Nothing But Hemp clients Green Elevator and Raiden Labs have made headlines by taking home two of the highest honors at the Green State Consumer Choice Awards. In one of the most competitive categories in the cannabis and hemp-derived edibles space, Green Elevator secured 1st place for Best Gummy, while Raiden Labs earned 2nd place for Best Gummy.
These are not “pay-to-play” awards. The Green State Consumer Choice Awards are decided by real consumer feedback—meaning these wins reflect genuine market preference, not marketing spend. And they weren’t achieved in a vacuum: both brands faced off against some of the biggest names in the national cannabis industry, including Wyld, Wana, Camino, and Select.
At the heart of both brands’ success is Nothing But Hemp’s wholly owned sister company, Midwest Botanical Coalition (MBC), which produces over one million gummies every month. This scale and precision allow independent brands like Green Elevator and Raiden Labs to match, and even surpass, the quality and consistency of national giants.
Why Consumer Choice Matters More Than Ever
Unlike industry awards that are bought through sponsorships or “entry fees” tied to marketing packages, the Green State Consumer Choice Awards are grounded in actual shopper behavior. They measure what consumers are buying, rebuying, and recommending.
When Green Elevator’s gummies are chosen as #1 Best Gummy, it means thousands of consumers found the flavor, texture, and effects compelling enough to purchase again and again. Similarly, Raiden Labs’ #2 Best Gummy spot signals high brand loyalty and repeat engagement—two of the most critical metrics in the edibles space.
This kind of consumer-driven recognition tells retailers and distributors a simple truth: these products don’t just look good in the display case—they move off the shelf.
Competing with National Heavyweights—And Winning
The gummy category is one of the most competitive in cannabis and hemp-derived markets. National players like Wyld, Wana, Camino, and Select have multi-million-dollar marketing budgets, vast distribution networks, and established brand recognition.
For Green Elevator and Raiden Labs to take 1st and 2nd place against such well-known brands is a testament to a different kind of competitive advantage—one rooted in quality, reliability, and manufacturing excellence rather than sheer advertising muscle.
With MBC’s industrial-scale operations and rigorous quality control systems, both brands can deliver boutique creativity with enterprise-level execution—an edge that enables them to compete in any market.
The Manufacturing Engine Behind the Awards
Midwest Botanical Coalition is more than just a contract manufacturer—it’s a strategic partner that blends large-scale capability with small-batch attention to detail. With over 1 million gummies produced every month, MBC has refined systems that ensure:
-
Ingredient integrity with vetted, consistent cannabinoid inputs
-
Dose homogeneity so every gummy delivers the promised milligrams of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids
-
Textural precision to create that perfect “bite” consumers remember
-
Flavor fidelity that aligns with packaging claims and meets repeat-purchase expectations
-
Regulatory compliance with robust batch records, COAs, and traceability
This operational backbone ensures that whether a customer buys a Green Elevator or Raiden Labs gummy in January or July, the product experience will be identical—and that’s the kind of dependability that wins consumer choice awards.
Why Green Elevator Took #1 Best Gummy
Green Elevator’s victory is the result of a brand laser-focused on consumer delight. Their flavor profiles are approachable yet distinct, their branding is clean and memorable, and their dosing offers consistent, predictable effects.
This combination of great taste, perfect texture, and reliable performance has created a loyal following—especially among those who value premium quality at an accessible price point. For many consumers, Green Elevator has become the go-to gummy, which explains why it earned the top spot.
Why Raiden Labs Earned #2 Best Gummy
Raiden Labs, while newer to the consumer spotlight, has quickly carved out a niche with innovative formulations and thoughtful cannabinoid blends. Their product line speaks directly to consumers seeking targeted effects—whether for relaxation, focus, or social enjoyment—without compromising on flavor or texture.
Securing the #2 Best Gummy spot against national heavyweights is no small feat. It’s proof that their approach resonates not only with niche audiences but also with the broader market.
The Advantage of Not Being Pay-to-Play
For retailers, the fact that these wins come from a consumer-driven platform rather than a pay-to-play system is significant. It means the recognition is a real performance indicator—not just a marketing veneer.
In a category as crowded as edibles, where new SKUs launch weekly, the most reliable indicator of success is velocity—products that sell through quickly and return strong reorder rates. Green Elevator and Raiden Labs have proven that they can deliver on both fronts.
The Minnesota Edge—and Beyond
These wins also spotlight the Minnesota hemp market’s maturation. Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC space has become a proving ground for brands that understand microdosing, compliance, and consumer education. Green Elevator and Raiden Labs have navigated these waters expertly, creating products that are approachable to newcomers yet satisfying to experienced consumers.
As regulations evolve in other states, this Minnesota-forged model—combining compliance with consumer-first product design—could serve as a template for national expansion.
Implications for Retailers and Distributors
For retail buyers and distributors, these awards should trigger a closer look at Green Elevator and Raiden Labs SKUs. The benefits of bringing them in are clear:
-
Award-winning consumer preference in a top-selling category
-
High fill rates and consistent supply from MBC’s large-scale operations
-
Market differentiation with products that have proven traction against national brands
-
Marketing support from a manufacturing partner invested in long-term brand growth
With Nothing But Hemp’s track record and MBC’s capacity, scaling these products into new retail doors is straightforward and low-risk.
What’s Next for Green Elevator and Raiden Labs
Both brands now have an opportunity to leverage this momentum for strategic growth:
-
Hero SKU expansion: Doubling down on top flavors that drive velocity
-
New product innovation: Limited-edition or seasonal gummies that build on brand equity
-
Broader distribution: Moving from regional to multi-state availability
-
Retail activation: Demos, budtender education, and point-of-sale campaigns to deepen engagement
The foundation is solid—now it’s about capitalizing on visibility while protecting product quality.
Congratulations to Two Rising Stars
In the end, these wins are a testament to the power of pairing brand creativity with world-class manufacturing.
-
Green Elevator: #1 Best Gummy in the Green State Consumer Choice Awards
-
Raiden Labs: #2 Best Gummy in the same category
Against national giants with deeper pockets and longer histories, both brands have proven that consumer loyalty comes from delivering exactly what’s promised—every single time.
For Nothing But Hemp and Midwest Botanical Coalition, these awards validate their unique model: give brands the freedom to innovate, and the manufacturing capacity to scale without compromise. For consumers, it means more trustworthy choices on the shelf. And for the industry, it’s proof that the next big name might just come from a nimble brand with the right partner.
