Join us in a round of applause, please!

We’re proud to announce that our CEO, Raj Grover, has officially been named Cannabis Person of the Year at this year’s O’Cannabiz Industry Awards Gala. It’s an honor that our entire company takes to heart, as we all work to inspire change and diversity in the global cannabis industry.

What are the O’Cannabiz Industry Awards?

The Canadian O’Cannabiz Awards Gala, held in Toronto, Ontario, is a national annual event to recognize excellence and innovation in Canada’s cannabis industry, and to gather industry professionals from all over the world. It brings together Canadian cannabis growers and LPs, retailers, budtenders, CBD professionals, educators, cannabis cultivation experts, medical cannabis growers, cannabis product engineers, and more.

In the event’s own words, the Cannabis Person of the Year award “honors an individual’s exemplary service and dedication to our ever-changing industry,” and that “this person makes a true global difference and stands well above the crowd, bringing their strength and leadership to our vital and changing industry.” In addition to Raj’s Cannabis Person of the Year win, we were also nominated for six other awards! Our nominations include not only Best Customer Service, but also recognition for our Senior VP Omar Khan’s government lobbying on the cannabis file with Best Activist/Advocate of the Year.

This year’s O’Cannabiz gala felt different from the others. With gathering together being so impossible for the past few years, being able to see everyone’s smiling faces and re-connect with our industry friends made these awards something truly special. With everything that’s been going on in the world, this honor and time with our peers was a bright ray of light.

Who is Raj Grover?

When you see pictures of suits and galas, it’s easy to forget where we started. It wasn’t always this way!

At 22, Raj started his own company, establishing himself as a business strategist and deal maker. Would you believe that all of this started with one small shop of only 2 employees in 2009? Since then, High Tide (along with Grasscity) has grown to become one of Canada’s largest cannabis companies with over 1,100 awesome team members, and does business across North America and Europe. We’re incredibly proud of where we are today, and can’t wait to see how our beloved industry grows and changes.

Here is what Raj had to say about this amazing recognition:

“I am truly humbled and honored to be named Cannabis Person of the Year, but this recognition is one I can't accept alone. High Tide's success is due to the tireless work and dedication of our team members and the loyalty of our customers. I also want to congratulate all nominees across the various categories - you are all winners who have helped shape and grow our industry through turbulent times. High Tide's success is built not only upon our diversified cannabis ecosystem, but also the diversity of our leadership team. Social equity and corporate social responsibility are core to what we are trying to build at High Tide. I want to reiterate my commitment to being a champion for these causes within the broader cannabis sector.”

Want to see more of Raj? Follow him on social media!

Truly honoured and humbled to receive the Cannabis Person of the Year award at the @OCannabiz awards gala last night. I’m committed to helping our industry promote greater diversity and social responsibility. A huge thanks to everyone that supported me and voted for me.