The efforts of Australian (and New Zealand) cannabis pioneers and professionals have been recognised in the 2021 Cannabis Industry Awards.

“As cannabis fights for legitimacy and normalisation, we come together to celebrate this amazing plant, its incredible supporters, and the fastest growing industry in Australia,” states the Awards web site.

Founded in 2018, the Awards are divided into two sections – community and business, with multiple categories in each. The initiative involves an independent judging panel, the members of which are from diverse areas of the industry. Winners are generally selected by merit rather than popularity – this means small players get a better crack at getting a gong. But there are also some public vote award categories.

Among the judges in the past have been well-known medical cannabis activists Jenny Hallam and Lucy Haslam.

Despite the challenges experienced by the local industry this year, there were just as many public and private nominations as in 2020, which greatly pleased the organisers.

Among this year’s business winners:

• FreshLeaf Analytics: Outstanding overall achievement by a single company. (Business Of The Year)
• Margaret River Hemp Processing Facility – New products made from hemp or companies using hemp. (Hemp Award)
• Greenfern Industries – Outstanding eco-responsible product, service, or brand. (Green Award)
• Puro NZ – Setting high standards and responsible practices with quality cultivation. (Cultivator Of The Year)
• LifeSpot Health Medihale (now known as InhaleRX) – For organisations brining new and exciting innovation to cannabis (Innovation Award)

Community winners included the Australian Medical Cannabis Association for non-profit organisations or community groups helping to make a difference (Non-profit Of The Year Award). Dr. James Stewart picked up the People’s Choice Award in the community section and also Doctor Of The Year in the business section.

“Congrats to all nominees this year, and thanks to the 800+ people who voted for the People’s Choice award this year,” state the organisers.

You can see all the winners of the 2021 Cannabis Industry Awards here.

Trivia: The cannabis sector in Australia won’t just help many people; it will be a huge business in the time ahead and is predicted to be a $22 billion industry within the next 10 years.