Business of Cannabis Awards 2026

The Premier
Cannabis
Awards

Tuesday 26 May, 2026
20:00 – 00:00
83 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY
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Now in its third year

Celebrating Excellence
in Global Cannabis

The Business of Cannabis Awards honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the global cannabis industry. From groundbreaking innovations to impactful research, we recognise excellence across ten categories.

Set to be attended by over 200 senior cannabis industry professionals from across the global value chain, it's an unmissable opportunity to showcase your business and network with the movers and shakers of the industry.

Tuesday 26 May, 2026  ·  20:00 – 00:00
Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY
200+Attendees

Senior cannabis industry professionals from across the global value chain

70%C-Suite

C-level executives, key stakeholders and senior decision-makers in attendance

5HRNetworking

Exclusive opportunity to connect with key decision-makers in Central London

10Winners

Ten winners across ten categories selected by an independent panel of expert judges

Evening programme
  • 8:00 PM Welcome Drinks
  • 9:00 PM Awards Presentations
  • 9:45 PM Party & DJs
  • 12:00 AM Close
Entries close 13 May 2026

2026 Award Categories

Entries now open

Submit a Nomination

Deadline: 13 May 2026Awards ceremony: 26 May 2026
01Enter

Fill out the entry form, write a covering letter and upload supporting documentation to support the nomination.

02Judging

Our independent panel of expert judges assesses all nominations and shortlists up to five nominees per award — 50 shortlistees across 10 categories.

03Shortlist

A second round of judging commences. Shortlisted companies and individuals will be announced at the beginning of May 2026.

04Winners

Winners announced on the night — 26 May 2026 — at the Business of Cannabis Awards party, Rivington Street, London.

Submit a Nomination

Deadline: 13 May 2026  ·  Ceremony: 26 May 2026  ·  Maximum 1,200 words per entry

Tuesday 26 May, 2026

Get Your
Tickets

Join over 200 senior cannabis industry professionals for an evening of awards, networking and celebration in the heart of London.

Tuesday 26 May, 2026
20:00 – 00:00
Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY
Secure checkout via Eventbrite
Independent Expert Panel

2026 Award Judges

James Duckenfield
Cannabis Team of the YearJames DuckenfieldCEOGlass Pharms
James DuckenfieldGlass Pharms

James is the CEO of Glass Pharms, the UK's first and largest cultivator of medical cannabis for CBPMs. Trained as a chemist, he has spent his career across technology sectors internationally — leading both large corporates and founding startups. His objective, analytical approach and deep industry expertise make him an exceptional judge.

Pierre van Weperen
Producer of the YearPierre van WeperenManaging DirectorGrow Group UK
Pierre van WeperenGrow Group UK

Pierre joined Grow Group in 2019 after a 30+ year career in pharmaceutical industry across the Netherlands, Germany, France and the UK. He is driven by improving patient access to medical cannabis and serves as chairman of the Dutch MS patient association.

Sita Schubert
Cannabis Clinic of the YearSita SchubertGeneral SecretaryEUMCA
Sita SchubertEUMCA

A qualified lawyer with 15+ years as MD of a pharmaceutical company, Sita founded COMM-OP Europe and co-founded EUMCA — the European Medical Cannabis Association — in 2019. An international advocate at government hearings since 2016, uniting industry, patients, medical associations and science with one voice.

Kate Holste
Industry Rising StarKate HolsteDirector of International SalesVivi / Boveda
Kate HolsteVivi / Boveda

Director of International Sales for Boveda, Vivi and CVault, overseeing global expansion across 120+ countries, educating markets on post-harvest cannabis storage. Kate also co-founded the "I Know a Girl" initiative and co-hosts Elevate 8 events globally to empower female professionals.

Michael Sassano
AgriTech Provider of the YearMichael SassanoFounder & Interim CEOSOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals
Michael SassanoSOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals

A global strategist in pharmaceutical cannabis and the driving force behind SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals. Recognised as an international authority on large-scale cannabis infrastructure, he has advised 59+ companies and helped build 27 facilities across the US and Europe.

Yogesh Jhamtani
Consumer TechnologyYogesh JhamtaniCEOBuffalo Extraction Systems
Yogesh JhamtaniBuffalo Extraction Systems

CEO of Buffalo Extraction Systems, a leading turnkey solutions provider of state-of-the-art cannabis extraction systems. With extensive experience across Africa, North America and Asia Pacific, a proven business leader delivering successful cross-functional projects in the extraction space.

Rui Soares
European Company of the YearRui SoaresCEO & FounderParalab Green
Rui SoaresParalab Green

Founder and CEO of Paralab with 30+ years of pharmaceutical expertise. Recognised for bridging science, regulation and industrial innovation, enabling producers worldwide to meet EU-GMP standards across Europe, Israel and Latin America.

Franz Josef Sima
Producer of the YearFranz Josef SimaSales Application SpecialistFluence LED
Franz Josef SimaFluence LED

4th-generation greenhouse grower from a family nursery established in 1890. Franz brings unparalleled cultivation knowledge to the medical cannabis sector, having transitioned from Clone production to advising large-scale medical cannabis producers.

James Smith
AgriTech Provider of the YearJames SmithChief Revenue Officer4C Labs
James Smith4C Labs

Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of 4C Labs, and Director at Emerald Health. A senior leader bridging cultivation technology and commercial strategy, James brings founder-level insight and commercial depth to evaluating innovation in AgriTech and cannabis technology.

Rob Smallman
MarketplaceRob SmallmanVice PresidentGlobal Cannabis Exchange
Rob SmallmanGlobal Cannabis Exchange

24+ years in global medical cannabis, specialising in cultivation, post-harvest operations and international trade. VP of Global Cannabis Exchange and President of Avitas Global, with expertise spanning licensing, supply chain and operational execution at scale across Europe, North America and Asia.

Martin Lane
International JournalistMartin LaneCo-founder & CGOcannabiz.com.au
Martin Lanecannabiz.com.au

Co-founder of cannabiz.com.au, Australia and New Zealand's leading legal cannabis media platform. Previously co-founder and CEO of Mumbrella — Asia-Pacific's leading B2B media brand — which he grew to $10m revenue. Martin began his career as a journalist in London.

Sonny Moerenhout
Producer of the YearSonny MoerenhoutManaging PartnerCultivators
Sonny MoerenhoutCultivators

Born and raised in a Dutch greenhouse, holds a master's degree in plant science from Wageningen University. Has consulted internationally on cannabis cultivation with involvement in trials at Wageningen. His understanding of pharmaceutical, horticultural and hobby industry collaboration is central to his work.

Arthur de Cordova
Post-Harvest ProcessingArthur de CordovaCEO & Co-FounderZiel
Arthur de CordovaZiel

CEO and co-founder of Ziel, pioneer in the application of radio frequency technology to reduce microbial pathogens across cannabis and agricultural products. Former executive in pharmaceutical, energy and financial industries. Ziel is the leading choice of cannabis operators across North America and Europe.

Dennis Tran
Business Leader of the YearDennis TranPrincipalLeafy Tunnel
Dennis TranLeafy Tunnel

Principal at Leafy Tunnel, investing in medical cannabis, medical psychedelics and health tech startups. Began career at EY in Washington DC before corporate finance at Holistic Industries. Holds degrees from University of Maryland (cum laude), MBA from London Business School, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Dirk Heitepriem
Industry Rising StarDirk HeitepriemPresidentBvCW / Aurora Europe
Dirk HeitepriemBvCW / Aurora Europe

President of the German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) and VP Government Relations at Aurora Europe. A key figure in Germany's cannabis liberalisation with 15 years of government relations experience gained at Canopy Growth and BlackBerry across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Ben Agyeman
Cannabis Team of the YearBen AgyemanFounding PartnerAlkannoli / Kannoli Pharma
Ben AgyemanAlkannoli / Kannoli Pharma

Experienced investment professional with a background in private equity and growth capital. Former Managing Director at MPC Capital, with deep expertise in healthcare, pharmaceutical platforms, infrastructure and real assets. His financial acumen brings rigorous evaluation to innovation and scalability in cannabis.

Heidi Whitman
TechnologyHeidi WhitmanGlobal Strategic ConsultantHeidi Hill Consulting
Heidi WhitmanHeidi Hill Consulting

Global Strategic Consultant specialising in cannabis, plant-based wellness, governance and international market expansion across the UK, Europe and emerging markets. Co-Founder and Chairwoman of EmpowHer Cannabis Society — a global network spanning 40+ countries.

Business of Cannabis Awards

Last Year's Winners

Michael Sassano
Business Leader of the YearMichael SassanoCEO & Founder, SOMAÍ
Thomas Gray
Industry Rising Star AwardThomas GrayCEO & Co-Founder, Lumino
Sarah Sinclair
International Journalist of the YearSarah SinclairFreelance
European Cannabis Clinic of the YearCantourage Clinic
Producer of the YearDalgety
European Company of the YearCuraleaf International
Innovator of the YearZiel
Cannabis Team of the YearFour 20 Pharma
Equipment Provider of the YearStorz & Bickel
Looking for 2024 winners? View 2024 Winners
Business of Cannabis Awards 2025

Last Year's Expert Judges

Michael Sassano
Michael SassanoFounder & CEO, SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals
AP
Ariadna PeretzSenior Director, FTI Consulting
Thomas Gray
Thomas GrayCEO & Co-Founder, Lumino
KH
Kate HolsteHead of International Sales, Boveda
SM
Stefan Martin MeyerCEO, PhytoFlow GmbH
VB
Viola BrugnatelliFounder, Cannabiscienza Srl
Timo Bongartz
Timo BongartzCEO, Cannavigia
Rob Smallman
Rob SmallmanVP, Global Cannabis Exchange
HW
Heidi WhitmanGlobal Strategic Consultant
Olivia Ewenike
Olivia EwenikeCo-Founder, CLA Cannabis Law Academy
Frederike Fäscher
Frederike S. FäscherBusiness Development, NZ Trade & Enterprise
Dirk Heitepriem
Dirk HeitepriemPresident, Cannabis Industry Association Germany
James Smith
James SmithChief Revenue Officer, 4C Labs
Moritz Foerster
Moritz FoersterEditor-in-Chief, krautinvest.de
Ben Agyeman
Ben AgyemanPartner & Board Member, Alkannoli
Aleksandra Vujinović
Aleksandra VujinovićCo-Founder, Cannabis Law Academy
Dennis Tran
Dennis TranPrincipal, Leafy Tunnel
Hanna Hlushchenko
Hanna HlushchenkoFounder, Ukrainian Cannabis Consulting Group
William Muecke
William MueckeCo-Founder & CIO, Artemis Growth Partners
Sita Schubert
Sita SchubertSecretary General, EMCA
Yogesh Jamtani
Yogesh JamtaniCEO, Buffalo Extraction Systems
Martin Lane
Martin LaneCo-founder, cannabiz.com.au
Sonny Moerenhout
Sonny MoerenhoutManaging Partner, Cultivators