Plainfield Dispensary Joins NJ Cannabis Judging Competition

The Best in Grass 2nd annual statewide cannabis competition is opening to Union County residents and cannabis enthusiasts who want to help judge New Jersey's best cannabis brands. Starting Saturday, August 22, 2026, Union County residents can purchase judging kits at Queen City Remedies in Plainfield and become part of a community of up to 2,700 judges evaluating cannabis products across 13 categories.

Union County Life covers Plainfield business, community participation opportunities, and local events across all 21 Union County municipalities.

What Is Best in Grass?

Best in Grass is organizing the 2nd annual statewide cannabis competition, featuring only New Jersey-born cannabis brands. The competition is designed to recognize quality cannabis products and connect with New Jersey's growing cannabis community through consumer participation and feedback.

Co-founders Mark Kazinec and Joey Posney bring significant experience to the competition, having previously held executive positions at High Times Magazine and Cannabis Cups. "New Jersey consumers deserve to experience the best the state has to offer," Kazinec said in a statement. The competition reflects that commitment by creating a structured, community-driven judging process.

How to Participate

Union County residents interested in becoming judges can purchase a Best in Grass Judging Kit at Queen City Remedies, located at 1353 South Avenue in Plainfield. Kits are available starting Saturday, August 22, 2026, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Kits are priced between $50 and $150 before taxes, depending on which product category a judge chooses to evaluate. Up to 2,700 New Jersey residents can participate as judges across all categories.

Product Categories

The competition features 13 adult-use recreational cannabis categories:

• Indica Flower

• Sativa Flower

• Hybrid Flower

• Pre-Rolls

• Infused Pre-Rolls

• Solventless Infused Pre-Rolls

• Vape Pens & Cartridges

• Rosin Vape Pens & Cartridges

• Concentrates

• Solventless Concentrates

• Edibles: Gummies

• Edibles: Rosin Gummies

• Edibles: Non-Gummies

Judges can choose which category interests them most and purchase a kit focused on products in that category.

The Judging Process

Once a judge purchases a kit, they evaluate the cannabis products included, completing detailed reports covering:

• Aesthetics (appearance, color, texture)

• Aroma (smell profile and intensity)

• Taste (flavor notes and experience)

• Effects (how the product makes you feel)

Judges have until October 18, 2026 to submit their detailed reports. The judging timeline spans nearly three months, giving participants time to thoughtfully evaluate each product.

Rewards for Judges

Judges who complete the evaluation process receive two rewards:

1. Dispensary Credit: Best in Grass provides a credit toward a future purchase at Queen City Remedies or the dispensary where the judge bought their kit.

2. Awards Celebration Tickets: Judges receive free tickets to the Best in Grass Awards Celebration, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville.

The awards celebration recognizes top-rated cannabis brands and celebrates the judges who made the competition possible.

What Happens to Judge Data

The detailed reports and feedback collected from all judges are analyzed and shared with participating cannabis brands. This data helps New Jersey cannabis producers understand consumer preferences and product quality from the judges' perspective.

Community Partnerships

The Best in Grass competition in New Jersey is supported by a network of community partners:

• Valley Wellness

• General Hydroponics

• NJ Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

• NJ Cannabis Trade Association

• Heady NJ

• NJ Dispensary Review

These partnerships reflect the competition's roots in the New Jersey cannabis community and industry.

A Growing Movement

The Best in Grass competition represents a growing trend: connecting cannabis consumers directly with product evaluation and industry feedback. Dan Ulloa, editor of Heady NJ, is participating as a judge, reflecting the editorial community's engagement with the competition.

This second annual event builds on the success of the inaugural competition and expands participation opportunities for New Jersey residents.

How to Get Started in Plainfield

Union County residents interested in becoming judges should visit Queen City Remedies at 1353 South Avenue in Plainfield beginning Saturday, August 22, 2026. Staff can help you choose a judging kit category that matches your interests and explain the evaluation process.

Remember: kits are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, so interested participants should plan to visit early.

Find more Plainfield business news, community participation opportunities, and local events on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is Best in Grass?
A: Best in Grass is a statewide New Jersey cannabis competition that invites consumers to judge cannabis products from NJ-born brands across 13 product categories.

Q: Where can I get a judging kit in Union County?
A: Queen City Remedies at 1353 South Avenue in Plainfield is selling judging kits starting Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Q: How much does a judging kit cost?
A: Kits are priced between $50 and $150 before taxes, depending on which product category you choose to evaluate.

Q: What product categories can I judge?
A: 13 categories: Indica Flower, Sativa Flower, Hybrid Flower, Pre-Rolls, Infused Pre-Rolls, Solventless Infused Pre-Rolls, Vape Pens & Cartridges, Rosin Vape Pens & Cartridges, Concentrates, Solventless Concentrates, Edibles Gummies, Edibles Rosin Gummies, and Edibles Non-Gummies.

Q: How long do I have to complete judging?
A: Judges have until October 18, 2026 to submit their evaluation reports.

Q: What do judges evaluate?
A: Aesthetics (appearance), aroma (smell), taste (flavor), and effects (how the product makes you feel).

Q: What do judges get for participating?
A: A credit toward a future purchase at the dispensary where you bought your kit, plus free tickets to the awards celebration on November 12.

Q: When and where is the awards celebration?
A: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, Middlesex County.

Q: How many judges can participate?
A: Up to 2,700 New Jersey residents can participate as judges.

Q: Are kits limited?
A: Yes, kits are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at Queen City Remedies.