As I pulled up to the serene, well-manicured property of Toro Glass in Ithaca, New York, I was greeted by smiling faces, chill music and the smell of coffee and weed — an indication of the vibes to come. The Smoking Jacket 2024 was a two-day event hosted by The Hashish Inn podcast that brought together top-tier hash makers from across the country for a secluded, intimate competition that balanced community, craftsmanship and the finest solventless hash concentrates.
Blessed with perfect weather and an even better selection of terps, the weekend felt like an oasis of concentrated community camaraderie. The Toro property is nestled among pristine nature, providing the ideal backdrop for this craft event. The vibe was laid-back yet pulsed with excited energy, with 32 hash entries from some of the most respected producers in the industry competing for the top prize. Connoisseurs mixed with makers as genetics and terps were generously exchanged. But beyond the contest there was a sense of connection that threaded through the entire weekend as attendees mingled, shared and learned from each other.
The Smoking Jacket was more than just a competition; it was a thoughtfully curated experience designed to foster connection and education. Guests took part in resin tastings from well-known producers like Burny Terps, Yeti Melts, and Mega Raw Melts, alongside live Q&A panels that offered insights into the art and science of solventless extraction.
On the competition side, Helios Hash edged out Solventless Refinery and The Real Cannabis Chris to take home the coveted top spot with their entry, Vizion. The winning entry was a masterful blend of The Vision (outdoor) and Zkittlez (indoor) rosin. Helios is no stranger to the competition scene, adding another important title to their growing trophy shelf. The Leaf reached out to the owners of Helios to learn what the the first-place prize meant for the company and for the Maine hash scene.
“This win is a significant milestone not only for Maine but for the entire New England region. It reflects our community’s dedication, talent and commitment to showcasing what the East Coast can provide for the craft Cannabis community. This achievement not only elevates Maine’s profile in the competitive landscape but also serves as an inspiration for individuals and teams throughout New England. Within the past few years, the East Coast has made a boom with countless hash makers winning various competitions around the country. It shows the potential we have to make a mark in the craft Cannabis scene and furthers the movement of innovation that will benefit our local communities for years to come.”
Beyond the competition, the weekend was full of memorable moments. One highlight included a special behind-the-scenes tour of JP Toro’s workshop, where guests got a peek underneath the hood and were teased with glimpses of his upcoming work. (Deadhead author’s note: keep an eye out for the upcoming Grateful Dead-themed pipes).
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when JP Toro surprised a guest, whose birthday was that weekend, with a one-of-one rig straight from his shop. The look on the guest’s face was pure joy, like a kid who had just unwrapped the video game system they’d been dreaming of. He darted off to try out his new piece, and the excitement was infectious.
That energy continued throughout the weekend. After the festivities, Shoragim from The Hashish Inn spoke with me about his experience bringing the competition to the East Coast: “The opportunity to host it in such an iconic setting was magical. The intersections of the arts of resin and glass was on full display. That was something that really resonated for us as a team and hopefully for an event as a whole.”
Event attendees left buzzing about the quality of the entrants and the unique experiences that unfolded for them over the weekend. The event blended best-in-class hash with the ability to rub shoulders with some of the top producers in the country, at the home of the world’s best glassblowers. With its smooth operation, incredible setting and first-rate terps, The Smoking Jacket reminded everyone in attendance of the benefits of a well-done, elevated hash experience.
The top 5 overall finishers included representatives from across the country:
1. Helios Hash (@helios_hash)
2. Solventless Refinery (@solventlessrefinery)
3. The Real Cannabis Chris (@therealcannabis_chris)
4. Burly Botanicals (@burly_botanicals)
5. Portal Provisions (@portal_provisions)
People’s Choice:
Burly Botanicals
Maker’s Choice:
The Real Cannabis Chris
Experts’ Choice:
Solventless Refinery
JP’s Choice:
Trichome Tortoise (@thrichome_tortoise__)
thehashishinn.podbean.com | @thehashishinn | @thismokingjacket
