The High Times Cannabis Cup is officially back in New York, and the energy in Midtown Manhattan has already started to rise. After years of waiting for its return, New York finally gets a chance to celebrate one of the most recognized cannabis competitions in the world. This time, Torches NYC is stepping into the spotlight as a premier retail partner.
We’ve also been selected to host the official press meet-up and mixer on November 14, in honor of the competition’s kickoff and the release of a limited number of judge kits. Only a handful of retailers across the state were chosen to distribute these kits. So, the fact that Torches is one of them speaks volumes about our reputation in the city.
Located near Bryant Park and a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, Torches NYC has become a trusted destination for both locals and visitors. We cater to those who passionately hunt down connoisseur-quality flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates, and more. Hosting such an important moment for the High Times Cannabis Cup shows how deeply we’re rooted in New York’s cannabis scene. This Cup being People’s Choice also marks a major milestone for the broader cannabis community. They’ve been patiently waiting for this level of recognition and celebration since legalization opened the door for statewide participation.
The Cannabis Cup Returns to New York
The High Times Cannabis Cup has always represented excellence in cultivation and product innovation. The winners become part of cannabis history, and the competition brings together growers, extractors, and brands from across the state. High Times is offering a range of judge kits made for different product categories, and each kit contains curated items that showcase the best work from legal operators in New York.
This return is especially meaningful for New Yorkers because it reflects how far the industry has come since legalization. What was once underground is now celebrated in the open, and the public is invited to taste, evaluate, and help choose the winners. Judging begins immediately and continues until January 7. Winners will be announced on January 15 during a statewide celebration that recognizes the hard work and creativity of New York brands.
The judge kits are extremely limited, which is why being chosen as a distribution partner carries so much weight. Torches NYC is proud to be one of the few locations where the public can secure a kit. Each kit gives consumers a chance to experience products that reflect the highest standards in cultivation and extraction. Anyone who picks up a kit will be taking part in history and helping shape New York’s standing in the national cannabis spotlight.
Torches Hosts the Official Press Mixer
On November 14, 2025, Torches welcomes media, industry leaders, creators, and local community members to the official press mixer for the High Times Cannabis Cup. This event will serve as the ceremonial launch for the judge kits and the beginning of the judging period. Attendees will gather inside our iconic Midtown Manhattan retail space for interviews, photos, and early access updates about the competition. The Torches team will also highlight the selection of premium brands carried in the shop, many of which will be represented in the judge kits.
This is more than a marketing moment. It marks the first time that a New York dispensary has become a centralized meeting point for an event connected directly to the Cannabis Cup in its modern legal era. Torches will stand beside some of the most respected retailers and cultivators in the state, showing once again that New York’s cannabis culture thrives in the heart of Manhattan.
The event also gives the community a gathering place where industry and culture meet. Press members will have the chance to speak with brand representatives, learn more about the judging structure, and get an inside look at how the competition has evolved. The press mixer reinforces Torches NYC as a hub for elevated cannabis culture…not just a place to shop.
Why Torches NYC Was Chosen
Torches has earned its place as a trusted destination for high-quality cannabis by putting care into every detail. From our highly curated selection of brands to the luxurious customer experience, our store focuses on education, transparency, and connoisseur quality. These values align closely with the spirit of the High Times Cannabis Cup, which rewards excellence and encourages product innovation.
The store is also positioned in one of the busiest and most culturally significant neighborhoods in Manhattan. Bryant Park is only a few blocks away. Grand Central Terminal draws thousands of people each day. Torches stands at a natural crossroads for commuters, locals, hotel guests, and curious visitors. Our location alone makes Torches an ideal distribution point for the judge kits. But the selection process by High Times goes deeper than just convenience.
High Times chose retailers that reflect high standards and strong community engagement. We’ve tirelessly built a reputation for supporting NYC’s cannabis culture through educational events, local partnerships, and an iconic storefront. This presence has positioned Torches as a natural partner for a competition that has shaped cannabis culture for decades.
What the Judge Kits Represent
The judge kits are an important symbol of New York’s evolution. Each kit includes a range of products from brands competing across multiple categories. These categories often include flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, disposables, edibles, and infused products. Every product goes through a careful selection process before making it into the kits. And most importantly, judging is open to consumers, not just professionals.
This structure makes the Cannabis Cup unlike traditional competitions. Consumers get a chance to shape the outcome, which makes the event feel more connected to community taste than ever. High Times has emphasized the idea that the people should determine the winners. And that distributing the kits at high-quality retailers ensures that each participant receives a reliable, well-preserved, and properly stored product.
Torches NYC will only have a limited quantity of these kits, which adds a sense of exclusivity and urgency. Once they are gone, they are gone for the entire judging period. Anyone who wants to participate should plan to visit as early as possible.
A Cultural Moment for New York
The return of the High Times Cannabis Cup is a cultural win for the entire state, but its presence in Manhattan carries a distinct weight. For decades, New York has held a reputation as one of the most cannabis-influential cities in the world. Music, art, fashion, and nightlife have all been shaped by cannabis culture here. Now that New York’s legal market has matured, the opportunity to host a competition of this size reflects how important the city is to the future of cannabis.
Torches NYC stands at the center of this moment. Not only is our shop helping to distribute the judge kits, but we’re also serving as a central gathering point. One where culture, media, and the industry are coming together in a big way. Friday’s press mixer will add another chapter to our story, highlighting local pride, integrity, and statewide progress.
This year’s competition invites the people of New York to take part in selecting the best cannabis products in the state. The judging window lasts from now until January 7, and the final results will be revealed on January 15. Until then, Torches will help guide customers who want to join in on the experience.
Visit Torches NYC for Your Judge Kit
Judge kits for the 2025 High Times Cannabis Cup will be available in limited quantities beginning on November 14, 2025. Customers can visit Torches NYC in Midtown Manhattan to secure their kits now while supplies last. Keep in mind, your participation will help shape the future of New York’s cannabis industry!
Torches NYC invites everyone to stop by, explore the selection, and enjoy a moment that celebrates creativity, community, and the next generation of cannabis excellence.