Cannabis News + Media Consulting
AWARD Founder Andrew Ward brings over 11 years of news industry experience to the table—starting in dance music, then transitioning to AOL, and eventually freelancing across cannabis, psychedelics, entertainment, politics, horror, pro wrestling, and more. His deep expertise in cannabis news helps cannabis brands develop content pitches and plans that appeal to publications and their readers.
After 7 years as a freelance cannabis industry journalist and editor, Andrew understands how to craft the perfect pitch, develop a solid media strategy, and get your story noticed by media outlets, bloggers, and journalists. With published works in High Times, Rolling Stone, Business Insider, and Benzinga—plus our books, Cannabis Jobs and The Art of Marijuana Etiquette—prove that AWARD knows how to navigate the evolving cannabis media landscape.
Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to discover how our media consulting services can connect you with top cannabis editors, cannabis writers, and more.
Media Consulting for Cannabis Brands
AWARD works with cannabis brands looking to stand out in a crowded media space. Drawing on Andrew's extensive knowledge of cannabis news, evolving media, and our experience as a cannabis industry journalist and editor, we craft targeted strategies that match each client’s goals.
Whether your focus is product launches, brand storytelling, or growing industry connections, our media consulting helps brands plan, execute, and stand out.
News Pitches + Media Placements
Having navigated numerous beats, we know how to tailor messaging for cannabis writers, bloggers, journalists, and editors, increasing the likelihood of coverage.<
From smaller niche outlets to leading platforms, Andrew's proven track record for media placement and strategy ensures your story has the best chance of getting picked up.
Media Planning + Strategy
AWARD combines Andrew's years of cannabis journalism experience with a data-driven strategy to position cannabis brands as go-to news sources. By highlighting your unique selling points and industry insights, we help devise pitches and strategies focused on media placements that drive measurable results.
Why stop at traditional news? AWARD understands the importance of evolving media and how it might fit into your winning strategy.
Cannabis
News
Expertise
AWARD’s media consulting framework is built on first-hand experience in journalism, editorial roles, and published authorship.
Discover how we can help get your cannabis news and industry expertise seen.
Book a free consultation today.
AWARD offers media strategy, planning, and ideation for any cannabis brand looking to seek placement in a traditional cannabis news outlet, as well as additional media avenues, including social media, podcasts, industry journals, and other avenues.
Andrew brings nearly 8 years of cannabis journalism, editorial, and news experience to the table. Combined with over 11 years covering a variety of beats, he’s seen what works and doesn’t works in news rooms.
Not exactly! Consider our service a helpful guide cannabis brands can either use to pitch to media themselves, or share with their PR agency for a headstart on media efforts.
Unlike most PR agencies, AWARD has years of journalism experience in cannabis news, and understands how to pitch to these outlets, journalists, and content creators in a way that most don’t.
Much of my journalism work is featured on MuckRack.
You can also find specific works online by visiting my bylines for publications like Rolling Stone, High Times, Business Insider, Benzinga, and non-cannabis outlets, including AOL, Dread Central, and Wrestling Inc.