Criminologist, researcher and drug policy specialist Fiona Hutton has been appointed to the judging panel for the The Cannabis Observer Awards 2024, as the first deadline for entries draws near.
Hutton holds the position of associate professor at the Institute of Criminology, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University, Wellington, where she also serves as the Institute's director.
Over a 25-year career, she has taught and conducted research across criminology, youth crime and cultures, drug policy, harm reduction, and alcohol and other drugs, and is a committed advocate for evidence-based drug law reform.
Her current research focuses on patients' experiences of cannabis used therapeutically, documenting the stories of people with drug-related convictions, and critically examining the concept of intoxication — including how the intoxication practices of different groups are experienced and responded to by society.
The Cannabis Observer co-founder and chief growth officer Martin Lane said: "Fiona is a true expert in her field and we are delighted to welcome her to the judging panel. We're very grateful to all our judges for giving up their time to recognise the outstanding work being done in the industry.
"We are also very grateful to our new sponsor, MedTEC Pharma – and to all our commercial partners, without whom the awards wouldn't happen."
The The Cannabis Observer Awards 2024 are sponsored by Somai Pharmaceuticals, Pharmalytics, CMI Safe Company, The Entourage Effect, MedTEC Pharma, Oz Medicann Group, MediGreen, MCC, Traad and Judo Bank, with support from MCIA, AMCA and ETAA.
Judging this year will follow a two-stage process. In the first stage, jurors will assess entries within their assigned categories and select a shortlist. The second stage brings each jury together via video call to discuss those shortlisted entries before each juror independently votes for the winner.
The shortlist will be made public on April 18, with the awards ceremony scheduled for May 30 at Zinc, Federation Square, Melbourne.
The first entry deadline is approaching quickly, with a saving of A$50 per entry available for submissions made before March 15.
For more information and to enter, click here.
