What is Bud of the Month and how does it work?

Bud of the Month is a friendly contest where growers showcase their best cannabis buds on our community forum. Each month, participants submit photos of their top flower for a chance to win $100 cash and bragging rights as the winner. To join, simply visit the ILGM Forum, create a free account, and upload your bud entry in the Bud of the Month section. Community members and moderators help choose the standout grow of the month.

Who can participate in Bud of the Month?

Anyone who is part of the ILGM community is welcome to join! Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned cultivator, the competition is open to all. To enter: Make a post in the current “Bud” of the month Contest, by the deadline posted each month. Post the name of the ILGM strain you are growing, or have grown and your order number . Upload one great picture of your favorite bud. Make sure it’s THE ONE! Once posted, your photo can not be changed.Entries will close at Midnight of the deadline posted. We will build a poll and all members, and staff are allowed to vote. Vote for the “Bud” you love.There will only be 1 vote per IP address or household allowed.The “Bud” of the Month winner will receive a packet of 5 seeds from the ILGM Seed bank. Any strain. (U.S. only)You cannot win 2 months in a row. If you win, then you have to wait one month to enter again. If you win a 2nd time, you must wait 2 months to enter again. If you win a 3rd time; You are retired to the BOM Hall of Fame. I think this is fair and a member can still win multiple times.

How do I join the Grow Club, and why should I?

The ILGM Grow Club is a community space where growers connect, share knowledge, and meet others from their area. By joining, you’ll gain access to localized discussions, grow tips, and peer support from fellow cultivators. It’s the perfect place to build friendships, swap advice, and celebrate your growing journey together. Membership is free, and all you need to do is sign up online.

Can I be part of both Bud of the Month and the Grow Club?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. The Bud of the Month contest is a fun way to test your skills and gain recognition, while the Grow Club helps you connect with growers nearby who can inspire and guide you. Together, they give you the best of both worlds: competition and community.

Three people examining plants in a field, one in a black jacket, another in a denim jacket, and the third in camouflage attire and cap.

Bud of the Month

Showcase of ILGM's Growers

Latest Winner

Hall of Fame

Every month on the ILGM Forum, growers share one photo of the bud they’re most proud of. The community votes, and the winner earns $100 in store credit.

At its core, Bud of the Month is about celebrating growers and the incredible plants they’ve nurtured from seed to flower.

July Winner

Strain: Girl Scout Cookies Extreme | Grower: Scotts Buds

1 Girl Scout Cookies Extreme ScottsBuds

Grow Girl Scout Cookies Extreme

July Top Entries

The best buds shared in July's contest.

Strain: Pineapple Haze

Grower: Growdoc

Grow Pineapple Haze

Strain: Zkitttlez Auto

Grower: Aeromatics

Grow Zkitttlez Auto

Strain: Tangie

Grower: Ajs_Stash

Grow Tangie

Strain: Northern Lights

Grower: Patrick1960

Grow Northern Lights

Small plants in pots on a windowsill, illuminated by warm light, with a calendar, seed packets, and a spray bottle nearby.

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Why It Matters

Bud of the Month is more than a contest. It’s a reflection of what makes the ILGM Forum special: growers supporting each other, showing off their successes, and celebrating the plants they’ve grown with care.

Each entry started as a seed and ended up here — part of a shared tradition that continues month after month.

Want to join the conversation, share your own grow, or enter the next contest?

Join this month

Hall of Fame

Over the years, many buds have earned the Bud of the Month crown. This carousel highlights those champions — a showcase of winners that have left their mark on the community.