Cannabiz co-founder and chief growth officer Martin Lane hasn’t been getting much sleep lately. And after the year we’ve just been through, it’s no wonder we’re all feeling a little nervous…
I must admit, this is the time of year when I lose the most sleep. Entries are open for the Cannabiz Awards and you’re all probably working away on your submissions as I write.
But I don’t know that for sure.
And, realistically, I won’t know until the week of the first entry deadline, because we all leave these things to the last minute, right?
It’s the same every year – and we’ve never once gone backwards in the number of entries – so why the sleepless nights?
Well, we all know the last 12 months haven’t been easy.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s review of the regulatory framework, while welcomed by many in the sector, has been something of a distraction and raised concerns around tighter prescribing rules and more restrictive trading conditions.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has also been busy, especially in the area of telehealth and prescriber volumes.
Across the ditch, New Zealand has seen good businesses struggle and even collapse as the country’s more restrictive regulatory environment (compared to Australia) continues to bite.
At the same time, the industry has faced a wave of negative media coverage, often focusing on outlier cases rather than the broader reality of patient care and clinical outcomes.
Throw in criticism from bodies such as the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the narrative around medicinal cannabis is increasingly being shaped by voices from outside the sector.
Now I know I would say this, but that’s why participation in the Cannabiz Awards matters more than ever.
At its core, the program provides a platform for those working in the sector to tell their stories – stories that are often complex, nuanced, and deeply human.
Behind every prescription, product, and policy debate are patients and families navigating chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, cancer-related symptoms and a range of other health challenges.
These are the voices that risk being overshadowed when the conversation is dominated by those who remain ignorant of the benefits the medicine can bring.
Entering the awards is not just about recognition or prestige, it’s about visibility and accountability. It allows the industry to demonstrate the standards it upholds, the care it provides, and the outcomes it achieves for patients.
In an environment where trust is being questioned, transparency becomes a powerful weapon.
Just as importantly, it is an opportunity for the sector to reclaim the narrative – shifting the focus away from criticism and speculation, and back towards evidence, patient outcomes, and responsible care.
Sectors under pressure often struggle when they fail to communicate their value clearly. Silence or fragmented messaging can allow misconceptions to take root.
The Cannabiz Awards create a focal point for collective storytelling – a moment when the sector can present a cohesive picture of its contributions to healthcare and society.
A word on the judging process by the way. An objection we sometimes hear is that companies don’t want to give away the secrets of their success, especially if one of their competitors is on the jury panel.
The important thing to note is that we have 36 judges this year – with more independent consultants than ever before. Once the entries come in, we create nine juries of four, with most judging two categories each.
In allocating those categories, we make sure there are no conflicts of interest and our judges sign a declaration to that effect, alongside an obligation not to disclose information about the submissions outside the jury room.
If you’re still worried that a judge may have a conflict we’re not aware of, give us a call and we’ll make sure they’re not judging a category you’ve entered.
Rest assured, no competitor will get a taste of your secret sauce.
Ultimately, the Cannabiz Awards are about more than trophies. They are about legitimacy, credibility, and voice. This is not the moment to step back. It’s the moment to step forward, to engage, and to be heard.
By entering the awards, you’re not only recognising your own achievements, you’re helping to shape the future of the industry and ensure patient stories remain at the heart of the conversation.
So what are you waiting for? Submit your entries by the first entry deadline (May 22) and you’ll even save the late-entry fee.
Then we can all sleep a little easier.
