'This Is Not About Pot Heads Running Around the Streets'

There will be some high times in Aspen this spring at what may be the first event of its kind here in the states.

A version of Amsterdam's “Cannabis Cup” is coming to Aspen, in which medical marijuana growers, providers, patients and others in the industry will convene over one weekend in April.

The First Annual Western Slope Cannabis Crown, organized by Glenwood Springs resident Bobby Scurlock and the owners of High Country Caregivers, will be held April 17-18 at The Gant.

The conference is open to the public and will include speakers, live music, information booths, and most notably, a competition among providers that showcases their best strains. Growers and providers will vie for the “cannabis crown.”

Scurlock said he hopes to draw about 50 dispensaries from around Colorado and their strains will be tested by Denver-based Full Spectrum Laboratories. The marijuana strains will be diagnostically tested for their THC levels and how it matches up with patients' ailments.

There also will be a “people's choice” award for those who are on the state registry for medical marijuana and have received a “golden ticket” from one of the organizers. The people's choice will narrow down the field for the crown but the ultimate winner will be based on the diagnostic test, Scurlock said.

“We want to get the best of the best in there,” he said. “We want as many vendors as possible.”

Only Colorado registered medical marijuana users will be able to buy products from vendors, which will have to occur outside of the conference — most likely in a private condo or room where the providers are staying.

“This is not about pot heads running around the streets,” Scurlock said. “This conference is to enlighten people and talk about the benefits, and its economic impact.”

Scurlock said the event is nearly sold out; about 1,500 tickets have been sold. The $25 ticket buys admission to the two-day event.

Munchies sold separately.