By Sophie East
On November 7th, I had the pleasure of attending the Cannabis Business Awards Dinner in London as a guest at the top table, hosted by Somai, the event’s main sponsor. This prestigious gathering brought together leaders and visionaries in the medical cannabis industry to celebrate the sector’s progress and acknowledge key contributions to science and social impact.
Seated with Somai, I was in remarkable company, including the renowned cannabis lawyer Robert Jappy, industry leader Michael Sassano, the esteemed Prof. David Nutt, and prominent cannabis advocate Prof. Mike Barnes, among others. Throughout the evening, these experts shared valuable insights into the growth trajectory of the medical cannabis field, outlining promising developments and envisioning where the industry is heading.
The night’s high point came with the presentation of two awards, recognizing significant contributions to the industry. Dr. Callie Seaman received the award for Contribution to Science, celebrated for her innovative research and dedication to advancing cannabis science. The Contribution to Social Impact award went to Heidi Whitman, honoured for her tireless work in advocating for patient access and education, creating meaningful change in the cannabis space for women and an all round community spirited woman.
A theme of gratitude and acknowledgment permeated the evening, with many speakers expressing deep appreciation for patients, prescribers, and advocates who have helped pave the way for medical cannabis acceptance. Organizing such a dynamic evening was no small task, and Sam Cannon did a tremendous job bringing everyone together, making the event both enjoyable and inspiring for all.
Being surrounded by some of the most influential figures in the cannabis world filled me with excitement for the future of my career in this rapidly evolving industry. It was truly an honour to attend the evening and share in the optimism and drive shaping the future of medical cannabis.
It was also a lovely surprise to see the first edition Leafie magazine on all of the tables, with Neil Cartwrights article inside from his recent trip to Pakistan.
