 | Pot Culture: SMOKE ON THE WATER |
 NORML's First Annual Auckland Cannabis Cup, held on the high seas of the Waitemata Harbour on Saturday 29 May 2004, confirmed Auckland's reputation as "The Big Smoke". Reported in NORML News Winter 2004.
On a bright and sunny afternoon 80 friends of the Kiwi cannabis community set sail on the Te Aroha, the Love Boat, around the Waitemata harbour, embarking on the adventure that was the first-ever Auckland Cannabis Cup.
Despite nearly catastrophic forecasts the sun was shining and the weather was sweet. So were the 10 top strains in competition for the coveted cup. We had the pleasure of sampling hand-picked selections of the finest of the finest anywhere, soaking up some wicked tunes and relaxing our way around the gulf in full comfort with some very, very nice people.
The judging began shortly after we'd left the dock, the process was explained and the strains were brought out for examination. The winner was to be chosen on the basis of the following categories: Looks, Smell/Taste, Feel and the most important: Effect.
Everyone got a judging kit which included a Ganga Grinder for stronger smellage, hemp papers for easier rollage and a great little pamphlet called Potology 101 which explained how the samples could be evaluated. We took turns carefully looking at a sample of each strain then got down to the task of performing a thorough, fair, impartial and exhaustive investigation of taste, smell and effect of 10 distinctly different yet equally righteous strains of the sacred herb. The Big Smoke indeed.
The environment and mood couldn't have been better. Everyone on board got to judge as many strains as they were able. We listened to all sorts of herb-friendly music thanks to Pied Piper Paul, Leo and Markee. The boat had been worked over with inspired decoration by the Psychedelic Gardener. Below decks, the maitre'd of marijuana Spotty Scotty saw to it that no one left any turn unstoned. All our nautical needs were seen to by the snappily dressed Seaman Stopford while advice and encouragement was proffered by Chief Cannabis Connoisseur Robert Connell Clarke, one of the founders of the original Amsterdam Cannabis Cup (interview on page 22.) And, of course, there were plenty of antidotes for all the major munchie groups served up with a smile by Stephen and Naomi, the Christchurch contingent.
The judging and chilling and talking and fun went on into the evening, as we stopped to enjoy the moon rise over Rangitoto while the ballots were counted. The results were greeted with a rousing cheer followed by a frenzied and prolonged session to polish off any remaining samples before returning to the dock which was also greeted with a rousing cheer. After enjoying the last taste of our little Amsterdam we returned to the dock wishing for such freedom everyday.
Cheers to everyone who helped out and to The Hemp Store for the excellent package of judging essentials.
Maybe see you at next year's!
2004 NZ CANNABIS CUP PLACINGS - White Lady (Leo)
- Feijoa (Funny Guy)
- Special K (Kiweed)
- Brown Lady (Easy)
- Skunk 1 (Kiweed)
- Deep Purple (Finny)
- Golf Ball (Kiweed)
- Skunk Out (The Boyz)
- Bush Babies (Rewa Hard)
- Old Style Out (The Boyz)
PHOTOS
Opposite page, from top:
1. Seaman Stopford
2. On the harbour
3. Deep Purple
4. Spots R On!
5. Guest Judge
6. The sniff test
7. Getting hazy
8. Mmmm, testing
9. Steady on there!
10. This page and opposite: 2004 Cup Winner White Lady
Top Right: The Champ Leo
Centre Right: 2nd place Feijoa
Below Right: 3rd place Special K
Photos: Tim S, Chris F, Rob @ Hinge
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