A Year of Advocacy, Education, and Transformation—Inspired by Essie Debonet’s Legacy (Essie Awards 2025)
Introduction
The Essie Awards celebrate Essie Debonet, New Mexico’s first medical cannabis patient and a trailblazer who fought for patient rights against all odds. At Pharmtrue, we’ve channeled her spirit in 2024, turning advocacy into action and education into empowerment. Now, we’re nominated in the 2025 Essie Awards—and we need your vote to keep this movement thriving. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about redefining healthcare with cannabis at its heart. Let’s dive into why Pharmtrue, Lucas, and I deserve your support.
Our 2024 Milestones: A Year of Unmatched Impact
This year, we didn’t just grow—we transformed lives and set new standards. Before you cast your 2025 Essie Votes, take a look at what we achieved:
- Trained 50+ Budtenders: Through my role as Director of Training at High Horse Cannabis Company, we’ve built New Mexico’s most rigorous cannabis education program—24+ courses and counting—ensuring budtenders deliver undeniable expertise, not just products.
- 300+ Free Consultations: We’ve guided our community toward better sleep, pain relief, and wellness with personalized, cannabis-informed care—free of charge.
- Educated Healthcare Leaders: From presenting to doctors and nurses at Mesilla Valley Hospital to addressing the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy, we’ve shifted perspectives on cannabis as a safe, effective tool for chronic pain and beyond.
- Published Renegade Pharmacist: My book shares real patient stories—people breaking free from Big Pharma, finding relief from fibromyalgia, inflammation, and anxiety through cannabis and personalized medicine.
- Hosted Groundbreaking Events: Our Chronic Pain Summit and opioid education with free Naloxone distribution underscored our commitment to holistic, patient-first solutions.
These aren’t just accomplishments—they’re proof that Pharmtrue is the preeminent force in cannabis-integrated healthcare, pushing boundaries no one else dares to touch.
Meet Our 2025 Essie Award Nominees: The Heart of Pharmtrue
Our nominations reflect the soul of our mission:
- Best Advocate: Dr. Joaquin Acosta (me!)—a pharmacist who left traditional healthcare to fight for a cannabis-powered future.
- 2025 Essie Award: Dr. Joaquin Acosta—embodying Essie’s relentless spirit in every consultation, presentation, and page of my book.
- Best Advocacy Group: Pharmtrue—a team dedicated to education, access, and transformation.
- Best Budtender (3 Stores or Less): Lucas Acosta, our Chief Happiness Officer (and four-legged legend), bringing joy and trust to every interaction.
- Best Small Store/Micro Wholesaler: Pharmtrue—a local powerhouse proving small teams can make massive waves.
- Best Wholesale Micro Producer: Pharmtrue—crafting innovative, patient-focused cannabis solutions.
Each vote for us is a vote for a future where healthcare prioritizes people over profits.
How to Vote and Join the Movement
Ready to make history with us? Voting is simple:
- Click Here.
- Choose Pharmtrue, Lucas, and me in the categories above.
- Hit submit—done!
Please consider voting for High Horse, our sister company, in all other 2025 Essie categories. Together with Pharmtrue, we’re part of the same family of businesses, and your support across the board would mean the world to us! Voting ends soon, so act now. Your support amplifies our mission and honors Essie’s legacy of courage and care.
Join Us in Redefining Healthcare
Essie Debonet ran an underground network to get cannabis to patients in need. Today, we’re building a movement above ground—breaking stigmas, educating providers, and empowering you. A vote for Pharmtrue isn’t just a click; it’s a stand for a healthier, more compassionate world. Let’s make 2025 the year cannabis-integrated healthcare takes center stage—together.