What is the Boston NECANN Cup?
New England’s Largest Cannabis Competition
The NECANN Cup is a third-party evaluation of the latest cannabis and cannabis products. Those deemed best are awarded the best cannabis products in New England.Often hailed as the largest cannabis competition in New England, the NECANN Cup brings together cultivators, producers, and innovators from across the region to compete for top honors. The competition is fierce, with categories spanning flower, concentrates, edibles, and more—each entry vying for recognition as the best the Northeast has to offer.
This Cup runs alongside the NECANN Cannabis Convention. In short, this event takes place between March 21st and 22nd at the Hynes Convention Center. This is a B2B (business-to-business) marketing event for the cannabis industry, featuring the latest products, vendors, and technology. If you want to attend this event, you can purchase tickets here for the following prices:- 2-Day All Access – $115
- 2-Day Expo Hall Only – $60
- Saturday All Access – $80
- Saturday Expo Only – $45
- Exhibitor Staff – $500
Are There Any Perks With Competition Entry?
Absolutely—your competition entry comes with a couple of nice bonuses. Each submission includes both a cannabinoid and terpene profile, so you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your product’s chemistry as part of the process. On top of that, every entry provides you with a complimentary general admission ticket for Friday at NECANN Boston, as well as access to the Friday night Cup after party at Royale. It’s a great way not only to put your product to the test, but also to experience the event and network with fellow industry professionals—all included in your entry.
What is the Address for NECANN?
The 2025 Boston NECANN Cup at:Is There an Official After-Party?
Absolutely! To keep the momentum going after the main event, NECANN Boston typically hosts an official after-party for attendees looking to unwind and network in a more relaxed setting. These gatherings are a great chance to mingle with industry leaders, swap stories with other enthusiasts, and celebrate the competition’s standout moments—often at some of Boston’s best nightlife spots like Royale Boston. If you’re planning to extend your NECANN experience, be sure to check the event schedule for after-party details and consider grabbing a ticket; space can fill up fast!
Hynes Convention Center 900 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02115NECANN Cannabis Competition: Categories & Requirements
For the 2025 competition, NECANN Boston is accepting entries until February 23rd. The entry rules are simple:- Each entry requires a $200 fee (multiple entries are allowed).
- All packaging should be unmarked and unbranded.
- Registration Deadline: February 23rd, 2025
- Product Intake: March 21st, 2025
How to Prepare and Label Edible Chocolate Entries
For those aiming to win with their edible chocolates, attention to detail is key. Each submission should include 10 individually packaged servings. Your packaging needs to be free from any branding or identifying marks to ensure impartial judging.
Every sample pack must clearly list:
Key Dates to Remember
Be sure to get your submissions in before the deadline—late entries will not be accepted. All products will be evaluated by a third-party panel to ensure unbiased judging, and you’ll need to adhere to category requirements for each product type you enter. This process ensures a level playing field and upholds the integrity of the competition.
- To apply, you must fill out the form here.
- Hybrid flower
- Indica flower
- Sativa flower
- Solvent concentrate
- Pre-roll
- Pre-roll
- Infused pre-roll
- Non-solvent vape cartridge
- All vape cartridges should be packaged with no identifying marks, logos, or branding—just clean, anonymous packaging to keep the judging impartial.
- Each entry must include ten individual cartridges.
- Each cartridge should be a half-gram in size.
- All packaging must be completely unmarked and unbranded to ensure fair, unbiased judging.
- Prepare ten separate samples, each containing 0.5 grams of your product.
- All samples must be submitted in plain, unbranded, and unmarked packaging—no logos or product names allowed.
- Submit a total of 10 pre-roll samples for each entry, whether standard or infused.
- Each pre-roll should weigh exactly one gram.
- Every pre-roll must be individually packaged in its own single-use container.
- To keep the judging fair and unbiased, ensure all packaging is completely unmarked and unbranded.
- The packaging must be plain—no logos, branding, or markings that identify the producer.
- Labels should clearly state the total active cannabinoids (TAC) content per serving.
- You’ll need to list all ingredients used in the product.
- Dosage information, including Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) content per serving
- The specific type of cannabis product infused in your edible (for example, distillate, live resin, or rosin)
- Indicate the dosage per serving and specify exactly what type of cannabis extract or infusion was used.
- Type of cannabis used
- Flower (Hybrid, Indica, Sativa): Submit 10 grams per entry, divided into 10 single-gram, unmarked packages.
- Pre-Rolls & Infused Pre-Rolls: 10 pre-rolls per entry, with each weighing 1 gram, each one in an individual, unbranded package.
- Solvent Concentrates & Non-Solvent Concentrates: Provide 5 grams per entry, split into 10 samples of 0.5 grams, all in nondescript packaging.
- Vape Cartridges (Non-Solvent & Solvent): 10 cartridges per entry, each cartridge must contain a half-gram, and each should be in plain, non-branded packaging.
- Edible Gummies, Chocolates, Baked Goods/Snacks, and Beverages/Tinctures: For these categories, you’ll need 10 servings or samples for each entry. Each package must clearly label dosage (Total Active Cannabinoids), ingredients, and the type of cannabis extract used, with all packaging unmarked and unbranded.
- Topicals: 10 samples per entry, again with dosage and ingredient labeling, and plain, logo-free packaging.
- Prepare ten individual samples for each product entry.
- Each sample should be clearly labeled with the total active cannabinoid (TAC) content per serving.
- Packaging must be unbranded and free of any distinguishing marks.
- Don’t forget to include a complete ingredient list, as well as a note on the specific type of cannabis product used in your recipe.
- Quantity: Submit 10 infused pre-rolls per entry.
- Weight: Each pre-roll must weigh exactly one gram.
- Packaging: Each should be individually packaged as single samples.
- Branding: All packaging must be completely unmarked and generic—no labels, logos, or branding allowed.
Solvent Vape Cartridge Submission Guidelines
When preparing your solvent vape cartridge entry, make sure to follow these requirements:
Following these guidelines will help streamline the entry process and keep the competition focused squarely on the product quality.
Solvent Concentrate Submission Guidelines
For those planning to enter the solvent concentrate category, here’s what you need to know about packaging and sample requirements:
Following these guidelines ensures all entries are judged fairly and anonymously, giving every participant an equal shot at the top spot.
Edible Product Packaging: What to Include
If you’re submitting an edible product for the competition, make sure your packaging checks a few key boxes. Each edible entry should consist of 10 individually portioned samples (think single servings), and all packages need to be unmarked and unbranded to keep things fair.
But just because the outside looks plain doesn’t mean you can skip the details inside. Every package must clearly list:
With these requirements in mind, make sure your samples are organized and ready to impress the judges.
Pre-Roll & Infused Pre-Roll Entry Requirements
If you’re submitting either pre-rolls or infused pre-rolls, here’s what you’ll need to know before preparing your entries:
Taking the time to follow these specifics will help your products stand out for all the right reasons—and keep your submission eligible for judging.
Labeling Requirements for Edibles and Topicals
If you’re planning to enter an edible or topical product into the NECANN Cup, you’ll need to pay close attention to the labeling guidelines. Each edible or topical entry must be divided into 10 individual servings or samples.
For each sample:
This information ensures judges and consumers know exactly what’s inside each sample—so transparency is just as important as taste.
Separate Awards for Home Growers and Licensed Businesses
Wondering if home cultivators and licensed cannabis operators compete in the same category? Good news: the NECANN Cup keeps things fair by offering dedicated award divisions for each. Home growers have their own set of categories, totally separate from those designed for commercial producers. This means whether you’re nurturing a backyard beauty or running a full-scale operation, you’ll be judged alongside peers who play by the same rules. Each group gets its own bragging rights and a chance to shine without being overshadowed by different resources or production scales.
Careful attention to labeling and packaging helps ensure a fair, consistent judging process—so double-check those details before submitting your gummies!
Following these guidelines will help your entry stand out for all the right reasons and keep everything in line with competition requirements.
This approach ensures every judge knows exactly what’s in the sample while keeping the focus squarely on product quality, not flashy branding or marketing. Double-check your labeling before submitting—entries can be disqualified for missing or incomplete information.
How Much Product Does Each NECANN Cup Entry Require?
If you’re eyeing up a specific category (or several!), knowing the quantity and how to package your entries can make or break your submission. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need for each product type:
Packaging & Labeling Requirements for Edible Baked Goods and Snacks
If you’re entering edible baked goods or snacks, there are some key packaging guidelines you’ll need to follow:
Making sure your entries are properly packaged and labeled not only helps judges evaluate fairly, but also ensures your creations stand out—by the rules, of course.
Non-Solvent Concentrate Entry Requirements
Thinking of showcasing your non-solvent concentrates this year? Here’s what you’ll need to know: Each entry must include a total of 5 grams, divided into ten individual samples. That means each sample should contain 0.5 grams, and—just like the other categories—the packaging must be strictly unbranded and unmarked. This ensures a fair and unbiased judging process, letting your product’s quality truly shine.
Infused Pre-Roll Submission Guidelines
For those planning to enter infused pre-rolls, here’s what you’ll need to know:
These standards help ensure judging is fair and unbiased, giving everyone an equal shot at the trophy. Make sure you follow these requirements closely to avoid any disqualifications.
Sativa Flower Entry Specifications
If you’re planning to enter the sativa flower category, prepare ten grams per submission. Each gram should be individually packaged, resulting in ten separate, unmarked, and unbranded samples. This ensures each judge receives a consistent, anonymous sample for fair consideration—so skip any flashy logos or custom labels this round.
Topical Product Entry Requirements
For those looking to showcase their topicals in the NECANN Cup, here’s what you’ll need to prep: Each entry should include 10 individual samples or servings. Packaging must be kept neutral—no logos, no branding—so everything stays fair. Every sample must have clear labeling that lists the total active cannabinoids (TAC), as well as ingredients, dosage, and what type of cannabis extract was used.
Pay close attention to these submission guidelines to ensure your entry is accepted and properly evaluated.
Packaging and Labeling Guidelines for Edible Beverages and Tinctures
If you’re submitting edible beverages or tinctures for the competition, you’ll need to prepare ten individual samples per entry. Each sample should be clearly labeled with the total active cannabinoid (TAC) content and must include a full ingredient list, the dosage per serving, and a specification of the type of cannabis extract used (e.g., distillate, full-spectrum, etc.).
To keep judging fair and unbiased, all packaging needs to be plain—no logos, company names, or branded elements of any kind. Transparency in labeling is key, but any trace of marketing or branding should be left off. Think of it like a blind taste test for cannabis: judges are focused strictly on the product itself, not the packaging.
Take a page from major food competitions: clean, informative packaging ensures your product stands on its own merits—a strategy well-known by industry leaders like Stashlogix and Grove Bags, who champion plain yet compliant containers for proper sampling and product integrity.
Be thorough, double-check your labels, and you’ll be set for a smooth entry.
Entry Requirements for Indica Flower
Thinking of entering an indica flower product? Here’s what you need to know: Each submission must include a total of 10 grams, divided into ten separate 1-gram portions. Make sure each sample is individually packaged, with no markings or branding on any of the containers. This helps keep judging fair and completely anonymous for all competitors.
How to Submit Edible Gummies
If you’re planning to enter the edible gummies category, here’s what you’ll need to know. Each entry must include 10 individually packaged samples. These shouldn’t feature any branding or labels that identify your company—keep it simple and anonymous.
Each sample package must clearly display:
Attention to detail counts—especially with labeling for dosage and ingredients on edibles, beverages, tinctures, and topicals. Be sure to double check the guidelines to keep your entry eligible!
Do You Need a METRC Transfer to Enter?
Good news for licensed operators: there’s no need to fuss over a METRC transfer for your NECANN Cup entries. The competition keeps it simple—no inventory tracking upload or transfer is required as part of the submission process. This means you can focus on prepping your best products and packaging them up for evaluation, without an extra layer of paperwork slowing things down.
Are Lab Profiles Included with Your Entry?
Yes—each entry fee also covers comprehensive lab testing. This means every product you submit will receive both a cannabinoid profile and a terpene profile, so you’ll know exactly how your entry measures up in terms of purity, potency, and flavor characteristics. It’s not just about friendly competition; it’s a chance to showcase the quality and unique attributes of your cannabis creations with confidence.
Separate Tracks for Home Growers and Licensed Operators
Wondering if home cultivators stand a chance against licensed cannabis companies? Good news—NECANN ensures a level playing field by offering distinct award categories for both home growers and licensed operators. This means passionate hobbyists can compete head-to-head with fellow home growers, while commercial businesses vie for bragging rights among licensed peers. As a result, everyone—from the backyard botanist to the established dispensary—gets their moment in the spotlight.
- Edible beverage/tincture
- Edible chocolate
- Edible gummies
- Topical
- Topical
Edible Entry Requirements: Gummies, Chocolates, Beverages & More
For those eyeing the edible categories—including gummies, chocolates, beverages, tinctures, or baked goods—there are a few key requirements to ensure your entry makes the cut:
- Ten Sample Servings: Each entry must consist of 10 individual servings (or samples), properly portioned for judging.
- Dosage Labeling: All samples must clearly indicate the total active cannabinoid (TAC) content per serving with an accurate dosage label.
- An ingredient list
- Ingredient list
- Ingredient Transparency: Each sample must include a list of ingredients and specify the type of cannabis product used.
- Unmarked, Unbranded Packaging: To keep judging fair and unbiased, all entries must arrive in plain, unbranded packaging—no logos or distinguishing marks.
Double-check these guidelines before you submit to keep things smooth and competition-ready. Now let’s see what last year’s entrants were up against…
Vape Cartridge Entry Guidelines
Thinking about submitting a vape cartridge to the NECANN Cup? Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Included With Your Entry Fee?
When you submit an entry for the NECANN Cup, your fee covers a lot more than just a spot in the competition. Each entry comes with:
- A detailed cannabinoid profile and terpene breakdown of your product—giving you valuable insights into its unique chemistry.
- Admission for one to NECANN Boston on Friday, April 24th, so you can take in the convention and scope out the competition.
- A ticket to the official NECANN Cup After Party at Royale, ensuring you can celebrate with fellow industry professionals and enthusiasts once the day wraps up.
Your entry isn’t just a chance to win—it’s an all-access pass to the pulse of the cannabis community.
Do You Need a METRC Transfer?
Great news for prospective entrants: there’s no need to worry about a METRC transfer for this competition. All submissions can be delivered directly, making the entry process much simpler for both licensed producers and caregivers. This streamlines participation and removes a common hurdle found in many other cannabis events.
When you enter the NECANN Cup, your $200 entry fee covers much more than just a shot at the trophy. Here’s what participants receive:
- A detailed cannabinoid profile and terpene analysis for each product submitted.
- Access passes: Every entry comes with a General Admission ticket to the convention for Friday, March 21st—a great way to explore the floor and catch all the action.
- Exclusive entry to the After Party at Royale that Friday night, perfect for networking or unwinding with fellow industry insiders.
- Separate judging categories ensure recognition for both home growers and licensed operators, so everyone has a fair shot at the spotlight.
- No seed-to-sale tracking transfer required for entry.
With these perks included, entering the competition not only highlights your best products but also gives you extra value and unmatched access throughout the event.
Last Year’s First-Place Winners
If you’d like an idea of what you’re up against as a cannabis business owner, here’s a snapshot of 2024’s NECANN Cup first-place winners:- Best Dispensary – Sweetgrass Botanicals Dispensary – Lee, MA
- Solvent Concentrate – United Cultivation – Jelly Donuts Live Resin – Ashby, MA
- Snacks/Candy – Joy Bombs – CBD 1:1 Sours – Salisbury, MA
- Sativa Flower – Advanced Cultivators – Pink Skittlez – Lowell, MA
- Pre-Roll – Advanced Cultivators – Pink Skittlez – Lowell, MA
- Non-Solvent Concentrate – Suncrafted Cannabis – Super Boof Live Rosin – Middleboro, MA
- Infused Pre-Roll – Regenerative LLC – Uncut Rollers Apples and Bananas Infused Sugar Cone – Uxbridge, MA
- Indica Flower – Fenway Cannabis Co. – Bubba Fett – Boston, MA
- Hybrid Flower – Advanced Cultivators – Red Runtz – Lowell, MA
- Gummies – Suncrafted Cannabis – Sour Blue Raspberry Rosin Gummies – Middleboro, MA
- Chocolate – Emerald Elevation Cannabis Co. – Salted Caramel + Waffle Cone Bar – Eliot, ME
- Vape Cartridge – Standard Farms – Mimosa Liquid Live Rosin – Massachusetts
- Topical – Peaceful Potions – Chronic Potion – Wareham, MA
Custom 420 Sponsorship
As the official packaging sponsor of the NECANN Cup, Custom 420 plays an integral role in supporting this prestigious cannabis competition. The sponsorship involves collaborating closely with Mike Clinton, the event organizer, to produce high-quality packaging solutions tailored for the event. Custom 420 Supply provides large corrugated master boxes that are specifically designed to house each competition entry by category. Furthermore, custom labels are created to differentiate boxes and ensure efficient organization. The box production process includes two different box sizes to accommodate the various competition categories. To elevate the presentation, Custom 420 incorporates a dual-finish design. The interiors of the boxes have a matte finish with a Spot UV layer to enhance the artwork, while the exteriors boast a glossy finish complemented by a foil layer that highlights specific design elements. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the packaging not only serves its functional purpose but also stands out visually.Why Custom 420 Sponsors the NECANN Cup
Fostering Community and Innovation
This year, Custom 420 looks forward to seeing a diverse array of new entries and competitors in the NECANN Cup. The event fosters a sense of community by bringing together various facets of the Massachusetts cannabis industry and beyond. Through this sponsorship, Custom 420 aims to build meaningful connections while continuing to support the growth and innovation of the cannabis community.Where Else Do NECANN Competitions Occur?
If you’re interested in NECANN, but don’t live in the Boston area, not to worry! The competition is held in other parts of the country at various times of year. These include:- Massachusetts Cup of Champions (Location TBA)
- Registration opens 4/1/2025
- Registration closes 7/23/25
- Intake opens 8/1/25
- Intake closes 8/7/25
- NECANN New Jersey (Atlantic City Convention Center)
- Registration opens 4/1/25
- Registration closes 7/23/25
- Intake opens 8/1/25
- Intake closes 8/7/25
- NECANN New York (NYS Fairgrounds)
- Dates for registration TBA
2026 Cannabis Cup Award Ceremony Details
Mark your calendar! The 2026 Cannabis Cup award ceremony will be held on April 24th at 1:30 PM, right in the heart of Boston. Whether you’re entering, spectating, or just soaking up the scene, this is the can’t-miss moment when winners take the spotlight and the best in the business are celebrated.
Mark Your Calendar: 2026 Boston Cannabis Competition
For those looking ahead, the 2026 cannabis competition and award ceremony will be happening right in Boston. The event is set for April 24, 2026, with the awards presentation starting at 1:30 PM. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or just getting started in the scene, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss.