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50 Game-Changers In The Cannabis Space, From Diddy, Lil' Kim To Nasdaq Traded Players, Advocacy Orgs

Exclusive details on Forbes' recognition as the top publication of 2022 for the cannabis space. Celebrities weigh in.

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50 Game-Changers In The Cannabis Space, From Diddy, Lil' Kim To Nasdaq Traded Players, Advocacy Orgs

Honorees of 'Cannabis 50’Photo by Javier Hasse. Photo of Big Freedia by Shamsuddin Mohammed via WikiMedia Commons. Photo of Diddy via Shamsuddin Muhammad via WikiMedia Commons. Photo of Lil' Kim via superbad inc.. Photo of Wiz Khalifa via WikiMedia Commons.

The hemp and cannabis industries are growing faster than any other industry on the planet. Numerous individuals, corporations, and organizations have made significant contributions to their growth and success. Who are the true game-changers within this rapidly growing sector? The 2022 'Cannabis50' list was compiled by MGO (a U.S. CPA and business advisory company), and is being published exclusively through this publication. This fourth edition of the annual list honors those individuals, companies and organizations that have had a positive impact on cannabis and hemp in the last year. The firm points out that the "Cannabis 50" is not a competition. There are no losers or winners, but only inspiring stories from those at the forefront of this amazing movement. This year's list is notable because it highlights a greater presence of diverse founders, CEOs, and top executives. You will also notice that this year's "Cannabis 50" has more musicians and entertainers. Lorna Dohoe, MGO's director of partnerships, said that while we have seen more professional athletes in the past, it seems that mainstream cultural icons are entering the industry. Scott Hammon, MGO's head of cannabis practice, said, "While the cannabis industry was faced with challenges due to limited capital access as well as an imbalance in supply and demand in certain markets in 2022," but the sector continues to progress. Federal legislation has allowed for more research and Federal pardons have increased the chances of state expungement action being widespread and more effective. The overwhelming majority of Americans believe that cannabis should be legalized. We are now seeing greater cultural acceptance and growth of the industry.

He added that while the near-term presents many of the same challenges as the original cannabis industry, it is still a work-in-progress. However, it is clear that the long-term outlook is bright for the industry as it continues to integrate itself in American society and business. The accompanying report, 'Cannabis 50 Influence Review', will provide readers with a comprehensive look at the reasons for each honoree's selection as well as predictions and quotes on the future cannabis industry. These visionaries and trailblazers are changing the face of cannabis and hemp, including Forbes. Doing well Entrepreneurs and organizations that expand their financial, operational, and environmental horizons.

John Yang, CEO at Treez, was one of the honorees.

  • Agrify Corp

  • Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.

  • Garden Society

  • Jane Technologies, Inc.

  • Jeeter A. DreamFields Brand

  • Jones Soda Co.

  • TerrAscend Corporation

  • Tilray Brands Inc.

  • Treez

  • Wurk

Doing good

Activism, non-profits and activists are able to undo social harms by advocating for reform, sustainability and equitable opportunity.

"In the U.S., the people most affected by the absence of representation are those driving diversity and social justice within the cannabis industry. Although cannabis isn't for everyone, BIPOC entrepreneurs continue to enter the market, especially in newly legalized states. Social equity is an integral part of their business model. They advocate for policies that not only help them grow their businesses but also address the effects of the war against drugs in marginalized communities. Mary Pryor is co-founder of Cannaclusive.

  • Cannaclusive

  • Christine De La Rosa

  • Congressional Cannabis Caucus

  • Pardons and exonerations

  • Freedom Grams

  • Housing Works

  • Viola Cares

  • Wana Brands Foundation

  • Weed like Change

  • Weldon Angelos

Money talks

Banks and investors open the doors to capital for emerging industries.

"When looking at the cannabis industry, people tend to get too caught up in stock prices and myopically associate stock performance with the sector's health. Stock valuation in a new sector is not a good indicator of industry health. This industry has tremendous opportunities and tailwinds. Revenue is expected to reach $27B by 2022, and sales are projected to surpass $30B by 2023, says Rob Sechrist, president and CEO of Pelorus Equity.

  • AFC Gamma

  • Alternative Financing

  • Btomorrow Ventures Limited

  • Canopy Growth Corporation

  • Cresco Labs, Inc.

  • Foley Hoag LLP

  • Green Check Verified

  • Greenspoon Marder LLP

  • Pelorus Equity group

  • Valley National Bank

Knowledge is power

Researchers, educators, as well as others, raising awareness about the health benefits of cannabis.

Manufacturers and growers should make it a priority to eliminate product recalls in the industry. Consumer confidence in products is quickly damaged by recalls, especially in unregulated markets such as cannabis. Tyler Williams, founder and chief technology officer of Cannabis Safety and Quality, stated that companies can take safety precautions and avoid food fraud by making sure their product tests match the product labels.

  • Quality and Safety of Cannabis

  • Forbes Media

  • Gowling WLG

  • Headcount's Cannabis Voter Project

  • PAX Labs, Inc.

  • Purissima, Inc.

  • Research Breakthroughs

  • Rutgers University Law School

  • Vangst

  • Whitney Economics

All the Lights

Influencers, entertainers, and athletes are key to mainstreaming cannabis culture, as well as giving back to the community.

"The cannabis industry is an industry that is unlike any other industry, where rivals can become friends and partners. Mike Tyson, cofounder and chief brand officer at Tyson 2.0, stated that everyone is focused on a single mission: promoting the benefits plant-based medicine.

  • Big Freedia

  • Cann Social Tonics

  • Clio Awards

  • Corporations Show Their Love

  • Kx Family Care

  • Lil' Kim

  • Montel Williams

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs

  • TYSON 2.0

  • Wiz Khalifa

This link will provide you with the full details of each Cannabis 50 honoree.

Photo by Javier Hasse. Using courtesy photo from Big Freedia. Photo of Diddy by Shamsuddin Mohammed via WikiMedia. Photo of Lil'kim courtesy of superbad Inc., photo Wiz Khalifa via WikiMedia.