Cultivated Thirty Thirties 2025 celebrates the rising leaders shaping the future of the cannabis industry.
From October 1 to October 24, we’ll be accepting nominations from across the sector — spotlighting innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and change-makers under the age of 40.
A panel of industry experts and Cultivated editors will carefully review submissions against clear criteria, including industry impact, leadership and influence, community contribution, and future potential.
The final list of 30 honorees will be announced on November 20, recognizing those who are not only making their mark today but also driving the cannabis industry forward into tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions 👇
What is Thirty Thirties?
Thirty Thirties is Cultivated’s annual list recognizing 30 standout cannabis leaders in their thirties who are shaping the industry’s future across operations, brands, finance, technology, policy, retail, and ancillary services.
Who is eligible?
Nominees must be 30–39 years old as of November 20, 2025 and actively working in — or making a demonstrable impact on — the cannabis industry.
What are the key dates?
- Nominations open: October 1, 2025
- Nominations close: October 24, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Judging: October 24 – November 5, 2025
- Honorees announced: November 20, 2025
Is the program limited to the U.S. or Canada?
Like our newsletter and editorial coverage, our primary focus is North America, but we’ll consider nominees outside North America who have a clear, measurable impact on the cannabis industry writ large.
Can people nominate themselves?
Heck yes. Toot your own horn. We accept self-nominations and third-party nominations (peers, managers, partners, clients).
Is there a fee to nominate?
Heck no. Nominations are free.
What information is required to nominate?
Nominee name, role, company, email, LinkedIn, confirmation of age eligibility, and short answers detailing impact, leadership, community contribution, and future potential. Optional: headshot and supporting links.
How will nominees be judged?
A panel of Cultivated editors and external industry leaders will score each nominee using a rubric:
- Industry Impact (35%) – measurable outcomes, innovation, results
- Leadership & Influence (25%) – team/org leadership, thought leadership
- Community Contribution (20%) – advocacy, equity, responsibility
- Trajectory & Potential (15%) – momentum, scale, scope of future impact
- Originality (5%) – creativity and unique approaches
Top aggregate scores determine honorees. Ties are resolved by panel discussion.
Do multiple nominations help someone’s chances?
Quality beats quantity. Duplicate nominations are consolidated; extra submissions don’t add points. Strong, specific examples do.
Will the list be ranked?
No. The Cultivated Thirty Thirties list is unranked and typically presented in alphabetical order.
Are there categories (e.g., Marketing, Retail, Tech)?
Not this cycle. We may highlight notable themes (e.g., “Operations,” “Policy & Advocacy”) in the write-ups.
What happens after someone is nominated?
We send a confirmation email. During judging, we may request clarifications. Selected honorees will be contacted to confirm details and assets (headshot, 75–100 word bio, approvals) ahead of the announcement.
How will honorees be announced?
On November 20, 2025, via a feature on Cultivated’s site, newsletter coverage, social roll-outs, and a livestreamsegment.
What standards or compliance rules apply?
Nominees should operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdictions. Cultivated reserves the right to disqualify nominations that don’t meet standards of accuracy, integrity, or legality.
Can companies nominate multiple employees?
Yes. Up to three per company is encouraged to keep judging fair and focused.
Will my nomination details be public?
No, we only publish honoree information. Nomination details are reviewed by the judging panel and kept confidential.
How long does the form take?
About 5–10 minutes with links and examples at hand.
Who do I contact with questions or partnership inquiries?
Email us. We’ll be glad to help you out.