Curating The BLUNTNESS/100 has been a wild ride over the past few months.
It wasn’t easy.
Aside from all the writing, editing, graphics, and communication – the hardest part of this project was carving the list down to 100 people.
On some parts of this list, we agonized over which cuts to make.
And why even do a project like this? Why take the time to single out and recognize 100 people and organizations from across the cannabis industry?
As work intensified on this project, the answer to that question became increasingly clear.
The cannabis industry is in a delicate phase right now. The current challenges are serious and require careful navigation and open collaboration if we’re going to get this right.
What does “getting it right” actually mean for the cannabis industry?
It means building a diverse, sustainable industry with sensible regulations.
It means working toward a free market model without any needless barriers or harmful partitions.
It means creating pathways for legacy operators to join the legal industry.
It means lower cannabis taxes.
It means allowing for unfettered research.
It means pushing government leaders and media platforms to actively address the untold damage caused by the war on drugs.
It means unbiased education for every sector of society on the nuances of this plant, addressing any fears or questions.
It means safe access and zero cannabis prisoners across the U.S. and the globe.
If we are going to achieve all this, we have to start by sharing the stories of the people doing great work in cannabis today.
That’s what The BLUNTNESS/100 is all about.
With appreciation,
Gregory Frye
Executive Editor
The Bluntness
PS: The list below is in no particular order.
Healthcare & Science Honorees
Check out the full health & science write-up here.
#1) Nurse Heather, RN – Nurse Heather has impacted countless lives, specializing in all aspects of medical cannabis care, as well as other natural healing modalities and herbal remedies.
#2) Dr. Michael Barnes – Today, as a consultant neurologist and medical cannabis expert, Dr. Barnes is leading the uphill battle for UK’s medical cannabis efforts.
#3) Dr. Peter Grinspoon – Dr. Grinspoon has worked as a primary care doctor and medical cannabis specialist at Harvard Medical School for more than 25 years.
#4) Dr. Jordan Tishler – Cannabinoid specialist Dr. Jordan Tishler is the Harvard-trained physician behind the Massachusetts-based cannabis clinic inhaleMD and the Association for Cannabinoid Specialists.
#5) Professor Raphael Mechoulam – Raphael Mechoulam, professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is rightfully considered the “father of cannabis research.”
#6) Mara Gordon – As co-founder of Aunt Zelda’s, Octopi Wellness, and Zelira Therapeutics, Mara Gordon specializes in the development of medical cannabis treatment protocols for seriously ill patients.
#7) The Doctors Knox Family – Drs Janice, David, Rachel, and Jessica are all Cannabinoid Medicine Specialists and Endocannabinologists focused on healing, education, and revolutionary healthcare.
#8) Reggie Gaudino, PhD – Dr. Reggie Gaudino is an internationally recognized leader in cannabis genetics.
#9) Sunil Aggarwal, MD – Dr. Sunil Aggarwal is the co-founder and Director of the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute as well as the doctor who sued the DEA over psilocybin access.
#10) Ethan Russo, MD –Dr. Ethan Russo is a board-certified neurologist and is internationally recognized as one of the top authorities in all things medical cannabis.
#11) Andreas Boeckl – The cannabis world has seen a lot of innovation over the past decade or so, however Andreas Boeckl's work with Sula out of Dispersa Labs is remarkable on several fronts.
Community Organization Honorees
Check out the full cannabis community organization write-up here.
#12) Last Prisoner Project (LPP) – Founded by Steve DeAngelo in 2019, LPP believes no one should still be incarcerated for cannabis offenses and works hard to ensure that cannabis incarceration isn’t part of the industry’s future.
#13) Responsible Cannabis Use (RCU) – Toronto-based RCU is all about raising awareness around cannabis facts, laws, regulations, and research.
#14) Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) – M4MM aims to provide advocacy, outreach, research, and training opportunities for the cannabis industry. The team is dedicated to cultivating inclusive industry environments that encourage diverse thoughts and experiences.
#15) 4thMVMT – Focusing on communities who’ve been impacted by the War on Drugs and institutional racism, 4thMVMT invests in those who are interested in pursuing cannabis entrepreneurship but lacking the proper resources, network, and capital required to get started.
#16) on the revel. – The organization proclaims to be where industry meets culture, focusing on New York’s legal market as it continues to develop and establish itself.
#17) This is Jane Project – This is Jane Project is a nonprofit cannabis organization that supports women and nonbinary trauma survivors who have utilized the plant to heal.
#18) Supernova Women – Supernova Women is made up of a team of powerhouses in the cannabis industry, all dedicated to equity and expungement throughout the legal market.
#19) Cage-Free Cannabis – Cage-Free Cannabis is another organization dedicated to repairing the harm brought on communities of Color by the War on Drugs.
#20) Indigenous Cannabis Coalition (ICANNC) – Founded by cannabis advocate Mary Jane Oatman, ICANNC’s mission is to provide education to and for Indigenous communities, elevating their economies and promoting their traditional and spiritual approach to the plant.
#21) Cannabis Cultural Association – Co-founded by Nelson Guerrero and Jake Plowden, the Cannabis Cultural Association is a 501C3 nonprofit organization that provides resources for disenfranchised communities who need help getting into the legal industry.
#22) Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (AACE) – Founded by Ophelia Chong, AACE works to connect and empower Asian communities, breaking down cannabis news, issues, and changing policies that affect Asian people around the world.
Cannabis Marketing Honorees
Check out the full cannabis marketing write-up here.
#23) Harrison Wise – Harrison Wise is the President of Wise Collective, a full-service integrated marketing communications firm that creates “magic” for brands in need of identity, circulation, creativity, or some combination.
#24) Lisa Buffo – An expert marketer and entrepreneur in the cannabis space, Lisa Buffo brings her valuable insights to the intersection of cannabis and technology.
#25) Ricardo Baca – Ricardo Baca is the CEO and founder at Grasslands, a journalism-minded agency that specializes in public relations, content, social media, and thought leadership for the cannabis industry.
#26) Kimberly Dillon – Industry expert Kimberly Dillon has over 15 years of experience developing blue chip brand identities and stories, and she’s spent the past few years bringing that curated expertise to cannabis brands across the nation.
#27) Lance Lambert – Lance Lambert is easily one of the most experienced cannabis marketers in the industry, having worked with several top brands and companies since cannabis’s boom began a few years ago.
#28) Alice Moon – Based in Los Angeles, Alice Moon is a self-described “media maven” who focuses on PR, social media, and marketing services for cannabis and non-cannabis brands across the nation.
#29) David Tran – After selling Dope to High Times Media in 2019, David Tran co-founded Farechild, an all-inclusive event production and marketing platform dedicated to connecting the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Influencer Honorees
Check out the full cannabis influencer write-up here.
#30) Mary Pryor – Cannaclusive co-founder Mary Pryor is one of the most influential media experts in the cannabis industry.
#31) Ami Nicole – More commonly known as “ACRONYM,” Ami Nicole is a multidimensional creative force in the cannabis industry.
#32) Steve DeAngelo – If you’re familiar with the cannabis industry, chances are you’ve heard the name Steve DeAngelo before. DeAngelo co-founded Harborside dispensary, SteepHill Labs, Arcview, and his currently focused on the Last Prisoner Project.
#33) Jessica Kent – Social media influencer Jessica Kent focuses on the industry’s need for expungement and the ultimate release of prisoners who are currently incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes.
#34) Bianca Snyder – Bianca Snyder is a self-described “sales and marketing maven” who moved from the wine and spirits industry to open her own cannabis company, where she inspires and normalizes moms who consume the plant.
#35) Addison Demoura – Based in Oakland, Addison DeMoura is the Chief Business Development Officer at Steep Hill Laboratory, the world’s leading cannabis science and technology company.
#36) Hazey Taughtme – Hazey Taughtme is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Black Cannabis Magazine, the first of its kind.
#37) Vlad Bautista – Born and raised in New York City, Vlad Bautista is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Happy Munkey, the City’s mecca for New York cannabis culture.
#38) Lizzy Jeff – Lizzy Jeff, known as the “Medicine Woman,” is the creator of lifestyle brand Zen & Kush.
#39) Josh Kesselman – Founder of RAW rolling papers Josh Kesselman is easily one of the most influential players in today’s cannabis industry.
#40) Solonje Burnett – A self-identified “weed auntie,” Solonje Burnett is co-founder of cannabis lifestyle brand Humble Bloom.
Cannabis BIPOC Honorees
Check out the full cannabis BIPOC write-up here.
#41) Berner’s on Haight – The founder of the famous Cookies and its sister brand Lemonade, Berner is also behind Berner’s on Haight, the first legal retail cannabis store on upper Haight Street in San Francisco.
#42) Elev8 Cannabis – Founded by Seun Adedeji, Elev8 Cannabis is a weed brand dedicated to inclusion, authenticity, empathy, and constant growth.
#43) Mary and Main – Mary and Main was founded by Hope Wiseman, the youngest Black woman to own and operate a dispensary.
#44) Simply Pure – Denver-based Simply Pure was the first dispensary in the country to be founded by a Black woman, CEO Wanda James alongside her husband Scott Durrah.
#45) National Holistic Healing Center – Located in Washington, D.C., the National Holistic Healing Center was founded by Louisiana-born cannabis entrepreneur and industry leader Dr. Chanda Macias.
#46) Josephine & Billie’s – Los Angeles-based cannabis speakeasy or “teapad” Josephine & Billie's is absolutely the first of its kind.
#47) House of Puff – House of Puff represents a “new high culture” – one with approachable, luxe products and content designed to help the next generation of consumers truly understand how cannabis can work for them.
#48) Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe – The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe are a federally recognized tribe in South Dakota, setting a new standard for medical cannabis programs among indigenous people.
#49) Illinois Equity Staffing – Founded by professional development “guru” Lynette Johnson and recruiter Shawnee Williams, Illinois Equity Staffing is Chicago’s answer to the need for cannabis equity.
#50) Dr. Aimon Kopera – Hailing from Thailand, the veritable gate to cannabis in Southeast Asia, Dr. Aimon Kopera’s team of cannabis researchers bring clarity and excellence to businesses working with cannabinoids, hemp, and other plant-based products.
Cannabis Athlete Honorees
Check out the full cannabis athletes write-up here.
#51) Eugene Monroe – Former Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe became the first active NFL player to openly advocate for the use of cannabis in 2016. Since then, he’s been incredibly vocal about his dedication to the plant, regularly calling for the NFL to change their drug policy.
#52) Riley Cote – After Riley Cote retired from professional hockey in 2010, Cote founded Hemp Heals Foundation, a nonprofit organization that spreads education and awareness around the healing properties of cannabis and hemp. He also co-founded Bodychek Wellness.
#53) Anna Symonds – Former rugby player Anna Symonds is a prolific CBD educator based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
#54) Mike Tyson – After a legendary boxing career, Mike Tyson shifted his focus to cannabis while sharing how the plant has benefited him mentally and physically.
#55) Al Harrington – Former professional basketball player Al Harrington is one of the most well-known names in the intersection of cannabis and sports through his company VIOLA.
#56) Ricky Williams – After retiring from the NFL, Ricky Williams founded the cannabis brand Highsman with a focus on athletic performance and recovery.
#57) Kevin Durant – Brooklyn Nets veteran Kevin Durant is aiming to destigmatize cannabis for good through his ventures, including a partnership with Weedmpas.
#58) Sha'Carri Richardson – One of the most recent professional athletes to make massive waves in the cannabis space is Sha’Carri Richardson, a track and field sprinter who was suspended from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games for testing positive for cannabis during the trial period.
#59) Megan Rapinoe – Professional soccer star Megan Rapinoe has helped blaze new trails in the world of CBD and sports.
Cannabis Media Honorees
Check out the full cannabis media write-up here.
#60) Stephanie Graziano – If you’re looking for people with deep business and media experience in cannabis publishing, Stephanie Graziano is a top candidate. In April 2021, Graziano was named CEO of the award-winning Sensi Media Group.
#61) Chris Walsh – Everyone in the cannabis industry knows Marijuana Business Daily, headed by founding editor Chris Walsh, who now serves as the publication’s CEO. From day one, MJBizDaily has dedicated itself to uncompromised standards in its journalism, building a loyal following along the way.
#62) Debra Borchardt – Debra Borchardt is co-founder and executive editor over at Green Market Report, one of the cannabis world’s top sources for financial news. Established in 2017, Green Market Report has carved out quite a niche for itself in a short amount of time.
#63) Javier Hasse – Javier Hasse is one of the top editors and reports in the cannabis and psychedelics space – and wow is he prolific! Hasse currently serves as managing director for Benzinga Cannabis and co-founder and CEO at El Planteo.
#64) Mark Collins – Mark Collins brings some serious outside experience to his role as President for Highly Capitalized, a financial news network in cannabis and psychedelics.
#65) Stephen Murphy – If you’re looking for a global cannabis industry focus, Stephen Murphy’s work with Prohibition Partners and Cannabis Europa is a great start.
#66) Alex Halperin – Since 2015, Alex Halperin has brought solid business journalism skills to the cannabis universe through WeedWeek.
#67) Elana Goldberg – As CEO of The Cannigma, Elana Goldberg is leading one of the top platforms in global cannabis education.
#68) Mary Jane Oatman – Indigenous Americans are also part of the cannabis universe, and Mary Jane Oatman is leading their cause as founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition and Tribal Hemp and Cannabis (THC) Magazine.
#69) Mitch Pfeifer & Joey Brabo – Mitch Pfeifer and Joey Brabo have been doing some awesome things in the world of cannabis media through their platform Respect My Region. In 2021, they launched an epic North American Weed Tour to showcase the best cannabis brands and cannabis cultural nuances across the U.S. and Canada.
#70) Christine De Giovanni – As CEO of The Emerald Media Group, Christina De Giovanni has brought her media savvy, both in print and digital, to the cannabis world for over ten years. Articles, podcasts, videos, newsletters, print magazine issues – the point is to be a resource for both cannabis lovers and canna-curious.
Cannabis Advocacy Honorees
Check out the full cannabis advocacy write-up here.
#71) Steph Sherer – Steph Sherer is one of the world’s leading advocates for medical cannabis. In 2002, she founded Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the largest membership-based organization in the U.S. for patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens.
#72) Christine De La Rosa – As CEO & co-founder of The People’s Ecosystem, Christine De La Rosa is a vibrant voice for all the legacy cannabis operators sidelined and marginalized by Big Cannabis.
#73) Paul Armentano – For more than two decades, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano has tirelessly worked on the advancement of cannabis policy.
#74) Sen. Liz Krueger & – New York State Sen. Liz Krueger was one of the driving forces behind adult-use cannabis legalization in the Empire State.
#75) Rep. Crystal Peoples-Stokes –Representative Crystal Peoples-Stokes was another driving force behind legalization in New York.
#76) Edmund DeVeaux – As President of the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association (NJCBA), Edmund DeVeaux’s role will only continue to grow as The Garden State nears its adult-use industry role out.
#77) Niambe McIntosh – Niambe McIntosh, daughter of Peter Tosh, is working to keep her father’s legacy alive while also founding the Peter Tosh Foundation, which focuses on legalization, social justice, and cannabis education.
#78) Roz McCarthy – As founder and CEO at Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Roz McCarthy is one of the medical cannabis world’s most influential people.
#79) Ophelia Chong – As founder of Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (AACE) and Stock Pot Images, Ophelia Chong is a creative force in the world of cannabis advocacy.
Cannabis Entertainer Honorees
Check out the full cannabis entertainers write-up here.
#80) Seth Rogen – Could Seth Rogen potentially be Hollywood’s most hard-working stoner? The actor, producer, and writer has helped redefine the stoner comedy in the 21st century.
#81) Laganja Estranja – Drag performer Laganja Estranja has never been shy about her plant advocacy – in fact, she’s made it a huge part of her brand and creative process.
#82) Snoop Dogg – Snoop Dogg has long been synonymous with weed. And he continues to up the game.
#83) Wiz Khalifa – Wiz Khalifa has advocated for cannabis just as long as he’s been rapping. In 2022 he officially launched his weed brand Khalifa Kush through a partnership with Cookies.
#84) Jim Belushi – Why mess with acting when you can work on your own cannabis farm? That’s exactly what Jim Belushi is doing through Belushi’s Farm.
#85) Cypress Hill – Formed in 1988, Cypress Hill had a major impact on West Coast hip hop throughout the ‘90s. Each member of the group is an advocate for cannabis freedom, a fact that was reiterated in late 2021 when they dropped the “Open Ya Mind” single.
#86) Method Man – Rapper, songwriter, producer, actor – isn’t weed supposed to make people lazy? Method Man first tasted fame as a member of Wu-Tang Clan on the East Coast, and the fame continued to grow with more music and prominent movie roles – including the classic film How High.
#87) B-Real – Yeah, we already mentioned Cypress Hill, but B-Real aka Dr. Greenthumb deserves his own entry here.
#88) Kevin Smith – Kevin Smith is yet another one of those prolific mainstays, whose work defies the stoner stereotype. However, most people don’t know the filmmaker, actor, comedian, comic book writer, author, and podcaster didn’t start consuming cannabis until he was 38.
#89) Cheech & Chong – One would be hard-pressed to name a more famous cannabis duo than Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.
#90) Morgan Freeman – “How do I take it? However it comes! I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it!”
#91) Willie Nelson – Willie Nelson has definitely earned his spot as country music’s most well-known toker – the singer even has his own line of cannabis, Willie's Reserve.
Cultivation & Extraction Honorees
Check out the full cultivation and extraction write-up here.
#92) Jesce Horton – LOWD CEO Jesce Horton founded the Portland-based cannabis production company in 2015 – just before cannabis was legalized for adult use in the state.
#93) Kevin Jodrey – Kevin Jodrey is one of the most well-known cannabis growers in Humboldt County. An internationally-respected cannabis cultivation expert, Jodrey is constantly chasing rare, desirable, and marketable traits in the strains he discovers.
#94) Wendy Kornberg – Wendy Kornberg is a second-generation regenerative farmer living in Humboldt County. She is CEO and President at Sunnabis: Humboldt’s Full Sun Farms, her family’s farm that has utilized organic and natural farming methods for decades.
#95) Jorge Cervantes – Whether you know him as George Van Patten or as his nom de plume, Jorge Cervantes is one of the most well-known and widely-respected experts on the cultivation of medical cannabis.
#96) Dragonfly Earth Medicine – Dragonfly Farm is a family-owned cannabis farm completely dedicated to regeneration. The team has one ultimate goal in common at all times: the healing and health of the earth and its humans.
#97) Julia Jacobson – Julia Jacobson is the co-founder and CEO of Aster Farms, a sustainably-focused cannabis brand born from three generations of living soil cannabis cultivation.
#98) Ed Rosenthal – Ed Rosenthal is considered one of the OGs of cannabis cultivation. The American horticulturist, publisher, and author has an extensive knowledge of the plant, and is most well-known for his fierce legalization advocacy.
#99) Mel Frank – Mel Frank – a.k.a., James J. Goodwin – is a botanist, as well as a cannabis cultivation photographer and author. Frank has written extensively on his experience with the plant’s roots, and his nug photography is both aesthetically stunning and scientifically fascinating to pore over.
#100) The Dank Duchess – The Dank Duchess is an international cannabis consultant, cultivator, and public speaker whose “niche is hashish.”
In Memoriam
Check out the full “in memoriam” write-up here.
#101) Frenchy Cannoli – Frenchy Cannoli was a teacher, artisan, consultant, and cannabis activist who was dedicated to the appreciation and production of cannabis concentrates.
#102) Jack Herer – Jack Herer, formerly known as “Emperor of Hemp”, was an American cannabis rights activist and author.
#103) Franco Loja – Franco Loja was a master breeder, member of Strain Hunters, and partner to Arjan Roskom of GreenHouse Coffeehouse & Seed Company.
#104) OG Eddy Lepp – OG Eddy was one of the greatest advocates in this industry, a true pioneer and activist for the usage of medical marijuana.
#105) Dennis Peron – From openly dealing out of a supermarket in the 1970s to becoming a leader in the movement for the legalization of cannabis in the 1990s, Dennis Peron influenced many and was a major figure in marijuana legalization.
#106) Dr. Lester Grinspoon – Non-believer turned crusader for cannabis, Dr. Lester Grinspoon was a Harvard psychiatry professor whose research found that marijuana was less toxic and addictive than alcohol or tobacco.
#107) Greg Williams aka Marijuana Man – Greg Williams, aka Marijuana Man, was the leading man in the North American marijuana movement.
#108) Charlotte Figi – Charlotte Figi was the little girl behind a very big movement: CBD.
#109) Bob Marley – Marijuana wasn’t just a plant to him, it was a religion. Bob Marley was a practicing Rastafarian, and Rastas use cannabis as a religious sacrament.
#110) Jerry Garcia – The Grateful Dead singer was a known advocate for the legalization of cannabis. Garcia loved the social interaction found in sharing a joint, which he described as, “a bridge between him and those around him.”
#111) Tom Forcade – Tom Forcade was a cannabis activist and underground journalist in the 1970s and founder of High Times Magazine.
#112) Allen Ginsberg – Not only was Allen Ginsberg an extremely talented poet, he was a passionate marijuana advocate who helped the legalization movement in the 1960s.
#113) Peter Tosh – One of the founding members of The Wailers, Peter Tosh used his music as an outlet to advocate for equal rights and cannabis legalization.
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