The third annual Business of Cannabis Awards ceremony is fast approaching, and with submissions closing on May 13, time is running out to complete your submissions.
Before you get writing, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help make sure your entry is as strong as it can be, and your nominee gets the recognition they deserve.
Below, we’ll walk you through what the judging panel is looking for, how to structure your submission, and why entering the awards is a no-brainer.
In an industry where traditional marketing channels remain limited or restricted, the Business of Cannabis awards not only offer recognition, but a verifiable signal to investors, partners, buyers and talent that your company is delivering something exceptional.
For the first time this year, every category winner will also receive £2,000 worth of Business of Cannabis media coverage and proprietary market data, tangible commercial value on top of the recognition itself.
The 2026 awards feature ten categories split between company and individual awards, and choosing the right one is the first, and arguably most important, decision you will make.
Within those groups, think carefully about fit.
European Company of the Year is the most prestigious company award and is best suited to organisations that can demonstrate broad commercial performance and industry-wide impact across the full cannabis value chain, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, research, or ancillary services. If your story is stronger in one specific discipline, one of the specialist categories will put you in front of a more relevant judging panel and peer group.
Cannabis Clinic of the Year is specifically for healthcare clinics or individual practitioners. The judges will want to see evidence of patient outcomes, satisfaction data, and innovative approaches to treatment, not just operational performance.
Cannabis Team of the Year is open to teams within any cannabis company or organisation. The key here is demonstrating collective achievement: how the team collaborated, what they delivered, and how their work contributed to measurable business outcomes. This is not a category for individual stars, it is about the unit as a whole.
Consumer Technology Provider of the Year is for companies delivering digital platforms, applications, or services that directly serve or enhance the consumer journey. Judges will focus on product innovation, user experience, adoption metrics, and regulatory compliance. If your technology primarily serves cultivators or producers rather than consumers, AgriTech Provider of the Year is likely the better fit.
AgriTech Provider of the Year recognises companies whose technology supports cannabis cultivation and production, improving yields, efficiency, or environmental performance. Evidence of real-world impact through client case studies and productivity data will carry significant weight here.
Producer of the Year is for cultivation companies or individual cultivators who can demonstrate superior product quality, innovative growing techniques, and a commitment to sustainability and compliance. Laboratory testing results, production metrics, and evidence of genetic or breeding innovation are all relevant.
Business Leader of the Year is for established executives who can point to a clear track record of strategic vision, innovation, and measurable impact on their organisation and the wider industry. Think of significant milestones, market expansion, or transformative initiatives.
Industry Rising Star is explicitly not for established executives. It is reserved for individuals who have either been in the industry for around two years and are showing exceptional potential, or who are not yet in a senior leadership position. If a nominee could credibly enter Business Leader of the Year, they are probably not a Rising Star. Entering the wrong category risks the submission not resonating with the judges assessing it.
International Journalist of the Year is open to journalists and writers producing cannabis coverage across any medium, print, online, broadcast, or social. Judges will assess the quality and depth of reporting, audience reach, and contribution to public understanding. Supporting evidence should include published work and, where available, engagement metrics.
The Hannah Deacon Award is for individuals who have shown sustained, meaningful dedication to championing patients’ rights and improving cannabis access across Europe. This is not a commercial award, it is looking for evidence of advocacy, policy influence, and lasting impact on patients and healthcare systems. Campaigners, clinicians, educators, and patient advocates are all eligible.
Finally, a note on eligibility that applies across all categories: the awards are primarily aimed at individuals and organisations with a European operation or European base. Nominations without a clear European connection are unlikely to be considered.
Each category is assessed by a minimum of three independent judges. Judges abstain from any category where they have a direct interest or commercial relationship. Up to five nominees are shortlisted per category.
Critically, judges evaluate entries solely on the information provided, they will not draw on prior knowledge of your company or the individual being nominated. Do not assume they know who you are.
What carries weight:
A clear, focused narrative. Explain the problem or challenge you addressed, how you approached it, and what the measurable outcome was. Vague claims and industry jargon work against you.
Evidence of real impact. Back every claim with proof — data, testimonials, case studies, press coverage. Cite your sources.
Innovation, not just activity. Show how you are pushing boundaries, setting new standards, or solving familiar problems in fresh ways.
Industry contribution. Help judges understand why your success matters beyond your own company, whether that means advancing patient access, improving standards, or strengthening the market.
Entries have a 1,200-word maximum. Within that limit, your submission should include a clear summary of achievements relevant to your chosen category, key outcomes with specific and measurable results, and evidence in the form of testimonials, data, and links to supporting material.
Supporting attachments, photographs, charts, videos, marketing materials can be uploaded separately and will not be published publicly. However, your primary submission must be self-contained; attachments should supplement it, not substitute for it.
Be aware that shortlisted entries will be published automatically. Do not include confidential or commercially sensitive information in your main submission.
On image requirements: logos and headshots must be provided in high-resolution PNG or JPEG format. Low-resolution files and images sourced from the internet are not accepted.
Start early. Gathering evidence, securing testimonials, and crafting a clear narrative takes longer than expected.
Use the category criteria as your framework. The guidelines are there for a reason, structure your entry around them.
Be selective with evidence. Include only your strongest material. Overloading judges with irrelevant attachments dilutes your submission.
If you are submitting on behalf of someone else, note that if they are shortlisted, you will be required to complete a full submission for them ahead of the judging phase.
At least one representative of each shortlisted submission must be available on the night of 26 May to collect the award if successful.
To submit a nomination, visit businessofcannabis.com/awards. For group nominations or further assistance, contactinfo@prohibitionpartners.com.
The post How to Enter the Business of Cannabis Awards 2026, and Give Yourself the Best Chance of Winning appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
Continue reading...
Before you get writing, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help make sure your entry is as strong as it can be, and your nominee gets the recognition they deserve.
Below, we’ll walk you through what the judging panel is looking for, how to structure your submission, and why entering the awards is a no-brainer.
In an industry where traditional marketing channels remain limited or restricted, the Business of Cannabis awards not only offer recognition, but a verifiable signal to investors, partners, buyers and talent that your company is delivering something exceptional.
For the first time this year, every category winner will also receive £2,000 worth of Business of Cannabis media coverage and proprietary market data, tangible commercial value on top of the recognition itself.
Which category is right for you?
The 2026 awards feature ten categories split between company and individual awards, and choosing the right one is the first, and arguably most important, decision you will make.
Within those groups, think carefully about fit.
European Company of the Year is the most prestigious company award and is best suited to organisations that can demonstrate broad commercial performance and industry-wide impact across the full cannabis value chain, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, research, or ancillary services. If your story is stronger in one specific discipline, one of the specialist categories will put you in front of a more relevant judging panel and peer group.
Cannabis Clinic of the Year is specifically for healthcare clinics or individual practitioners. The judges will want to see evidence of patient outcomes, satisfaction data, and innovative approaches to treatment, not just operational performance.
Cannabis Team of the Year is open to teams within any cannabis company or organisation. The key here is demonstrating collective achievement: how the team collaborated, what they delivered, and how their work contributed to measurable business outcomes. This is not a category for individual stars, it is about the unit as a whole.
Consumer Technology Provider of the Year is for companies delivering digital platforms, applications, or services that directly serve or enhance the consumer journey. Judges will focus on product innovation, user experience, adoption metrics, and regulatory compliance. If your technology primarily serves cultivators or producers rather than consumers, AgriTech Provider of the Year is likely the better fit.
AgriTech Provider of the Year recognises companies whose technology supports cannabis cultivation and production, improving yields, efficiency, or environmental performance. Evidence of real-world impact through client case studies and productivity data will carry significant weight here.
Producer of the Year is for cultivation companies or individual cultivators who can demonstrate superior product quality, innovative growing techniques, and a commitment to sustainability and compliance. Laboratory testing results, production metrics, and evidence of genetic or breeding innovation are all relevant.
Business Leader of the Year is for established executives who can point to a clear track record of strategic vision, innovation, and measurable impact on their organisation and the wider industry. Think of significant milestones, market expansion, or transformative initiatives.
Industry Rising Star is explicitly not for established executives. It is reserved for individuals who have either been in the industry for around two years and are showing exceptional potential, or who are not yet in a senior leadership position. If a nominee could credibly enter Business Leader of the Year, they are probably not a Rising Star. Entering the wrong category risks the submission not resonating with the judges assessing it.
International Journalist of the Year is open to journalists and writers producing cannabis coverage across any medium, print, online, broadcast, or social. Judges will assess the quality and depth of reporting, audience reach, and contribution to public understanding. Supporting evidence should include published work and, where available, engagement metrics.
The Hannah Deacon Award is for individuals who have shown sustained, meaningful dedication to championing patients’ rights and improving cannabis access across Europe. This is not a commercial award, it is looking for evidence of advocacy, policy influence, and lasting impact on patients and healthcare systems. Campaigners, clinicians, educators, and patient advocates are all eligible.
Finally, a note on eligibility that applies across all categories: the awards are primarily aimed at individuals and organisations with a European operation or European base. Nominations without a clear European connection are unlikely to be considered.
READ MORE…
Cannabis Europa Heads to London Amid €1.5 Billion European Market Surge
The Business of Cannabis Awards Return to London for a Third Year
What the judges are looking for
Each category is assessed by a minimum of three independent judges. Judges abstain from any category where they have a direct interest or commercial relationship. Up to five nominees are shortlisted per category.
Critically, judges evaluate entries solely on the information provided, they will not draw on prior knowledge of your company or the individual being nominated. Do not assume they know who you are.
What carries weight:
A clear, focused narrative. Explain the problem or challenge you addressed, how you approached it, and what the measurable outcome was. Vague claims and industry jargon work against you.
Evidence of real impact. Back every claim with proof — data, testimonials, case studies, press coverage. Cite your sources.
Innovation, not just activity. Show how you are pushing boundaries, setting new standards, or solving familiar problems in fresh ways.
Industry contribution. Help judges understand why your success matters beyond your own company, whether that means advancing patient access, improving standards, or strengthening the market.
How to Structure Your Entry
Entries have a 1,200-word maximum. Within that limit, your submission should include a clear summary of achievements relevant to your chosen category, key outcomes with specific and measurable results, and evidence in the form of testimonials, data, and links to supporting material.
Supporting attachments, photographs, charts, videos, marketing materials can be uploaded separately and will not be published publicly. However, your primary submission must be self-contained; attachments should supplement it, not substitute for it.
Be aware that shortlisted entries will be published automatically. Do not include confidential or commercially sensitive information in your main submission.
On image requirements: logos and headshots must be provided in high-resolution PNG or JPEG format. Low-resolution files and images sourced from the internet are not accepted.
Practical Tips
Start early. Gathering evidence, securing testimonials, and crafting a clear narrative takes longer than expected.
Use the category criteria as your framework. The guidelines are there for a reason, structure your entry around them.
Be selective with evidence. Include only your strongest material. Overloading judges with irrelevant attachments dilutes your submission.
If you are submitting on behalf of someone else, note that if they are shortlisted, you will be required to complete a full submission for them ahead of the judging phase.
At least one representative of each shortlisted submission must be available on the night of 26 May to collect the award if successful.
Key dates
- Submissions close: 13 May 2026
- Evaluation period: 14–24 May 2026
- Shortlist announced: Late May 2026
- Awards ceremony: 26 May 2026, Rivington Street, London
To submit a nomination, visit businessofcannabis.com/awards. For group nominations or further assistance, contactinfo@prohibitionpartners.com.
The post How to Enter the Business of Cannabis Awards 2026, and Give Yourself the Best Chance of Winning appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
Continue reading...
