On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the air at Fingerboard Farm in Ijamsville, Maryland, was thick with the unmistakable scent of cannabis. Hundreds of attendees, from cannabis enthusiasts to curious onlookers, gathered to celebrate the Maryland Home Growers’ Cup, a unique event that highlights the growing community of home cannabis cultivators and their products.
A Thriving Community Event
This fall edition of the Home Growers’ Cup was the third event hosted by Fingerboard Farm, following the farm’s successful spring gathering earlier in June. Co-owner Tiffany Lewis reported that this year’s event was the largest yet, with over 300 attendees and 40 growers competing in the Home Growers’ Cup competition. Fingerboard Farm, which is known for its focus on hemp cultivation, has become a hub for cannabis culture since Maryland legalized recreational marijuana in 2023.
The event, which was initially launched last fall, is part of a broader effort by the farm’s founders, including Tiffany’s mother, Dawn Gordon, to celebrate the spirit of home-growing. Gordon, who founded the farm, was passionate about creating a community space where home growers could showcase their craft and connect with others.
Celebrating Home Growers
The event featured two main categories for competition: Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice. The home-growers showcased their cannabis products, which ranged from different flower strains to edibles, and even cannabis-infused paraphernalia like bongs and bowls. The attendees had the opportunity to interact with growers, learn about cultivation techniques, and explore various cannabis products.
One standout of the event was Darren Kelly, a home-grower from Washington County, who won first place in the Judges’ Choice category. Kelly, who has been growing cannabis for nearly two decades, was inspired to start cultivating after experiencing what he described as “the best weed I’d ever had.” His journey into breeding cannabis became more focused after his wife was injured in a car accident and found marijuana more effective than other pain remedies.
“I was ecstatic to win,” Kelly said, marking this as his first entry into the competition. His win reflects the deep passion and knowledge that home-growers like him bring to the cannabis community.
Learning and Community Building
Beyond the competition, the event served as a learning opportunity for both novice and seasoned growers. MacKenzie Reynolds, Gordon’s daughter and co-owner of Fingerboard Farm, highlighted the importance of community and education. “People get to know each other, sharing tips on what kind of soil they use and what works best for their plants,” Reynolds said. She added that the event is a great way for participants to learn from each other, improving their techniques and understanding how cannabis can be used for various therapeutic purposes, such as anxiety or pain relief.
Reynolds also expressed hope that the event would continue to de-stigmatize cannabis use. “It’s about bringing people together and helping them understand how to create better products that serve real needs,” she said.
Vendors and Products Galore
In addition to the growers’ competition, Fingerboard Farm’s grounds were lined with vendor tables showcasing local cannabis businesses. Visitors had the chance to purchase a range of products, from cannabis flowers to edibles, tinctures, and even cannabis-infused honey. The vendors, many of whom were small businesses, offered a variety of innovative cannabis products, catering to both recreational users and those seeking medicinal benefits.
While many attendees were cannabis users, the event also attracted those who don’t partake in marijuana. Miranda Ganley and Matt Venczak from Washington County visited the event to explore the diverse products being created by cannabis businesses. “I was surprised to see honey infused with cannabis,” said Venczak. “It’s interesting to see how creative businesses are getting with their products.”
Ganley shared her enthusiasm for the event, noting that it was a great opportunity to learn about the variety of cannabis products beyond what she had seen in dispensaries. “It’s a great event, good vibe all around, lots of different vendors,” she said. “I’d definitely come back again.”
Looking Ahead
Given the success and growing interest in the event, the Home Growers’ Cup is set to become an annual gathering. “We’re excited about the future,” said Tiffany Lewis. “This event brings together a vibrant, passionate community, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”
As Maryland continues to navigate the post-legalization landscape, Fingerboard Farm’s Home Growers’ Cup is helping to foster an inclusive space for both cannabis consumers and growers to celebrate the art of home cultivation and the potential of cannabis to heal and inspire.
