I know it’s early in 2022, but I’m just going to call it right now: The TransBay Challenge III will go down as one of the best events of the year. Exquisite vibes were the only thing more plentiful than fire weed at the third official installation of pot journalist Jimi Devine’s unique Cannabis competition – where licensed cultivators, Cannabis connoisseurs from all walks of life, unlicensed small batch garage growers, passionate plant advocates and heady hash enthusiasts all united to bring forth one of the most welcoming, diverse and downright fun environments I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.

San Francisco reggae legend Rocker T kicked off the event with an incredible two-plus hour long set that revisited his classics, but also mixed in an upbeat tempo to get the party going and set the vibe. The event was sponsored by a number of heavy-hitting brands such as Sacramento’s Seven Leaves and CAM, along with San Francisco’s Sunset Connect and a bevy of Bay Area based growers well versed in the fine art of growing the fire.

While it would be easy to classify the event as a consumption-focused Cannabis competition and be done with it, this was something far more: a special blend of 215-era faces, active trappers, and Prop 64 licensed brands bringing a unique feel not easily replicated. The sheer amount of absolute top shelf fire – legitimately some of the best flower in the world – was enough to make any weed enthusiast giddy. Yet somehow, in spite of all that, the sense of community and culture was thicker than the smoke in the air … and that is something our ever-diverse Cannabis scene has been lacking.