2025 Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards
Introducing the 2025 Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards - our way of honoring THE BEST in our Ecosystem. With 20+ awards in 4 main categories, we invite you to nominate your favorite brand, organization, and individual in Maryland.
Awards Categories
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![Logo for Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards featuring a marijuana leaf inside a lollipop shape with a gold and black border and a green banner with white text that reads 'Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards People.']()
PEOPLE
Maryland Cannabis Advocate of the Year:
Maryland Budtender (Patient Care Advisor) of the Year:
Maryland Content Creator of the Year
Maryland Cannabis Provider of the Year
Maryland Cannabis Person of the Year
Brand Champion of the Year
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![Illustration of an award badge for the Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards, featuring a marijuana leaf in the center, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with a green banner reading "Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards Company."]()
COMPANY
Maryland Community Organization of the Year
Maryland Non-Profit Organization of the Year
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![A badge or emblem with a cannabis leaf at the center, surrounded by a gold-colored laurel wreath, with a banner that reads 'Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards Industry'.]()
INDUSTRY
Dispensary of the Year
Grower of the Year
Processor of the Year
Maryland Innovative Cannabis Business of the Year
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![An award badge for the Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards featuring a magnifying glass with a cannabis leaf inside, surrounded by a gold laurel wreath, with green and yellow ribbons that say 'Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards Products'.]()
PRODUCTS
Maryland Concentrate/Extract Product
Maryland Edible Product
Maryland Cannabis Clothing (Apparel/Merchandise) Product
Best CBD Product of the Year
Maryland Cannabis Product of the Year
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BATTLE OF THE BRANDS
Best Maryland Community Event
Best Social Impact Brand
Best Place to Work
Best Maryland Educational Initiative
Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards – Frequently Asked Questions
Important Dates
Nominations Open: Monday, November 3, 2025
Nominations Close: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Voting Opens: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Voting Closes: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Which categories can I nominate in?
You may submit nominations in all open categories, including dispensaries, cultivators, brands, advocates, community leaders, ancillary businesses, and more.
What happens if I’m nominated?
Nominations are gathered through a public write-in process.
The top four nominees with the highest number of write-in votes will appear on the official Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards online ballot.
Even if you don’t make the finalist list, you still have a chance to win — voters can write in names again on the final ballot.
Can I nominate myself or my business?
Yes! Self-nominations are welcome.
Is there a fee to nominate or vote?
No — it’s completely free to nominate and vote.
How are winners decided?
The Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards is a public voting competition.
Once nominations close, the top nominees move forward to the final ballot.
Public voting takes place November 18–30, and winners are determined by the highest number of verified votes.
Any tips on how to win?
Because voting is public, success comes down to engagement!
Encourage your customers, clients, team members, friends, and family to vote daily and share your nomination link widely.
What happens when I/we win?
Winners will be announced at the in-person Awards Ceremony on December 20, 2025, and featured in post-event promotions.
Each winner receives:
A branded EMC Award
Official use rights for “Explore Maryland Cannabis Awards Winner” branding
Spotlight inclusion in upcoming EMC events and media throughout 2026
How can I contact Explore Maryland Cannabis?
For general inquiries, nominations, or partnership opportunities, email hi@exploremarylandcannabis.com.
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available for the Awards Ceremony — reach out for details.