Stoners might have a reputation for moving at a glacial pace, but it was full steam ahead at the inaugural Cannabis Cup Thailand competition held on 10 December.

Thailand removed cannabis from the list of banned narcotics in June, opening the way for a flurry of dispensaries and stalls, and enthusiastic puffers who now get to smoke without fear of prosecution.

At a small rooftop cannabis cafe in Bangkok, revelers gathered to compete for three Cup prizes: Fastest joint roller, most creative joint, and best Thai cannabis variety — judged by the crowd who were all handed five joints on arrival, voting for their favorite throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

"It's just super fun," 31-year-old organizer Matita "Mameaw" Promjai said.

Hundreds of applicants for the inaugural speed rolling competition had been whittled down to just 10, she explained.

Each competitor would roll a small and large joint as quickly as they physically could closely while being watched by a knowledgeable — if increasingly relaxed — crowd.

"I'm just trying my best," competitor Klaus, who gave only his first name, said as he shambled up to the table to take his turn with a giant countdown clock behind him.

"Three-Two-One, Go!" shouted the MC as the 23-year-old scrambled to get his two joints done, banging the bell and stopping the clock on 1 minute and 44 seconds.

But the event had a more serious aspect too, Mameaw explained.

The hasty government roll-out lifting cannabis restrictions has left many people in the dark — unsure about the benefits, unclear on the legality, and unwilling to welcome the change.

"So that's why I try to make a community to educate people," she said.

While the educational aspect is important, Mameaw said with a happy grin that her desire for the event was pretty straightforward.

"I'm a stoner, that's why," she said.