The actual judging process varies depending on the typical rituals of each judge, but for me, as a joint guy, it’s pretty standard:
- Crack open an entry and huff those beautiful fumes for a few minutes, get thoroughly acquainted with the aroma. I personally am turned on by unique terp profiles, but it’s hard to beat some good gas.
- Report Aroma Findings.
- Spend the next few minutes admiring the look and feel of the bud – is it trimmed well? How dense is it? Does it look like top-shelf? (Remember, this IS the battle of the buds, after all)
- Report Look & Feel Findings.
- Next, I’ll grind up the entry and fashion it into a J. After it’s rolled up I’ll dry toke it a few times to get a flavor idea. Once I’m satisfied there, spark up.
- Report Burnability Findings.
- Enjoy the buzz, and after a few minutes start to think: Do I feel particularly sedated/stimulated? Does this feel better/worse than normal? Anything different about this feeling?
- Report Effects Findings.
- Now, this is my favorite part: detail your thoughts. Obviously you’ll be a bit more excitable than normal, but do your best to jot down as expansive notes as possible for the producers of this product. Sing its praises, let them know what you think could have been better, or simply let them know you thought it was standard, but this is an opportunity for you, the consumer, to impact the products you see on the shelves. If you’ve got a great idea for how a brand can stand out, here’s your opp to tell that idea directly to the creators of the product.
- Repeat as necessary.
Knowing that getting through an ounce of product will take time for the general consumer, HT has established the maximum judging period of 30 days for the upcoming People’s Choice competitions.
