LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Nutrients [www.advancednutrients.com/] owner Michael "Big Mike" Straumietis [http://www.advancednutrients.com/about-us/], widely referred to as the "Marijuana Don" handed out the first ever series of "Maverick Awards" to industry stand-outs during a party attended by over 500 guests at his "Marijuana Mansion" in Hollywood Hills.

Recipients of the award included several policy-changers including Rob Kampia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Kampia], Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project [https://www.mpp.org/], which works to pass marijuana legalization through state legislatures.

"There was no award honoring the innovators and pioneers in the cannabis industry who put their necks and freedom on the line before cannabis was cool. These unsung heroes honored at the Marijuana Mansion deserve their recognition as the first marijuana Maverick Award recipients.  We are where we are today because of their commitment and dedication," said Big Mike in regards to the need for such an award in today's changing culture.

Other recipients of the Maverick Award included Jason Beck of AHHS WeHo Dispensary [www.ahhsweho.com/] for his work in developing West Hollywood's medical cannabis ordinance, and Matt Stang of High Times Cannabis Cup [www.cannabiscup.com/], the world's leading marijuana trade show.

Also honored were Doug Francis and Justin Hartfield [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Hartfield], co-founders of Ghost Group [ghostgroup.com/], a venture capital firm specializing in the legal marijuana industry and co-founders of Weedmaps [https://weedmaps.com], the industry's most dynamic dispensary locator mobile app.

The final award went to Ken Estes [granddaddypurp.com/ken-estes-story/], whose flagship strain, "Grand Daddy Purp," is a world-renowned strain used for pain relief and other medical applications.

Guests at the lavish evening party included industry tastemakers, professionals, and celebrities.

In addition to the awards presentation, the event's guests were treated to poolside mermaids, ice sculptures, fortune tellers, and legal marijuana samplings with a view of the Los Angeles skyline.

To speak with Big Mike, please contact Aurora DeRose at (310)396-6090 or Aurora411@timewire.net

SOURCE Big Mike

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