See the Top Winners at the 2023 Clio Cannabis Awards

Campaigns about a man’s fight for clemency and Black women’s healing and well-being won Grand Clios in the fifth annual Clio Cannabis awards. In addition, four campaigns took home Gold awards.

Sister Merci was named 2023 Clio Cannabis Agency Of the Year. The agency was awarded for touting the Cannabis Media Council’s “I’m High Right Now” initiative in Digital/Mobile, Advocacy, Integrated Campaign, Print & Out of Home, and Print & Out of Home Craft.

Puffco was named Brand Of the Year. It’s one of two companies that’s taken prizes in all five Clio Cannabis Award programs. (Green Thumb Industries is the other.)

Grand and Gold winners are listed below. To check out all of this years winners, visit cliocannabisawards.com.

Cresco Labs, ‘The Sentence of Michael Thompson’

Entrant Company: Cresco Labs
Grand Clio: Advocacy

“The Sentence of Michael Thompson” from Cresco Labs puts a face and a name to one of the more than 40,000 people imprisoned on cannabis charges. The 25-minute documentary features Thompson, his family and legal team as they fight for clemency in Michigan. Thompson was sentenced to 40-60 years in prison for selling three pounds of weed to an undercover informant. In 2021, Thompson was released from prison after serving 25 years.

69&Sunny, ‘Black Women Are Resting’

Entrant Company: 69&Sunny
Grand Clio: Social Good

“Black Women Are Resting” is a 10-minute film that follows Calan, a diabetic creative healer and entrepreneur, as she attends a luxury, 420-friendly retreat in Jamaica with 25 other women. Calan discovers how to heal through community and cannabis. The project, backed by 69&Sunny, launched the “rest as resistance” movement that champions Black women’s well-being and healing.

Gold Clio Cannabis Awards were awarded to four campaigns…

‘Black Women Get Us Higher’ by Gorilla Rx Wellness won Gold in Brand Design:

Grand winner ‘The Sentence of Michael Thompson’ from Cresco Labs also won Gold in Branded Entertainment & Content:

‘Enjoy The Ride’ by PufCreativ for Gentlemen Smugglers was awarded Gold in Film & Video Craft:

‘Hi, I’m High’ from Gotham scored Gold in Social Media: