We’re proud to share some incredible news from the PufCreativ team. Chelsea Bates has been named the 2025 ADCANN Marketer of the Year, a well-earned recognition of her leadership, creativity, and impact on cannabis marketing.
This award celebrates innovators who are shaping the future of the industry, and Chelsea’s journey is a perfect example of what’s possible when passion, strategy, and persistence come together.
Chelsea’s Journey at PufCreativ
Chelsea’s story at PufCreativ started in 2020, when she joined the team as our very first intern alongside Cam Rizai. From day one, she brought curiosity, drive, and a deep understanding of how social media could be used to build real connections, even in a highly regulated industry.
In 2021, Chelsea stepped into the role of Social Media Manager, where she spent the next several years refining cannabis-specific social strategies, managing client accounts, and navigating the ever-changing compliance landscape. From 2021 through 2024, she helped shape how dispensaries and cannabis brands show up online, balancing creativity with responsibility and regulation.
In July of 2024, Chelsea was promoted to Director of Social Media, a role that marked a major evolution for the department. She took on the challenge of transforming how we operate by restructuring internal workflows, building new service packages, and creating scalable systems that allow our clients to succeed on social, even with the unique constraints of cannabis platforms.
Under her leadership, the social department grew into a strategic engine that supports branding, retention, SEO, and community building, not just posting content for the sake of posting.
What This Award Means to Chelsea
When asked about the recognition, Chelsea shared:
“Wow. This is such an honor. Thank you to my team at PufCreativ, the ADCANN committee, our phenomenal clients, and each and every person who voted. Winning this award fires me up for 2026. We are just getting started.”
This award is a reflection of the work being done behind the scenes to push cannabis marketing forward in thoughtful, compliant, and effective ways. It validates the belief that social media in cannabis can be a tool for education, trust, and long-term brand growth.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea is just getting started.
As she puts it:
“In 2026, I’m stoked to build on many of the foundations we set in 2025. With the developments in technology over the last couple of years, we’re entering a new era of social media. One that gives the cannabis industry more opportunity than we’ve ever had. From new content opportunities to new strategies and everything in between, it’s our time. And if you haven’t started building your social presence yet, let’s chat.”
With new platforms, evolving algorithms, and smarter tools, the next chapter of cannabis social media is about intentional growth, deeper engagement, and stronger community ties. Chelsea’s leadership will continue to help brands navigate that space with confidence and clarity.
Congratulations, Chelsea!
From intern to director to award-winning marketer, Chelsea’s journey is something we’re incredibly proud of. This recognition from ADCANN is well deserved, and we can’t wait to see what she and the social team build next.
Here’s to the past five years of growth, and to everything still ahead.
