Mark & Joey Co-Founders of Best In Grass

Best In Grass: The Cannabis Competition Putting Consumers in the Judge’s Seat 

Mark and Joey are the co-founders of Best In Grass, a next-generation cannabis competition built around one simple idea, put the power of judging back in the hands of the people who actually consume cannabis.

The two cannabis industry veterans previously worked together at High Times, where Mark spent years producing and running Cannabis Cup competitions and Joey became known as a knowledgeable cannabis cultivator and industry insider. Mark’s experience with the traditional Cannabis Cup model eventually led him to rethink who should have a voice in determining the best cannabis products. During the pandemic, he helped develop a more inclusive, consumer-driven “People’s Choice” approach that opened judging to everyday cannabis consumers rather than limiting it primarily to industry insiders.

In 2024, Mark and Joey took that experience and launched Best In Grass, creating a state-by-state competition that combines cannabis culture, consumer participation, technology and real-world product feedback. Cultivators and manufacturers submit their products, which are organized into carefully curated Judge Kits and distributed through licensed dispensaries. Everyday consumers then anonymously evaluate the products over several weeks, providing feedback on characteristics such as appearance, aroma, flavor, effects and overall experience.

Best In Grass is about more than simply handing out trophies. The competition is designed to generate meaningful consumer data that participating brands can use to better understand their products and their customers. The company has also emphasized transparency and integrity in its judging process, with Mark specifically highlighting its commitment to preventing “pay to play” or outside influence from affecting results.

Since launching, Best In Grass has expanded beyond its initial Michigan competition into multiple legal cannabis markets around the country, bringing its consumer driven judging model to thousands of cannabis consumers and creating live awards events where brands, retailers, judges and members of the cannabis community come together to celebrate the winners.

Mark and Joey are helping reshape the way cannabis products are judged and recognized. Replacing a traditionally closed door process with a competition where the people buying and consuming the products get a seat at the table.