Afghani, OG Kush, Purple Skunk, White Widow... With so many strains to choose from at local dispensaries, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?

Thankfully, a variety of medical marijuana contests have popped up around Colorado recently, and they've uncovered the best of the best.

Check out the top winners below -- and remember, second place is first loser.

Caregivers Cup www.caregiverscup.com Oriental Theater, Denver Organized by Rocky Mountain Caregivers Cooperative

November 15, 2009 contest Winner: Haze-Wowie Submitted by: Alexis Nelson Found at: Top Shelf Alternatives 1327 Spruce Street, Suite 300 Boulder CO 80302 www.topshelfalternatives.com 303-459-5335 Notes: Super Silver Haze was crossed with Maui Wowie to create this hydroponics wonder cultivated at 8,888 feet.

September 13, 2009 contest Winner: Crunch Berry Submitted by: Ian Sorensen and Robert Love Found at: Grand County Co-Op Grand County, CO 970-531-3129 Notes: This high-altitude, soil-based strain swept all four categories: Most Photogenic, Best Aroma, Stickiest Bud and Patients' Choice.

Medical Marijuana Harvest Cup www.colommjharvestcup.com Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, CO November 21, 2009 Organized by Front Range NORML

Winner: Bio-Diesel Submitted by: Adam Johnson Found at: Denver Relief www.denverrelief.com 303-420-6337 Notes: An extremely potent strain that features a lingering essence of whole-bean coffee

Holiday Hash Bash Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver, CO December 6, 2009 Organized by Twirling Hippy Confections, LLC

Winner: Sour Diesel Butane-Extraction Peanut Butter Hash Submitted by: Eric Meece Found at: Altitude Wellness Center 3435 South Yosemite Street Denver, CO 80231-4797 www.altitudewellnesscenter.com 303-751-7888 Notes: This hash strain featured a strong hint of ever-popular Sour Diesel, no butane after-taste and specially designed hash tubes fashioned by a local glass maker.

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