The Cannabis Culture Award was previously known as the Cannabis Cultuur Prijs and was initiated in 2004 by philanthropist Ben Dronkers in order to honor and reward people who have made outstanding contributions to the world of hemp and cannabis.

During the ceremony the 2005 Cannabis Culture Award was awarded to Jack Herer.
Jack Herer  (June 18, 1939 - April 15, 2010) is the author of 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes' (among other books) and tireless activist for cannabis and hemp. Twice nominated for the Presidency of the U.S., Jack Herer is also the only person to have been inducted into the Counter Culture Hall of Fame in 2003 and to have been presented with a Cannabis Culture Award.

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum Amsterdam confers the Cannabis Culture Awards to those who have distinguished themselves in the struggle for acceptance of Cannabis in all of its forms, working to ensure that this extraordinary plant has a future where it is fully utilized and a history that is fully known.
A committed counter-movement has existed for decades and has steadily been gaining in strength and authority in recent years. These influential individuals and groups in the Netherlands and abroad argue that reason, justice and humanity must prevail over political objectives.

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum Amsterdam confers the Cannabis Culture Awards to those who have taken a place - whether high or low profile - at the frontline of this struggle, nobly working to ensure that this extraordinary plant has a future where it is fully utilized and a history that is fully known. A certificate and a token monetary award of €3000 are also presented at the Cannabis Culture Awards Ceremony.