New Jersey Cannabis Cup Crowns First State Champions at Atlantic City

New Jersey's cannabis industry held its first-ever High Times Cannabis Cup on May 1 at Atlantic City's Steel Pier, marking a milestone for the state's recreational market that launched just over three years ago.

Six brands emerged as the competition's top performers across 13 categories. Niche., ONYX, and Magic Garden Botanicals led the medal count, with The Growfather, Sun Extractions, and Rosin King also taking home multiple awards.

The event represents a coming-of-age moment for New Jersey's cannabis sector, which has grown to include more than 100 licensed dispensaries since recreational sales began in April 2022. The state's market generated $1.9 billion in sales during 2025, according to New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission data.

The Winners

While the full list of category winners wasn't immediately available, the six leading brands represent a mix of New Jersey's established operators. ONYX operates multiple dispensaries across the state, while Niche. has built a reputation for craft cultivation. Magic Garden Botanicals focuses on small-batch flower production.

The Growfather, Sun Extractions, and Rosin King have carved out niches in New Jersey's concentrates and extracts market—a segment that's seen explosive growth as consumer preferences shift toward higher-potency products.

The 13 competition categories likely included standard Cannabis Cup divisions such as flower (indica, sativa, hybrid), concentrates (live resin, rosin, distillate), edibles, and pre-rolls. High Times typically judges entries through a combination of laboratory testing and consumer panels.

Atlantic City's Cannabis Play

The choice of Atlantic City's Steel Pier as the venue connects New Jersey's cannabis industry to the resort town's ongoing economic reinvention. Atlantic City has embraced cannabis as part of its diversification strategy beyond casino gaming, with several dispensaries now operating in the city.

Steel Pier, the iconic boardwalk amusement park, has increasingly hosted events targeting adult audiences as it seeks to remain relevant in a changing entertainment landscape. The Cannabis Cup marks one of the pier's highest-profile cannabis industry events to date.

Market Context

New Jersey's cannabis market has matured rapidly since launch, with prices stabilizing and product quality improving as cultivators gain experience. The state's regulatory framework allows vertical integration, meaning many winning brands likely control their entire supply chain from cultivation through retail.

The Cannabis Cup results could influence consumer purchasing decisions and provide marketing ammunition for winning brands in an increasingly competitive market. New Jersey dispensaries compete not just with each other but with legacy operators in neighboring states and the persistent illicit market.

What's Next

The success of this inaugural event suggests High Times may make New Jersey a regular stop on its Cannabis Cup circuit, which includes competitions in California, Michigan, and other major markets. For winning brands, the recognition provides third-party validation of quality—a valuable commodity as consumers become more discerning.

New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission continues to issue new licenses, meaning future competitions will likely feature even more entrants as the market expands.

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This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.