Society Members Celebrate Double Win at Cannabis Industry Awards 2026
November 12, 2026 | IN NEWS | BY Kate Thorpe
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is delighted to congratulate two of our members, Consultant Dr Dave Howells and Pharmacist Umesh Chauhan, on their wins at the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026.
Held on Wednesday 11 November at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, the annual awards, organised by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), celebrated the individuals making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cannabis sector.
We were particularly pleased to see two Society members recognised for their dedication to patient care, professional standards and the continued development of cannabis-based medicine in the UK.
Dr Dave Howells – Hannah Deacon Doctor of the Year
A huge congratulations to Dr Dave Howells, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Cannabis Clinic Cardiff, who received the Hannah Deacon Doctor of the Year Award, presented by British Cannabis.
Named for Hannah, our late co-founder and former Executive Director, this award holds a particularly special meaning for everyone at the Society. Hannah’s determination helped change UK law in 2018 and transform access to medical cannabis for patients. Following her death in May 2025, her courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to patients continue to inspire our work. It is lovely to see Dr Howells recognised with an award celebrating the qualities Hannah championed throughout her life: leadership, compassion and a determination to improve patient care.
Dr Howells qualified as a doctor in Cardiff in 2001 and has worked in mental health for more than 20 years, specialising in Old Age Psychiatry since 2007. In 2021, he co-founded Cannabis Clinic Cardiff to help address the unmet needs of patients with mental health conditions who may benefit from prescribed medical cannabis.
A compassionate and patient-focused clinician, Dr Howells is committed to improving access to standardised, quality-assured cannabis-based medicinal products. His recognition is a great achievement and reflects the importance of experienced clinicians working to improve treatment options for patients.
Umesh Chauhan – Pharmacist of the Year
Congratulations also to Umesh Chauhan, Founder and Superintendent Pharmacist of Specials Pharma, who was named Pharmacist of the Year, presented by Curaleaf Laboratories.
The award recognises pharmacists demonstrating outstanding commitment to patient care, professional excellence and leadership in medical cannabis pharmacy practice.
Umesh founded Specials Pharma following the change in UK medical cannabis legislation in 2018, helping to establish one of the country’s leading independent pharmacies specialising in cannabis-based medicinal products. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical regulation and medicines distribution, Umesh has played an important role in navigating the complexities of the UK’s medical cannabis supply chain.
He is particularly passionate about improving understanding of cannabis-based medicines within the pharmacy profession, supporting safe dispensing practices and helping patients access prescribed treatments.
His award is a fantastic recognition of the vital role pharmacists play in ensuring the safe, effective and reliable supply and prescribing of cannabis-based medicines.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Sector
We would also like to extend our congratulations to our members shortlisted for this year’s awards.
A special mention goes to fellow Doctor of the Year nominee Dr Simon Tordoff, Lead Clinician and Consultant in Pain Management at CB1 Medical and Pharmacist of the Year nominee Stefen David, Senior Pharmacy Manager at Curaleaf Pharmacy.
For the Society, it is particularly encouraging to see the contributions of doctors and pharmacists recognised alongside those working in research, advocacy and the wider industry. These healthcare professionals are central to building confidence in cannabis-based medicines, improving clinical practice and ensuring that patient care remains at the heart of the sector’s development.
Congratulations once again to Dave and Umesh on their well-deserved awards, and to everyone nominated. We are proud to have you as part of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society community and delighted to see your contributions recognised.