Asha & Ayanna’s Experience as Celebrity Judges and Canna Warriors of the Year
The Cannabis industry in Trinidad and Tobago is finding its rhythm. What was once whispered in private circles is now stepping boldly into the light through public events, competitions, and community recognition. One such landmark moment took place this year at the Herbee’s Award 2025, hosted by Stay Calm Is a Plant.
This was not just another gathering of enthusiasts — it was the first in-person Cannabis Cup-style event of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, and it left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. For Asha and Ayanna Wadada, well-known figures in the local Cannabis space, the night was nothing short of transformative. Not only did they serve as two of the five celebrity judges tasked with evaluating the best of the island’s herb and edible creations, but the sisters also walked away with the prestigious title of Canna Warriors of the Year.
In this blog, we take a deep dive into their experience, the highlights of the event, and what it all means for the future of Cannabis in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Evolution of the Herbee’s Award
The Herbee’s Award was born in 2024 as an online Cannabis judging competition, connecting growers, bakers, and consumers through digital platforms. While the virtual edition was a success, many agreed that Cannabis culture thrives best when experienced in person — through the senses of sight, smell, taste, and community connection.
This year, Stay Calm Is a Plant elevated the event by bringing it to life physically. And the turnout confirmed what many already suspected: Trinidad and Tobago is more than ready for structured Cannabis competitions that celebrate not only quality cultivation but also responsible innovation.
The 2025 edition featured:
- Over 8 Cannabis growers showcasing their finest flower.
- 5 edible bakers competing with infused treats.
- 15 judges, including 5 celebrity judges, to provide expert evaluation.
- A three-hour tasting and scoring window that demanded sharp focus and careful palate management.
This was not a casual “lime” or a session to burn full spliffs and vibe. It was about discipline, discernment, and putting Trinidad’s Cannabis scene on a professional level.
Judging the Entries: Taste, First Impressions, and Tough Calls
As two of the celebrity judges, Ayanna & Asha stepped into the role with both excitement and responsibility. Judging wasn’t about smoking down every spliff to ash or indulging in every bite of an edible. With limited time and multiple entries, most judges — including the sisiters — chose to take just a few pulls or small bites, ensuring they could fairly assess as many products as possible.
What were they looking for?
- Aroma: Did the strain carry the rich terpene profile that signals quality?
- Flavor: Did the taste match the smell, or did it fall flat?
- Roll and Burn: Was the spliff smooth, harsh, or inconsistent?
- Effect: Even in just a few pulls, could you feel the potency starting to speak?
- Presentation and Packaging: How professional and intentional was the overall product?
Asha & Ayanna admitted that not every strain delivered. Some had an impressive appearance but lacked depth in taste or potency. Others carried an inviting aroma but underwhelmed on the inhale. And that’s part of the point: competitions like this push growers and bakers to elevate their craft beyond just “good enough.”
A No-No in 2025: The Packaging Gap
While the flower competition sparked conversation, it was the edible entries that raised one of the night’s most important critiques.
Even in 2025, some edible brands still showed up without proper labeling. That meant missing dosage information, no clear ingredient lists, and little to no transparency on the strain or infusion method used.
For the sisters and the other judges, this was a major disappointment.
Why? Because packaging is not just about aesthetics — it’s about safety, consumer trust, and professional standards. When people consume infused products, they deserve to know what they’re putting into their bodies and how much of it. In a competition where packaging is part of the judging criteria, showing up without clear labeling isn’t just sloppy — it undermines the credibility of the brand.
As Ayanna put it: “We’re building an industry, not running a bake sale.”
And she’s right. If Trinidad and Tobago want to position themselves as leaders in the Caribbean Cannabis industry, these fundamentals have to be non-negotiable.
The Final Results: A Clear Top Three
Despite the critiques, one thing stood out: the judging panel was nearly unanimous on the top three winners. Out of fifteen judges, consensus was reached quickly, signaling that the standout entries were undeniable in their quality.
This kind of clarity is rare in Cannabis competitions, where personal preference can often influence decisions. But in this case, the cream truly rose to the top. It was a reminder that while the industry is still developing, there are cultivators and creators already producing work that rivals international standards.
The Missing Voices: Why Some Growers Stay Away
One observation made is that not all of Trinidad’s most talented growers were represented at the Herbee’s Award.
Why? There are two main reasons:
- Anonymity and Legal Risk
Despite Cannabis reform movements, stigma and legal gray areas still exist. Some growers prefer to keep their work underground rather than risk exposure. - No Monetary Incentive
For certain growers, the effort to enter a competition doesn’t outweigh the earnings they can make by keeping their operations private. Until competitions start offering significant rewards or recognition that translates into business growth, some top-tier cultivators will remain on the sidelines.
Still, Ladies Of 420 believes this will shift. As the Cannabis industry matures in Trinidad and Tobago, anonymity will no longer be as necessary, and competitions will begin to hold more tangible value for participants.
A Personal Highlight: Canna Warriors of the Year
For Asha and Ayanna, the most unforgettable part of the night was being recognized as Canna Warriors of the Year.
This award marked their first official recognition in the Cannabis industry, and for them, it symbolized far more than a title. It validated years of advocacy, education, and community building in a space where women — and especially women of color — are still underrepresented.
“This is our first award in Cannabis, but it’s not going to be our last,” Ayanna declared proudly.
Their win wasn’t just about them. It was about shining a light on the fact that the Cannabis movement in Trinidad and Tobago is being carried forward by people willing to stand boldly, despite challenges. It was about showing that Cannabis culture is not just about consumption, but about education, advocacy, and legacy.
The Bigger Picture: Cannabis in Trinidad & Tobago
The Herbie’s Award 2025 was more than just a competition. It was a reflection of where Trinidad and Tobago’s Cannabis community stands today — and where it’s heading.
- Community is Growing: With more public events and competitions, the Cannabis space is becoming more inclusive and visible.
- Standards Must Rise: From proper packaging to consistent quality, the industry must hold itself accountable to international standards if it wants to thrive.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Canna Warrior of the Year remind us that Cannabis is not just about the plant — it’s about the people pushing the culture forward.
Conclusion: Legacy in Motion
For Asha and Ayanna, the Herbee’s Award 2025 was both a milestone and a launchpad. Serving as a celebrity judge gave them the chance to see the state of Cannabis products up close, with all their strengths and shortcomings. Winning Canna Warrior of the Year affirmed that their years of work are not going unnoticed.
The event also highlighted the gaps that need addressing: transparency in edibles, consistent quality in strains, and broader participation from the country’s most talented growers. But it also showcased the progress: a community coming together, a culture demanding recognition, and an industry slowly but surely finding its voice.
The Cannabis movement in Trinidad and Tobago is still in its early stages, but with leaders like Asha and Ayanna stepping up, it’s clear that the future is bright.
Legacy is in motion. Purpose is in bloom. And this is only the beginning.
Stay High & Stay Safe
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
