Presented by Mercari
Celebrating The Best in Cannabis
Toronto, ON – [May 27, 2025] – Grow Up, the leading cannabis cultivation conference and expo in Canada, is delighted to announce the winners of the 6th Annual Grow Up Awards Gala presented by Mercari. This prestigious event took place May 26, 2025 at The Clubhouse EventSpace in Etobicoke, Ontario to celebrate the brightest in the cannabis industry.
The Grow Up Awards Gala presented by Mercari is a national annual event honouring cannabis professionals and companies to recognize excellence and innovation in the industry. This year’s gala included four main categories and 33 awards, and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rick Simpson (author, retired power engineer, Rick Simpson Oil creator) and the Hall of Fame Award to Kevin Jodrey (Founder, One Log Cookies R&D Facility).
The Grow Up Conference was proud to introduce the inaugural Luminary Torch Award to Matthew Don-Carolis, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Segra International. This new award was created to recognize success but more importantly it honours visionaries — those who’ve led with passion, integrity, and purpose. Those who’ve united markets, built trust, and carried the flame forward in this rapidly evolving global industry.
“Matthew Don-Carolis has helped shape the global cannabis landscape — not just with innovation, but with ethics, leadership, and legacy and culture,” said Randy Rowe, President of the Grow Up Conference. “Matthew’s work has inspired a movement and so, with great pride, we presented him with The Luminary Torch Award — in recognition of his visionary leadership, enduring passion, and a legacy that lights the path forward.“
The 11th annual Grow Up Conference & Expo continues May 27-28, 2025 at the Pearson Conference Center in Brampton with over 60 sessions with hundreds of cannabis experts, inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and strategic B2B meetings and networking events.
The Winners of the Grow Up Awards presented by Mercari:
GENERAL CATEGORY
30 and Under
Emily Riehl
Cannabis Lawyer/Firm of the Year
Trina Fraser
Grower of the Year
Rob Baldwin
Influencer of the Year
Abi Roach
Micro Producer of the Year
Northern Canna
Online Cannabis News Source
Stratcann
Processor of the Year
Atlantic Cultivation
Standard Producer of the Year
Rubicon Organics
EQUIPMENT/PRODUCTS
Best Growing Media
PRO-MIX
Best Pre-Roll Cones
Futurola USA
Environmental Impact Award
Origine Nature
Extraction Equipment
Hashtek
Laboratory Equipment
Rad Source Technologies
Lighting System
Fluence
COMPANY/SUPPLIER
Best Cannabis Cultivation Supplier/Distributor
Green Planet Wholesale
Best Extraction Services
Motif Labs
Best Lab/Testing Facility
High North Laboratories
Best Nursery
Segra International
Best Nutrients and Bio stimulants Product
CANNA
Best Packaging, Labeling & Supplies
Good 2 Grow
Cannabis Consultant of the Year
CannDelta Cannabis
Cannabis Publication of the Year
Garden Culture Magazine
Integrated Pest Management Company of the Year
Anatis Bioprotection
BRANDS & RETAIL
Accessory of the Year
Nugz Happle
Best Vape Product
CCELL
Brand of the Year
Tribal
Brand/Product Sales Agency of the Year
Mercari Agency Limited
Independent Retailer of the Year
TOKE Cannabis
Indigenous-owned Brand of the Year
All Nations Retail
Indigenous-owned Retailer of the Year
True North Cannabis
National Retail Chain of the Year
Fire and Flower
POS/CRM/Software of the Year
Breadstack
Product of the Year
Honeystick
About Grow Up Cannabis Conference and Expo: Grow Up Conference &
Expo is Canada’s premier event for cannabis cultivation, brands, and retail
with events in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Edmonton and Vancouver. Since 2017, it
has connected thousands of industry professionals through immersive conferences,
exclusive networking events, and award-winning experiences.
About Mercari Agency: Mercari is an experienced cannabis sales and marketing agency headquartered in Toronto representing cannabis brands across Canada. Mercari Agency empowers Canadian cannabis companies to bring their products to market in Canada with representation at the provincial control boards in addition to
feet on the street. Leveraging our sales team across Canada, Mercari ensures pull through to retail stores by educating budtenders as well as consumer engagement. Mercari are cannabis matchmakers, finding routes to market for our partners from farm to table. www.mercarilife.ca
Grow Up Conference & Expo
Tuesday, May 27 from 10am-5pm
Wednesday, May 28 from 10am-3pm
Pearson Conference Center
2638 Steeles Avenue East in Brampton, Ontario
Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca
Award winners and Grow Up
organizers are available for interviews.
growup.eximages.com Photography Credit: Dominic Chan
