The 2025 NuWu Cup Voting Guide
How Your Four Votes Shape the Cannabis Crown
NuWu is raising the bar again for the Fifth Annual NuWu Cannabis Cup, and this year, it’s not just about tasting the best—the voting system is built to challenge your senses and refine how we champion cannabis excellence. If you’ve grabbed your Judge Kit, here’s everything you need to know to make your four votes count.
1. Judge Kit & Voting Timeline
Judge Kits go on sale: July 10, 2025 — each kit includes the official 2025 NuWu Cup backpack packed with samples, tools, merch, and event entry. (Learn more about the kit’s full contents in our earlier announcements.)
Voting Window: September 15 – October 4, 2025, via: nuwucup.com/vote.
Awards Ceremony: October 18, 2025 at the NuWu Courtyard, with a full-course catered dinner courtesy of Hibachi Done Right.
2. Four Votes Per Category: The Voting Metrics
For each product category (Flower, Extracts, Edibles, Vape, Pre-Roll, Infused Pre-Roll), judges receive four distinct votes—one per metric. You may assign all to one product or spread them across as many as four:
Appearance – Which product looks the most visually striking? Consider bud structure, color, trichomes, packaging—or edible/vape design.
Aroma – Which product has the most compelling nose? Think depth, nuance, and clarity of terpenes or aroma profile.
Taste – Which product delivers the best flavor when consumed? Rich complexity, smoothness, or palate-pleasing elements count here.
Experience (High) – Which provided the most satisfying, smooth, memorable high? Effects like clarity, calm, euphoria, or duration all matter.
This means that per category, you’re making four decisions for that one type of product—up to 24 votes total across all categories when sampling everything.
3. NuWu Sessions Journal: Your Judging Companion
Each Judge Kit includes an official NuWu Sessions Journal—the perfect spot to:
Score each metric per product.
Log tasting notes: color, aroma descriptions, flavor, effect onset/duration.
Track personal preferences, standout strains, or feedback for brands.
Keep timing: some flavors and effects evolve over time; your notes help ensure consistent judgment across judges.
Bringing your notes can also spark conversation with fellow judges, enrich your ceremony experience, and provide memories for brands that win your votes.
4. How the Four-Vote System Works in Real Life
Imagine you're sampling a standout flower in the Flower category:
You might cast all four votes for “F01”: it's vibrant, smells like fresh pine, tastes classic, and delivers a smooth, heavy-hitting high.
Or, you can spread them around—maybe “F01” had the best look, “F02” had a unique citrus aroma, “F03” tasted amazing, and “F04” gave the most relaxing high.
This system encourages judges to assess each sensory dimension individually rather than awarding a single product overall. It rewards well-rounded excellence—and gives niche products a chance to shine in specific categories even if they aren’t best in all four.
5. Why It Matters
Takes Bias Out: Separating metrics means no emotional ‘one-bag-wins-all’ votes.
Highlights Nuance: A product could have incredible aroma—but if it underdelivers in effect, that’s shown in the tallied votes.
Rewards Specialty: Unique or micro-batch products can win acclaim in a specific metric even against big-brand blockbusters.
Your votes will be counted, weighed, and tallied to determine winners in each category.
6. Voting Tips & Best Practices
Use the journal: Score each product on all four metrics as soon as you sample it—don’t wait!
Take breaks: Cleanse your palate between samples.
Double-check entries: The portal encourages thoughtful voting—don’t rush.
Be honest: It’s about your experience—personal tastes matter!
Cast all your votes—it’s easy and ensures full representation of your voice.
7. What Happens Post-Vote?
Votes close: October 4, 11:59 PM PT.
Tallying begins: the following day.
Awards Ceremony: October 18, 2025 — where winners across all categories are revealed live, complete with performances, contests, raffles, food trucks, vendor village, photo booth, adult arcade, and more.
Hosted by Tom Nieves (Marketing Manager) and Jenn from Japan (NuWu Emcee).
Celebrate five years of the Cup and eight years of NuWu in style.
8. Your 2025 Judge Kit: More Than Just Samples
All 4 votes per product require personal experience—and this year's kit has everything you need:
17 flower, 10 extracts, 14 edibles, 19 vapes, 17 pre-rolls, 9 infused pre-rolls
Tools to enhance your judging: JBD x NuWu Bong, Dr. Dabber XS, Loupe magnifier, Kozo grinder, Sessions Journal, lighter, merch, pen, stickers.
Entry to the October 18 awards ceremony + dinner, hosted in person at NuWu Courtyard.
9. Ready to Vote?
Buy your kit: starts July 10, 2025 at NuWu Marketplace, 1235 Paiute Cir.
Sample and log: as soon as your kit drops.
Cast your votes: Sept 15 – Oct 4 at nuwucup.com/vote
Join us: October 18 for the announcement, celebration, and celebration of culture.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NuWu Cup judge cycle is a deeply sensory journey—one designed to amplify craftsmanship, nuance, and diversity in Nevada cannabis. By logging notes, separating your four votes per metric, and showing up to the ceremony, you're not just eating and smoking—you’re elevating the standard.
So here’s to the judges: sharpen your senses, trust your palate, and cast thoughtful votes. Whether you're drawn to bold aroma, smooth highs, or artistic packaging, every one of your metric-based votes has the power to shape the future of cannabis in Nevada.
Your voice counts. Your vote matters. Let’s make the 2025 NuWu Cup unforgettable.
