Proper Doinks and High Times Forge Partnership to Elevate Cannabis Cup Standards

Proper Doinks, the precision-focused cannabis platform known for its connoisseur-grade competitions and strict smoking standards, has announced a new partnership with High Times, one of the industry's most iconic publications. This collaboration is set to roll out through a series of joint projects, including competitive formats and special activations at upcoming Cannabis Cup events. The alliance aims to bring Proper Doinks' meticulous approach to judging and consuming cannabis to a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of objective quality in an industry often dominated by hype

Founded by two Northern California neighbors who challenged each other's standards, Proper Doinks has grown into a respected authority by insisting on rigorous, repeatable conditions for evaluating cannabis. The platform's foundation is simple yet uncompromising: only by controlling every variable of the smoking experience—down to grind, glass tip, roll tightness, and even the way a joint is ashed—can the true quality of the flower be revealed. As Adam Pain, co-founder of Proper Doinks, explained, 'For years, before I met Paul, I thought I was a connoisseur What I thought was fire, next to what he had it wasn’t even close. I couldn’t look at weed the same after that.'

The Proper Smoke League, one of the platform's signature competitions, exemplifies this philosophy. By standardizing every aspect of the joint and smoking process, the league removes subjective biases and forces cannabis to stand on its own merits. Bad weed can no longer hide behind flashy packaging or clever marketing, and high-quality flower gets its chance to shine regardless of brand recognition. The competitions are broadcast live, with results archived and reputations on the line—often with financial stakes for brands and growers. This public, high-pressure environment has already begun to shift how both consumers and producers define and pursue excellence

Proper Doinks' influence extends beyond media, incorporating a growing line of smoking accessories and tools designed to maintain consistency and enhance performance. Their branded glass tips, grinders, and rolling papers frequently sell out, while the platform's membership model funds its independence. In addition, Proper Doinks provides private quality control and feedback to cultivators, helping to refine genetics and elevate the market's overall standards. High Times publisher Josh Kesselman emphasized the value of this approach: 'The best part about Proper Doinks is that they are a community of incredibly selective rollers, definitely some of the most nuanced rollers in the world. So to have them join us at High Times is a privilege and an honor.'

The partnership is not a rebranding, but a strategic alignment of two organizations that prioritize expertise over noise. High Times has long championed those who truly understand cannabis, and the collaboration with Proper Doinks reinforces that tradition by adding new layers of process and performance to the Cannabis Cup's legacy. More competitive integrations and educational formats are already in development, promising to challenge conventional notions of quality and drive the industry forward. The Proper Smoke Network, for example, will continue to feature shows where budtenders, rollers, and even athletes put their skills and products to the test under Proper Doinks' exacting standards

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this partnership signals a critical evolution in how cannabis quality is judged and rewarded. By raising the bar for transparency, consistency, and technical execution, Proper Doinks and High Times are pushing the industry toward a more meritocratic future. As these standards become more widely adopted, expect greater accountability for brands and more informed choices for consumers—an important step as cannabis continues to professionalize on a global scale