are not to crowded.

Definitely won't be as crowded, or as expensive, and the theme is relatively the same, all about Cannabis (and how to make the most money from it). Sorry about that last bit. Arguably and sad as it may be, the point has merit.

Go to the cup or not, attend 4-20 or not, visit Amsterdam or not. The important thing to remember is DON'T BOGART THE BUD!! ':P'

Peace.