On November 30th, 2024, Cannabis enthusiasts, cultivators, and industry stakeholders gathered at Green Yard, Port of Spain, for the 2nd Annual Trinidad & Tobago Cannabis Conference, Expo, and Growers Cup. As the third event of its kind organised by Marcus Ramkissoon, this year’s iteration offered a blend of education, competition, and celebration. Despite being smaller in scale compared to the previous year, the event showcased the growing potential and passion for Cannabis on the island.
For those who may not know, the Ganja Guru Cup held in August was a standalone Growers Cup, focused solely on cultivation entries. However, this November’s event combined all three components: the Conference, the Expo, and the Growers Cup. Each segment plays a critical role in shaping the Cannabis industry in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Growers Cup: A Showcase of Talent and Challenges
The Growers Cup remains the highlight of the event for many, as it allows cultivators to display their hard work, innovation, and skill. This year, the competition saw 24 indoor entries and 14 outdoor entries, a slight decline compared to last year. The absence of an edibles category also contributed to the smaller entrant turnout we believe as well.
Why Fewer Entries?
The reduced number of submissions this year highlights a broader challenge faced by Cannabis growers. Without any monetary prizes on offer, many are hesitant to part with flower that could fetch up to $1,500 TTD per ounce on the market. While a trophy may carry prestige, it doesn’t translate into immediate financial gain, and growers must carefully weigh the costs of participation. That said, the quality of the entries, especially from first-time participants, still managed to impress.
However, there is a significant long-term benefit to winning competitions like this one. As the Cannabis industry moves toward regulation in Trinidad & Tobago, we expect a wave of foreign investors and companies to seek opportunities to establish operations locally. When that happens, these investors will look to hire master cultivators and heads of cultivation—the very best growers in the field. They won’t be relying on word of mouth or local recommendations alone. Instead, they will be seeking candidates who have proven themselves through prestigious industry competitions.
One of the main purposes of these events is to identify and recognize top-tier cultivators early on, allowing them to build a strong reputation. Winning awards at recognized competitions helps establish credibility and sets growers up as prime candidates for cultivation positions with reputable international and local companies when the industry becomes fully regulated. These competitions act as stepping stones for growers to position themselves as leaders in the Cannabis industry, ready to take on the responsibilities of high-level cultivation roles in the future.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Mixed Reviews
The judges noted a mixed bag of results this year. While indoor strains displayed a higher level of consistency and quality, there were few standout entries. Outdoor growers faced additional challenges, particularly the unpredictable rainy season, which affected their crops.
Despite these hurdles, there were notable successes:
- THC levels ranged between 17% and 26%, a testament to the potency of Trinidad & Tobago’s Cannabis.
- An outdoor sample secured second place in potency with an impressive 25% THC.
Rising Stars
This year welcomed five first-time entrants, many of whom swept the awards. One standout competitor was Toni from Tobago, who dominated with his Colorado Gelato strain:
- 1st and 2nd place in Indica-Dominant Indoor.
- 1st and 2nd place in Extracts.
- 1st in Potency.
- 2nd place in Sativa-Dominant Outdoor.
Toni credited his success to the use of AC Infinity lights and products, a nod to the importance of advanced cultivation technology.
The Concentrates Category
All entries, whether indoor or outdoor, were also pressed into concentrates and evaluated separately through dabbing. This allowed for a distinct comparison of the concentrates, giving them their own category for judging.
The Potency Testing
In addition to the concentrate evaluation, each flower sample—whether indoor or outdoor—was tested for potency using the Alpha Cat test system, which employs Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). This testing method ensured precise and consistent measurements of THC and other cannabinoid levels across all entries. The organisers took extra care this year by standardising the relative humidity of all samples before testing, addressing the issue from previous events where drier samples often produced misleadingly higher potency results.
The Conference: Educating and Elevating
While the Growers Cup may attract the most excitement, the Conference is where the seeds of industry transformation are planted. This year’s event featured five speakers who shared invaluable insights, from groundbreaking research to practical cultivation techniques.
The Conference: Educating and Elevating
While the Growers Cup drew a lot of excitement, the Conference emerged as the backbone of the event, focusing on knowledge-sharing to shape a sustainable Cannabis industry in Trinidad & Tobago. This year’s panel of speakers shared diverse insights, offering attendees a mix of scientific expertise, practical tips, and holistic understanding.
Key Highlights
- Zane M.
Delivered an engaging presentation on outdoor growing and achieving high yields despite challenging weather conditions. His insights provided invaluable strategies for maximising crop potential, even during unpredictable rainy seasons. - Leshawn G.
Explored the chemistry behind the Cannabis plant, breaking down cannabinoids, terpenes, and the science of extraction. His presentation helped attendees understand the plant at a molecular level and its implications for both medicinal and recreational use. - Nkosi F.
Shared groundbreaking research on the light spectrum and its role in plant growth. Drawing from cutting-edge studies at the University of the West Indies, Nkosi highlighted how specific light wavelengths influence flowering, potency, and overall plant health. - Marcus Ramkissoon
Spoke briefly about regulations in Trinidad & Tobago, emphasising the urgent need for a robust legal framework to support and protect the emerging Cannabis industry. His call for streamlined policies resonated with growers and stakeholders alike. - Ayanna Wadada
Presented a compelling discussion on the holistic aspects of Cannabis, examining how the plant influences the environment, health, and overall well-being. Ayanna’s talk emphasised the importance of understanding Cannabis not just as a commodity but as a transformative tool for personal and ecological harmony.
These presentations underscored the diverse potential of Cannabis, providing attendees with actionable insights and inspiring new approaches to cultivation, research, and advocacy.
One of the standout moments of the Conference was a presentation by Nkosi Felix, who delved into the compelling differences between HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) and LED lighting systems for Cannabis cultivation. His insights highlighted the advantages of modern LED technology in optimising plant growth and energy efficiency. Adding to the impact, a young grower shared their remarkable achievement of producing a staggering 64-ounce yield from a single plant, showcasing the incredible potential of informed cultivation techniques and innovative approaches.
Why the Conference Matters
Conversations like these are crucial for breaking the stigma around Cannabis and fostering an educated, forward-thinking industry. The Conference provides a platform for growers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate, building a foundation for a thriving Cannabis sector in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Expo: Small but Mighty
This year’s Expo was a more intimate affair, featuring seven brands being showcased.
- Advanced Nutrients
- Cookies
- Strainhunters /GreenHouse
- TTCEGC – Merchandise
- Multi-Purpose Organic Fruit Paper
- Alpha Cat Testing table
- Ladies of 420
Despite the limited number, each exhibitor left a lasting impression by showcasing products that are set to become synonymous with the local Cannabis industry.
Vendor Spotlight
- Dave Soondar stole the show with his fruit-based rolling papers. Crafted from mango and various other fruit skins, his innovative products offer a sustainable and flavourful alternative to traditional rolling papers. Imagine the nostalgic taste of mango paired with your herb—pure bliss!
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this year’s event, it’s clear that while the industry faces challenges, there is no shortage of passion or potential. The 2nd Annual Cannabis Conference, Expo, and Growers Cup was a success in its own right, paving the way for more growth and innovation in the years to come.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming competitions:
- 2nd Annual Ganja Guru Cup: April 20, 2025.
- 3rd Annual Trinidad & Tobago Cannabis Conference, Expo, and Growers Cup: November 2025.
We also encourage more participation in future Cups. Perhaps we’ll even see the Ladies of 420 enter the competition—who knows?
Acknowledgments
A special thanks to Marcus Ramkissoon for his tireless efforts in organising these events. His dedication to advancing the Cannabis industry in Trinidad & Tobago is truly inspiring.
To all the growers, speakers, vendors, and attendees: thank you for your contributions. Your passion and commitment are what make events like this possible.
Conclusion
The Trinidad & Tobago Cannabis Conference, Expo, and Growers Cup continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Cannabis on the island. By combining competition with education and innovation, these events are helping to create a thriving, sustainable industry.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss your chance to be part of this growing movement. Who knows? Next year, you could be walking away with a trophy—or better yet, changing the narrative for Cannabis in Trinidad & Tobago.
Stay High & Stay Safe
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
Ladies Of 420
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