Introduction
Stony Awards 2026 put the spotlight on the people, science and products that will shape what consumers buy next, so this matters whether you follow cannabis trends or run a brand. These cannabis awards highlight innovation, ritual and cultural preservation in ways that change market attention and everyday use. Expect in-depth coverage of craft cultivation, lab-backed products and cultural storytelling that influences both fans and professionals.
The ceremony celebrates creators from mainstream artists to grassroots innovators and recognizes award winners across science, cultivation and advocacy. High Times returned the Stonys with a diverse class that shows how awards can lift small makers and accelerate product trust; see the Stony Awards class of 2026 announcement for the full list. Spanish readers can find local coverage in the Spanish press via Spanish coverage of the winners.
For a detailed breakdown of nominees and categories, see the Key Stony Awards 2026 Categories and Nominees section below. Bookmark it to prepare nominations or follow winners’ impact.
What are the Stony Awards 2026?
The Stony Awards 2026 are High Times’ yearly celebration honoring people who moved cannabis culture forward in 2025. Additionally, they spotlight artists, scientists, growers and community leaders for creativity, advocacy and technical achievement. They also celebrate joy, preservation and ritual across the global cannabis community. Winners this year include mainstream names and grassroots icons, reflecting intergenerational, international and shared influence.
Why the Stony Awards 2026 Matter
Industry impact
Stony Awards 2026 accelerate innovation and raise expectations across the cannabis industry.
- They increase product visibility, driving trials and consumer feedback that inform product innovation.
- They create packaging and marketing opportunities through award seals, editorial features and retail promotions.
- They encourage research collaborations by highlighting lab backed advances and funding partnerships across science and business.
Recognizing scientists and educators promotes evidence based practice and stronger industry standards across cultivation and labs. Learn more about selection criteria and submission rules in the Stony Awards class of 2026 announcement and the competition guide.
Consumer benefits
- Awards sharpen consumer awareness and trust, making quality and lab tested products easier to identify.
- Recognition helps niche makers reach mainstream buyers through editorial exposure and award seal credibility.
- Together these effects promote healthier markets, better products and sustained cultural preservation within cannabis communities.
Key Stony Awards 2026 Categories and Nominees
Science Award
CannabiChem (Dr. Riley Kirk)
CannabiChem published novel stability data and led lab validation efforts, making them top nominees for scientific rigor.
Master Grower Award
Mendo Dope
Mendo Dope demonstrated consistent high-yield genetics and sustainable practices that improved commercial cultivation standards in 2025.
Global Cultivation Icon
Jorge Cervantes
Jorge Cervantes received recognition for decades of teaching and strain preservation that influenced growers worldwide.
Ritual Award
First Smoke of the Day; Cody & Lance
First Smoke of the Day redefined daily rituals with approachable formats and sensory design that enhance user experience.
Breakout Award
EsDeeKid
EsDeeKid burst into prominence through viral releases and collaborations, drawing fans and award winners; see How to Participate.
Movement Award
Polita Pepper
Polita Pepper mobilized communities with organizing campaigns and policy wins, turning grassroots nominees into recognized award winners.
Preservation Award
Irrazinig
Irrazinig documented heirloom genetics and community knowledge, protecting biodiversity and earning attention from preservation nominees.
Dope Award
Mary Bailey
Mary Bailey produced standout strains with consistent lab results and consumer praise that led community judges to choose her.
Sources: Stony Awards class announcement and competition entry guide.
How to Participate in the Stony Awards 2026
Follow these steps to verify eligibility and submit a strong nomination for awards and exposure. Each step is brief and focused for busy creators preparing nomination materials and COA documentation. Use lab certificates, clear descriptions and tested files to increase credibility and acceptance.
- Confirm eligibility by reviewing category rules, geographic restrictions and active 2025 activity.
- Prepare nomination materials including descriptions, bios, COA lab certificates, JPG PNG and PDF files max 10MB each.
- Compile measurable results, testing data and high quality photos to support product claims.
- Submit your entry through the official entry portal before the deadline 2026-11-15.
- Promote your nomination on social channels, press outlets and with short paid campaigns.
- Respond promptly to judging requests, provide samples, demos or additional lab documentation.
Entry fees typically range $50–$250 depending on category and materials. See the competition submission checklist for file specs and rules and visit the official entry portal.
CONCLUSION
The Stony Awards 2026 showed how celebration and industry progress connect. They honored artists, scientists, growers and advocates who moved cannabis forward. Because the awards lift both mainstream stars and grassroots figures, they reflect culture and craft.
Importantly, the Stonys boost product innovation and improve industry standards. As a result, winners gain visibility, trust and new market opportunities. Moreover, the awards sharpen consumer awareness and encourage better practices across cultivation and labs.
Look ahead and plan to follow or participate in next year’s cycle. For updates, resources and submission details visit My CBD Advisor. Together, the community can keep building a joyful and stronger hemp industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Stonys
Quick answer: The Stony Awards celebrate people and projects that advanced cannabis culture in 2025.
They are an annual awards program recognizing artists, scientists, growers and advocates across culture and craft. See “Key Stony Awards 2026 Categories and Nominees” and the Stony Awards class of 2026 announcement for context: Stony Awards class of 2026 announcement.
How to participate or nominate
Quick answer: Check eligibility, prepare materials and submit before the deadline.
Prepare award nominations with product descriptions, lab certificates and short bios, following entry requirements and deadlines. See “How to Participate” and consult this competition guide for awards to confirm formats and fees: competition guide for awards.
Who decides the winners
Quick answer: Expert judges review entries and some categories include public voting.
Panels usually include scientists, cultivators and cultural voices who assess technical merit; the voting process may add fan input for select awards. See “How to Participate” for submission and evaluation notes.
Why do they matter
Quick answer: Awards increase credibility, visibility and industry standards.
Recognition drives retailer interest and consumer trust while encouraging best practices like lab testing and rigorous cultivation. Award nominations and publicity help smaller makers reach broader markets.
How to follow results
Quick answer: Subscribe to official channels and industry coverage for updates.
Follow official social accounts, newsletters and the entry portal for results and next year’s deadlines. See “How to Participate” to prepare early and meet entry requirements.
