Dozens Of Cannabis Game-Changers Recognized: Diddy & Lil' Kim, Advocates & Nasdaq Big Hitters

As the cannabis and hemp industries grow and evolve at lightning speed around the globe, individuals, companies, organizations, entertainers, advocates and everyone else with something to contribute are joining in to be part in this phenomenal movement.

That said, who are the game-changers making significant changes and contributions in this rapidly developing sector?

Thankfully, 2022 “Cannabis 50” put a list together for us. Compiled by the CPA and business advisory firm MGO was exclusively released via Forbes. Benzinga’s head of content Javier Hasse gave us a look at the fourth iteration of this annual list, which “Cannabis 50” hastened to note: this is not a competition but rather a rundown of inspiring stories from the frontlines of this great movement.

Diversity At The Helm

Lorna Donohoe, director of partnerships and influence at MGO noted that this year’s list highlights an increased presence of female and diverse founders, CEOs and top executives. “You will also see [that] in this year’s ‘Cannabis 50’ there are many more entertainers and musicians. In previous years, we saw many more pro athletes, but it seems mainstream cultural icons are really entering the industry.

Scott Hammon, head of MGO’s cannabis practice, added, “Although the cannabis industry faced challenges due to limited access to capital as well as a supply and demand imbalance in certain markets in 2022, the sector continued to make progress. With Federal legislation allowing for expanded research, Federal pardons increasing the odds of widespread and more impactful state expungement action, and an overwhelming majority of Americans believing cannabis should be legal, we are seeing greater cultural acceptance and expansion of the industry.”

He added, “While it’s a work in progress, there is no doubt that despite the near-term presenting many of the challenges the industry has confronted since its inception, the long-term outlook remains bright as it continues to integrate itself into the fabric of American business and society.”

The 2022 ‘Cannabis 50’ Honorees

Doing Well
Entrepreneurs and organizations expanding financial, operational and environmental horizons.

“We pride ourselves on our minority-led executive team and have worked to create an inclusive and diverse workforce with our team in California, India, and the U.K. For our customers, we have and will continue to support small retail dispensaries and social equity retailers on their path to profitability through the use of data and our 24-hour support team,” said John Yang, CEO of Treez, one of the honorees.

• Agrify Corp

• Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc.

• Garden Society

• Jane Technologies, Inc.

• Jeeter A DreamFields Brand

• Jones Soda Co.

• TerrAscend Corp.

• Tilray Brands, Inc.

• Treez

• Würk

Doing Good

Nonprofits, activists, and others undoing social harms, advocating through reform, supporting sustainability, and providing equitable opportunity. 

“In the U.S., those most affected by the lack of representation are the ones driving diversity and social justice in the cannabis industry. Though cannabis is not for the faint of heart, BIPOC entrepreneurs are still entering the industry — especially in newly legal states — and social equity is at the core of their business model; they advocate for policies not only to help their business grow, but to address the impact of the war on drugs in marginalized communities,” said Mary Pryor, co-founder of Cannaclusive.

• Cannaclusive

• Christine De La Rosa

• Congressional Cannabis Caucus

• Exonerations and Pardons

• Freedom Grams

• Housing Works

• Viola Cares

• Wana Brands Foundation

• Weed Like Change

• Weldon Angelos

Money Talks

Investors, banks, and others opening the avenues of capital fueling an emerging industry. 

“When viewing the cannabis industry, people have a tendency to get too wrapped up in stock prices, and myopically equate stock performance to the health of the sector. In reality, however, in such a nascent sector, stock valuation is a poor barometer of overall industry health. There are tremendous tailwinds and opportunities in this industry, with revenue reaching $27B in 2022 and sales in 2023 projected to exceed $30B,” Rob Sechrist, president of Pelorus Equity Group.

• 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, and others raising awareness and sharing the benefits of cannabis. 

“Eliminating product recalls throughout the industry should be a major push for manufacturers and growers. Recalls damage consumer confidence in products quickly, especially in unregulated markets like cannabis. If companies take the proper safety precautions and avoid committing food fraud by ensuring that their product test results match their product labels, this would be a good start,” said Tyler Williams, founder and CTO of Cannabis Safety and Quality.

• Cannabis Safety and Quality

• 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

Athletes, entertainers, and influencers mainstreaming cannabis culture and giving back to the community. 

“The cannabis industry is a community that is unique to any other type of industry where competitors can become partners and friends. Everyone is focused on one central mission, promoting the benefits of plant-based medicine,” said Mike Tyson, co-founder and chief brand officer of Tyson 2.0.

• Big Freedia

• Cann Social Tonics

• Clio Awards

• Corporations Show Love

• Kx Family Care

• Lil’ Kim

• Montel Williams

• Sean “Diddy” Combs

• TYSON 2.0

• Wiz Khalifa

See the details behind each Cannabis 50 honoree’s accomplishments HERE.

Photo by Javier Hasse, using a courtesy photo of Big Freedia, photo of Diddy by Shamsuddin Muhammad via WikiMedia Commons, photo of Lil’ Kim courtesy of superbad inc., photo of Wiz Khalifa by Bill Ebbesen via WikiMedia Commons.