Niche and ONYX Dominate at First New Jersey High Times Cannabis Cup Awards
The first New Jersey High Times Cannabis Cup crowned Niche and ONYX as top winners, with over 2,500 judges selecting champions across 13 categories in Atlantic City
Key Points
- 1The first High Times Cannabis Cup in New Jersey was held at Steel Pier, Atlantic City, on May 1, 2026
- 2Over 2,500 judges evaluated products across 13 categories, reflecting the state's industry depth
- 3Niche dominated the flower categories, while ONYX led in concentrates and edibles
- 4The Growfather, Sun Extractions, and Rosin King also took home multiple awards
New Jersey's cannabis community celebrated a major milestone as the first-ever High Times Cannabis Cup took place on May 1, 2026, at Atlantic City's Steel Pier. The event gathered over 2,500 judges from across the state who spent weeks evaluating products in 13 distinct categories. The night was marked by a festive atmosphere, with Smoke DZA hosting and High Times publisher Josh Kesselman igniting a giant blunt to kick off the awards ceremony
The competition saw Niche sweep the flower categories, while ONYX took top honors across concentrates and edibles. Notably, The Growfather and Sun Extractions each secured three medals in multiple areas, and Rosin King achieved both first and third place in the Solventless Vape Pens category. As reported by High Times, "The Cup is now part of New Jersey’s cannabis calendar. Every brand on this list earned the spot."
Since New Jersey launched its adult-use cannabis market in April 2022, the state has rapidly developed a robust industry capable of supporting a high-caliber competition. The crowd at Steel Pier included dispensary owners, brand founders, legacy growers, and content creators, all gathered under the Atlantic City lights to witness the state's best cannabis achievements
From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this event demonstrates how quickly New Jersey's cannabis sector has matured and highlights the increasing quality and diversity of local products. As the Cannabis Cup becomes a recurring fixture, New Jersey brands have a new platform to showcase innovation and set benchmarks for the region's industry growth
