With the aim of celebrating traditional agricultural practices and destigmatizing cannabis, theAlternative Holistic & Organic Co-operative Society (AHOCS) and CannaSVG, a medical cannabis cultivation company, are set to host the first Cannabis Cup in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Scheduled for December 10 at Pier 1, this event is not just a competition, but a step toward recognizing the role of traditional farmers in the emerging cannabis industry.
The island legalized medical cannabis in 2018, in a joint movement by Caribbean countries to at least legalize medical cannabis.
On the local importance of destigmatization
AHOCS member Josiah Cuffy highlights the importance of destigmatizing cannabis in society. In an interview given to Search light, he says: “The idea of the Cannabis Cup is to establish a day of freedom for cannabis, because we are really trying to destigmatize it. We now have medical cannabis here too, so it’s only right that destigmatization goes hand in hand with that.”
The SVG Cannabis Cup will not only be a competition for the best local cannabis products, it will also be a celebration of the diverse cultural facets of cannabis. AHOCS is keen to involve traditional farmers and local artists in the event.
Cuffy emphasizes the importance of this involvement: “We really want traditional growers to be involved in medical cannabis in the country, for the country itself, because that’s the only way to start destigmatizing.” This inclusive approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and the evolving cannabis landscape.
The organization will also have a booth at the event, showcasing literature on the plant and various products derived from Cannabis and other plants that provide health benefits, as well as promoting informed and responsible cannabis consumption. .
The competition will include categories such as Indica, Sativa and hybrid flowers, as well as hash. Prizes will be awarded for the best flowers (visual appearance), the best aroma (smell), the best taste (softness of combustion) and the best high (intensity).
Conley Rose, president of AHOCS, highlights the organization’s broader goal of expanding the cannabis market. By advocating for the sale of medical cannabis in different locations, AHOCS envisions a future where medical cannabis products are accessible to a wider audience in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
