Nominations Open for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026
Nominations are now open for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the UK’s cannabis sector. The event is kindly presented by Aurora Medicine and MediStack.
Hosted by the Cannabis Industry Council in partnership with the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, the Cannabis Industry Awards celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation across the UK’s legal cannabis industry. Winners will be announced at the Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner 2026, taking place at the historic HAC in London on 11 November.
Recognising Individual Achievements in the Sector
The Cannabis Industry Awards exclusively recognise outstanding individuals, rather than companies. Each category honours those whose dedication, leadership and impact have helped to advance legal cannabis access in the UK.
Award Categories
- Unsung Hero Award, presented by Aurora Medicine & Medistack
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- Celebrating an individual whose quiet dedication and behind the scenes efforts have made a powerful and 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.
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- Hannah Deacon Doctor of the Year Award, presented by British Cannabis
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- Named in honour of one of the UK’s most influential patient advocates, this award recognises a healthcare professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, compassion and excellence in the care of patients using medical cannabis.
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- Contribution to Social Impact Award, presented by Hilltop Leaf
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- Recognising individuals who have made a significant difference to patients, families or communities through advocacy, education and support. This award honours those who have worked tirelessly to improve access, increase awareness, reduce stigma or enhance quality of life through their contribution to the UK medical cannabis sector.
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- Pharmacist of the Year Award, presented by Curaleaf Laboratories
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- Awarded to a pharmacist who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to patient care, professional excellence and leadership within the medical cannabis sector. This award recognises those who have played a pivotal role in supporting patients, advancing pharmacy practice and helping ensure safe and effective use of cannabis-based medicines.
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- Contribution to Science Award, presented by ECS Pharma
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- Honouring those who have advanced scientific understanding of cannabis through research, innovation or evidence-based practice in the UK. This award celebrates individuals who have contributed to the growing body of knowledge surrounding cannabis-based medicines and informed clinical, regulatory or industry development.
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- The Green Award, Sponsor Opportunity Available
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- Celebrating innovation and leadership in environmental sustainability, recognising individuals driving eco-conscious practices within the UK cannabis space. Recipients will have demonstrated a commitment to a greener future for the industry.
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- Customer Service Award, Sponsor Opportunity Available
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- Recognising individuals who go above and beyond to provide exceptional support, care and guidance to medical cannabis patients or customers. This award celebrates those who have delivered outstanding service, built trust and made a positive difference to the experiences of those navigating the cannabis sector.
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- Industry Leader of the Year Award, Sponsor Opportunity Available
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- Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated 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 growth and development of the sector.
To nominate yourself or a peer in the industry for any of the awards, please complete this form.
Judging Panel
Following the successful introduction of a formal judging process in 2025, an independent judging panel will once again oversee the shortlisting and selection process for the 2026 awards.
The 2026 judging panel will be announced in due course and will include leading figures from across healthcare, research, patient advocacy and the UK medical cannabis industry.
Key Dates
- Nominations Open: 22 June, 2026
- Nominations Close: 18 September, 2026
- Shortlisting: 18 September – 9 October, 2026
- Judging Rounds: 9-23 October, 2026
- Winners Notified: 26 October, 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 11 November, 2026
Awards Dinner 2026
Winners will be announced publicly at the Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner 2026, presented by Aurora Medicine and MediStack. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment, awards presentations and networking opportunities with leaders from across the UK’s legal medical cannabis sector.
The Awards Dinner will take place on 11 November at 6:30pm at the historic HAC in London. Both individual and table tickets are available for purchase on eventbrite here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are currently sponsorship opportunities available for three award categories. Organisations interested in supporting the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026 and demonstrating their commitment to excellence within the sector are encouraged to get in touch today.
Contact
For sponsorship enquiries or further information about the awards, please contact Sam Cannon, Pillar 2 Networking & Events Lead at sam.cannon@cicouncil.org.uk.
