Stargazer Cannabis Festival, in collaboration with event production powerhouse Big Cloud Presents, is offering to pay $1,000 to smoke weed. As part of the inaugural Stargazer Cannabis Cup, happening July 25–27, 2025, a select group of individuals will be paid to serve as official judges—no experience required.
The judge positions will be awarded by random drawing. Anyone age 21 and over can apply online for a chance to be chosen to evaluate some of the best cannabis products in the Midwest. Those selected will receive a curated judges kit and $1,000 compensation for their efforts.
"We wanted this to be something truly special," said Chad Thompson, Communications Director of Stargazer. "By partnering with Big Cloud Presents and opening up the judging process to everyday fans through a lottery, we're making this competition as exciting and inclusive as possible."
Judges will rate entries in categories including Best Flower, Best Concentrate, Best Edible, Best Pre-Roll, and Best CBD Product. Each category will have a 1st place winner, but only one entry—chosen as the overall Best in Show—will receive the $2,500 cash prize and the official Stargazer Cannabis Cup trophy.
