Every year, Forbes drops its Cannabis 42.0 list just in time for the industry’s high holiday. This year, the fourth edition of the list celebrates 42 entrepreneurs, innovators and operators shaping the future of the legal cannabis market despite ongoing federal prohibition, tax burdens and a still-sidelined DEA.

Edited by Will Yakowicz and Simone Melvin, the list draws from nearly 200 candidates and honors founders, builders, and disruptors who are not part of publicly traded companies, shining a spotlight on the ground-level operators who are turning cannabis into one of the most dynamic sectors in American business.

Below are some of the standouts featured in the 2025 edition. To see the full list, head over to Forbes: Cannabis 42.0.

Jason Vedadi
The former Harvest Health architect is now leading Story Cannabis into new markets, including Maryland and Ohio, with plans for national growth.

Imelda Walavalkar (with Tracy Anderson)
Co-founders of Pure Beauty, the Nas and Timbaland-backed brand known for its mini joints, THC beverages and vibrant design aesthetic.

Prince Yousif
After serving time for cannabis charges, Yousif founded House of Dank—a Detroit-based chain now pulling in $150 million in revenue.

Christine Apple
Founder of Grön, a top-selling edibles brand in Arizona, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon and Canada—built without venture funding.

Brady Cobb
The political strategist turned CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, which is mixing cannabis, legacy culture and sleek Florida retail.

James Kim
The driving force behind STIIIZY, the best-selling cannabis brand in the U.S., with nearly 100K vapes produced daily and a street-first strategy.

Sebastian Solano & Lukasz Tracz
Co-founders of Jeeter, the infused pre-roll powerhouse that’s dominated the California market with flavor, potency and retail presence.

Kristi & Scott Palmer
The duo behind Kiva Confections, whose edibles are now a category staple and distributed across the country.

Ted Lidie
Founder of Alien Labs, a boutique cannabis brand known for high-end flower, loud genetics and cult status among California heads.

Christine Silber
CEO of Edible Brands, expanding plant-based cannabis wellness products out of Atlanta.

Harold Han & Ben Larson
At the helm of Vertosa, creating cannabinoid emulsions for top beverage brands in the U.S. and beyond.

Jake Bullock & Luke Anderson
Founders of Cann, a cannabis beverage company known for its low-dose, micro-social buzz (and some very famous investors).

Jim Higdon & Eric Zipperle
Founders of Cornbread Hemp, growing from Kentucky roots with full-spectrum CBD and USDA-certified organic products.

Kevin Hart, Paul Dunford, John Gadea & Michael Kennedy
The team behind Green Check Verified, a key player in banking and compliance for cannabis businesses.

Kim Sanchez Rael & Ron Silver
Co-founders of Azuca, pioneering fast-acting cannabinoid infusions for edibles and beverages.

Max Koby, Kevin Koby & Jack Peat III
The minds behind Abstrax Tech, innovating in the world of terpenes and sensory science for the cannabis sector.

Case Mandel
CEO of Cannadips, bringing CBD and THC into the world of dip-style pouches and cannabis lifestyle branding.

Cy Scott
Founder of Headset, the industry’s go-to platform for data analytics and retail insights.

Nohtal Partansky
Founder of Sorting Robotics, building automation tools for cannabis manufacturing and post-harvest operations.

Roger Volodarsky
The face behind Puffco, the vaporizer company whose product design and cult following have redefined the dab space.

Boy & Shai Ramsahai
Leaders of Royal Queen Seeds, one of Europe’s most recognizable seed banks—now eyeing North America.

Somia Farid Silber, Andrew McGraime, and the founders of Hara Supply, Piff Coast Farms and Jaunty also made the list—showcasing how coast-to-coast entrepreneurship is powering the next wave of cannabis innovation.

To see all 42 honorees and read the full feature, visit Forbes: Cannabis 42.0.

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