Meet the nominees: Cannabis Industry Awards 2026 shortlist announced
The Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) is delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026, celebrating the individuals whose dedication, expertise and achievements are helping to shape the future of the UK’s cannabis industry.
From advancing patient care and scientific research to championing sustainability, advocacy and exceptional customer service, this year’s nominees represent the talent, commitment and innovation across the sector. With 24 nominations across eight award categories, the awards recognise individuals making a meaningful contribution to the industry, whether through leadership, research, supporting patients or working behind the scenes to drive progress.
The winners will be celebrated at the Cannabis Industry Awards on Wednesday 11 November 2026, taking place at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London. The event, supported by headline sponsors Aurora Medicine and MediStack, will bring together professionals from across the sector for an evening of recognition, celebration and networking. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted!
Meet the 2026 nominees
Unsung Hero Award
Presented by Aurora Medicine & MediStack
Celebrating individuals whose quiet dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts have made a lasting impact on the cannabis sector. This award recognises those whose commitment, reliability and hard work often go unnoticed but are essential to driving progress across the industry.
Nominees:
- Sal Aziz – Director, PatientsCann UK
- Kimberley Tordoff – Clinical Nurse Specialist & Lead NMP, CB1 Medical
- Mari Fairfax – Independent Pharmacist Prescriber, Curaleaf Clinic
Hannah Deacon Doctor of the Year Award
Presented by British Cannabis
Named in honour of one of the UK’s most influential patient advocates, this award recognises healthcare professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, compassion and excellence in the care of patients using medical cannabis.
Nominees:
- Dr Dave Howells – Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder, Cannabis Clinic Cardiff
- Dr Simon Tordoff – Lead Clinician and Consultant in Pain Management, CB1 Medical
- Dr Wendy Holden – Consultant Rheumatologist and Pain Management Specialist, Curaleaf Clinic
Contribution to Social Impact Award
Presented by Hilltop Leaf
Recognising individuals who have made a significant difference to patients, families or communities through advocacy, education and support. This award celebrates those working to improve access, increase awareness, reduce stigma and enhance quality of life.
Nominees:
- Sophie East – Co-Founder, Plantz and Founder, The Women’s Circle
- Clark French – Founder, United Patients Alliance
- Mohammed Wasway – Founder and Managing Director, PatientsCann UK
Pharmacist of the Year Award
Presented by Curaleaf Laboratories
Recognising pharmacists who demonstrate exceptional commitment to patient care, professional excellence and leadership within the medical cannabis sector, helping to advance pharmacy practice and ensure the safe and effective use of cannabis-based medicines.
Nominees:
- Umesh Chauhan – Founder and Superintendent Pharmacist, Specials Pharma
- Stefen David – Senior Pharmacy Manager, Curaleaf Pharmacy
- Aazim Imran – Superintendent Pharmacist, Takoda One
Contribution to Science Award
Presented by ECS Pharma
Honouring individuals who have advanced scientific understanding of cannabis through research, innovation and evidence-based practice. This award celebrates contributions to the growing body of knowledge surrounding cannabis-based medicines and their clinical, regulatory and industry applications.
Nominees:
- Shanna Marrinan – Research Director, 4C Labs
- James Igoe – Head of Quality Control, Dunbar Pharma
- Rosarie Byrne – Validation Manager, Dunbar Pharma
The Green Award
Presented by PV Global
Celebrating innovation and leadership in environmental sustainability, recognising individuals who are helping to drive environmentally responsible practices and contribute to a greener future for the UK cannabis industry.
Nominees:
- Lauryn Blair – Technical Specialist, Dunbar Pharma
- Rosarie Byrne – Validation Manager, Dunbar Pharma
- James Duckenfield – Chief Executive Officer, Glass Pharms
Customer Service Award
Presented by Cupicann
Recognising individuals who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional support, care and guidance to medical cannabis patients and customers. This award celebrates those who have built trust and made a positive difference to people’s experiences of the sector.
Nominees:
- Emma Beaumont – Trade Sales Manager, British Cannabis
- Nick Atkins – Senior Administrator, Medicann
- Sam Ashton – Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cannabis Clinic Cardiff
Industry Leader of the Year Award
Celebrating individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and influence within the UK medical cannabis industry. This award recognises those who have driven innovation, fostered collaboration, shaped industry standards and made a lasting contribution to the sector’s development.
Nominees:
- Adam Windish – Chief Executive Officer, British Cannabis
- Dr Dani Gordon – Founder and Medical Director, London Resilience Clinic
- Jonathan Hodgson – UK Managing Director, Curaleaf International
Celebrating the people behind the progress
The Cannabis Industry Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals driving progress across the UK’s regulated cannabis sector. This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of expertise, dedication and innovation within the industry, from healthcare professionals delivering patient care to researchers advancing scientific understanding, advocates raising awareness and individuals working to improve standards and services.
The awards also recognise contributions that often take place away from the spotlight, highlighting the importance of collaboration, professionalism and commitment in supporting the sector’s continued development.
Every nominee has a contribution worth celebrating, and we extend our congratulations to everyone shortlisted.
Meet the judging panel
The Cannabis Industry Awards 2026 are supported by an independent judging panel bringing together expertise from across healthcare, scientific research, patient advocacy and the wider cannabis sector. The panel includes leading professionals and industry representatives who bring their knowledge and experience to recognising outstanding achievements.
Meet the judges and discover the expertise behind this year’s awards.
Join us for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026
The winners will be celebrated at the Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London, bringing together professionals from across the industry for an evening of recognition, celebration and networking. Guests can look forward to a formal awards ceremony, dining, entertainment and the opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
Whether you’re a nominee, colleague, supporter or industry professional, we invite you to join us in celebrating the people and achievements helping to shape the future of the UK cannabis sector.
Individual tickets and tables are available. 🎟️ Find out more and book yours today!
We look forward to celebrating with you on 11 November!
