Following a standout turn at last year's ceremony, comedian Katie Wainhouse is set to reprise her uncensored stand-up style when she takes to the microphone once more at Melbourne's Plaza Ballroom on August 11 for the 2026 medicinal cannabis industry awards presentation.
Delivering fresh material alongside her emcee responsibilities, Wainhouse becomes the first host ever asked to return for a second year running the show.
One of the awards' co-founders, Martin Lane, said: "Katie was a huge hit with our audience last year, bringing just the right blend of no-holds barred roasting and seriousness to her MC duties and we can't wait to learn what she has in store for us in 2026.
"It's a bit like Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes year after year – she's in danger of becoming a The Cannabis Observer Awards institution."
Wainhouse, who took out the Australasian title in the Joke Nation International Comedy Competition, has appeared on Comedy Central and in the Jim Jefferies and Friends TV specials, and has opened for Jefferies during his Australian tour.
Chortle UK calls her "hugely appealing" and a "dynamite hit", while The Sydney Morning Herald praised her comic timing as "absolutely perfectly timed", and The Herald Sun named her their "favourite 30-something mum with award-winning comedic talent".
Ronny Chieng of The Daily Show has called her "dark, edgy and disarmingly hilarious", while fellow Australian comedian Fiona O'Loughlin describes her as "perfectly unique, relentlessly hilarious".
Alongside confirming Wainhouse as this year's host, organisers are welcoming Tilray Australia and BS3 as new sponsors, extending thanks to them and all partners supporting the event.
Tilray Australia director Adam Kramer said: "Tilray is proud to support the The Cannabis Observer Awards 2026 and to have our brand – Redecan – recognised among this year's nominees. The awards are a celebration of the people, innovation and collaboration that continue to drive Australia's medicinal cannabis industry forward.
"Our involvement reflects Tilray's long-term commitment to the Australian market. We congratulate all of this year's finalists and look forward to celebrating the achievements that continue to shape the future of our industry."
BS3 general manager Michelle Johnson said: "BS3 Specialist Storage Solutions is proud to sponsor the The Cannabis Observer Awards – a fantastic opportunity to recognise the people and organisations who are truly passionate about driving this industry forward.
"We're excited to be part of this premier medicinal cannabis event, and to celebrate an evening focused on improving product quality, expanding knowledge, increasing accessibility, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and experience."
Set for the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne on August 11, during the same week as the ACannabis conference, the awards ceremony is expected to sell out again, so secure tickets now through this link.
- Katie Wainhouse's appearance is sponsored by platinum partner The Australian Cannabis Group.
