The Golden Tarp Awards were held in Redway, Humboldt County last weekend celebrating the Emerald Triangle’s vibrant cannabis culture. The competition focussed on flowers produced using “light deprivation”, a cultivation technique manipulating the light cycle of cannabis plants (typically through the use of tarps over greenhouse structures) and minimal electricity.

In a post on Smell the Truth last week, David Downs portrayed light deprivation as a “drought-proof” growing method and the future of outdoor growing in California. He reported that since light dep farmers harvest in May, utilize rainfall collected during winter months, and produce flowers surpassing indoor flowers in flavor and effect, this farming technique is taking off in a big way. Light deprivation cultivation may become increasingly important due to California’s newfound interest in regulating the water use and environmental impact of cannabis growers.

If you want to learn more about these awards and view pics of the festivities check The Ganjier website, and the Instagram tags for the Golden Tarp Awards. I especially appreciate how the competition evaluated flowers in categories according to taste (fruit, floral, fuel, earth) rather than species (indica, sativa, hybrid) like most cannabis awards. This is a unique perspective and consistent with my own preference for unique odors and flavors over merely measuring THC content or “jar appeal”. From the looks of things it was a classic Northern California good vibe party.

More importantly though, with the increased importance of regional branding and trademarks codified in California’s recent passage of SB 643, and the new allowance in AB 266 for profit earning by medical cannabis businesses, the Emerald Cup and this competition may show us the future. Pay attention connoisseurs, growers winning these awards will most likely be the face of a new craft cannabis industry in California. Let me give those of you who participated a sincere thank you for your dedication and an early congratulations for your new opportunities.

Winners:

Winning Strain: Diesel Berry from Jonathan Gilbert of Emerald Family Farms

Fruit

Spyrock Sour — Aficionado Seeds

Silly Strawberry — Sunboldt farmer Sunshine Johnston

Shark Shocked — Abuela Gardens

Sour Tangerine-Mendo — Emerald Essence

Floral

Churckle — Little Hill Cultivators

Blue Dream — Ron Kennedy

Sweet Tooth x Mazari — Gail Smith

Diesel Berry — Jonathan Gilbert of Emerald Family Farms

Fuel

Sour Diesel — B&B Farms

Sour Diesel — Ron Kennedy

Platinum OG — Stewarts of Gang

Lemon Larry — Stewarts of Gang

Earth

Skywalker OG — Stewarts of Gang

Terravida OG 78 — Terravida

Sour OG — Woody Walker SFV

White Yeti — Emerald Family Farms