(Panel Discussion)

The much-anticipated Phase Two of legalization has seen edibles, topicals and concentrates finally hit the market, serving a consumer segment that long ago gave up inhaling. But as with the initial launch of legal cannabis, there is an existing illicit market. And an already complex regulatory system has just become harder to navigate. What unforeseen roadblocks await the introduction of smoke-free product? And how ready are producers to develop product and react to demand? This session will see industry potentates examine the rules, and chart a course through them that could allow the legal market to serve consumers effectively, gain their loyalty and attract repeat business.

(In Conversation With)

Diane Scott, Chair & CEO of the JMCC Group of Companies, will answer questions about key global medical cannabis developments, the challenges of operating a business in a developing country, and how she sees a company like JMCC benefitting Canada’s cannabis ecosystem.

(Networking Coffee Break)

Olivia Newton-John / "Amazon John" Easterling's Keynote Wellness Fireside Chat

(Featured Keynote Conversation) One of the top-selling singers and best-known actresses of the last half-century, Olivia Newton-John is also a passionate advocate for wellness and cancer research and helped create the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Center.  Her husband, John Easterling – a.k.a. "Amazon John" – founded Amazon Herb Company in 1990, and is a plant medicine specialist. He is a proponent of the “entourage effect,” meaning it’s the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and other naturally occurring plant compounds that produces the best therapeutic results. “Amazon John” has cultivated and formulated strains specifically for Newton-John, who credits his cannabis with getting her off morphine, and allowing her to maintain a busy schedule promoting environmental and wellness causes. Hear their botanical adventures in the Amazon Rainforest and cannabis gardens on their journey to wellness . We are thrilled to host “Amazon John" and Newton-John for this mutual Fireside Chat.

(Fireside Chat)

Interviewer: Tony Chapman

Join Tony Chapman in an interview with Cam Battley (pictured), the former chief corporate officer of Aurora Cannabis Inc. about riding out market ups and downs, how automation and robotics can feed efficient economies of scale that could defeat the black market, and Canada’s continuing competitive advantage as a mass producer and supplier of medicinal marijuana, effectively operating without global competition.  With all the layoffs in 2020, people are wondering what really happened.  Are we going to find out?  This is sure to be an engaging and entertaining discussion.

(Presentation)

After 10+ years of playing elite and professional soccer I had a wake up call - painkillers and over the counter meds are passed out like candy and we don't take good enough care of our athletes. It's been clear for far too long the status quo for pain relief in the U.S. is messed up. Athletes put their bodies through the grinder day in and day out, all with the aspiration to be their best. Mendi was formed out of a desire to build a brighter future for sports, by taking care of athletes.

(Presentation Series)

The cannabis industry got off the ground without much of a plan, beyond “if you legalize it, they will come.” But now that it’s on the market in a bona fide CPG environment, it’s time for the business to mature beyond putting out an “Open for Business” sign and quality products. Smart marketers will turn to the latest data to meet demand and avoid pitfalls at every stage, from supply management to retail. A vigorous new data industry is popping up, gathering first-time consumer insights that can maximize your business. A little knowledge can be a lucrative thing, and this session of experts will point you to it.

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Av Singh

With legitimacy comes great responsibility. And the legal cannabis market has built its business by taking the (ahem) high road –providing a safe, quality product within a strict regulatory framework. Which may be why CannTrust’s revealed use of unlicensed growing rooms has become such a scandal, shaking the public’s faith in the process. LPs who play by the rules have a right to be angry at being tarred by others’ mistakes. This session will offer ways to reframe the conversation, and reassure consumers that the industry is self-correcting, with a commitment to “clean cannabis” that you won’t find on the black market.

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Av Singh

After generations dedicated to ending pot prohibition, it is confounding to see the illegal industry continue to gobble up market share. From pricing hurdles, to retail bottlenecks, to the unquantifiable dedication of some consumers to familiar sources who’ve supplied them for decades, this panel will examine what needs to be addressed to bring the cannabis black market fully into the legal light of day.

(Panel Discussion)

The legal cannabis era began with Canada in the global driver’s seat, with others watching our pioneering progress with keen interest. Now, with foreign trade and distribution accords, and increasing jurisdictions following us down the legalization path, we can exchange ideas and learn from international entrepreneurial efforts. In this session, a panel of international producers and industry leaders will talk about the coming year and the opportunities that will arise in a world where prohibition continues to crumble.

(Presentation)

(Closing Keynote)

Tech titan Michele Romanow is an engineer and a serial entrepreneur who started three companies before her 28th birthday. A Dragon on CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den, Michele is the co-founder of e-commerce platforms Buytopia.ca, Snap By Groupon, and -- ,pst recently – Clearbanc, an online financial service for freelancers, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs.

In this insightful and useful talk, Michele recounts her journey from a Queen’s University undergrad to becoming ranked in WXN’s “100 Most Powerful in Canada” and listed as a Forbes’ “Millennial on a Mission”, sharing along the way the lessons she’s learned as one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, including the necessity of embracing change, encouraging disruption, and incentivizing innovation at every stage of the game.

(Fireside Chat)

Bruce Linton is already a de facto cannabis industry hall of famer for founding the giant Canopy Growth Corp. But the company’s erstwhile Chairman, CEO and Founder is looking to write the next chapter in marijuana’s global revolution. Bruce will do a sit-down interview with Tony Chapman that will analyze what the industry is doing wrong (courting big-money backers with get-rich-quick attitudes) and what they could be doing right (giving employees a bigger stake in the pioneering enterprise they’re helping build). And he might even let slip some details of his next-big-thing.

(Panel Discussion)

There were many things cannabis investors and entrepreneurs never saw coming. But arguably none were as big as the CBD craze. A perfect storm of legality, availability, mistrust of traditional medicines, and the perception of “naturalness” has made CBD the choice of folks who’ve never toked, but want pain relief and symptom management in products from shelf to shelf. The result is a bud that generates more profit than THC and whose demand outstrips supply. We look at the impact of the CBD craze on indoor cultivation and the possible outcomes of its boom-or-bust future.

(Beginner Level: Presentation)

In the fast-evolving and highly-regulated cannabis industry, your point of sale needs to perform beyond the functions of a typical cash register. A customer transaction is the culmination of all your hard work and investments in marketing, branding, production and merchandising! Please join xx from Cova Software to explore the most critical considerations for the heart of your retail operations:

1. Design - your brand, customer flow, inventory flow, and interfaces

2. Reliability & Support - onsite vs. cloud

3. Integrations/partner ecosystem

4. Sales & Inventory

5. Compliance

6. Reporting & Analytics

7. Loss Prevention

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(Presentation)

Dr. Carrillo will discuss the various levels of scientific evidence for Cannabinoid Based Medicine, from proven or substantial to limited or no evidence. She will also discuss guidelines used by physicians for prescribing cannabis.

(Presentation)

This presentation will look at cannabis trends that have occurred, and trends that we should expect for the remainder of 2020 and onwards.

Presented by:

(Fireside Chat)

Brought to you by:

(Presentation)

(Cooking Demo & Book Signing)

Learn the basics of THC infusions, the importance of dosing and the ease of creating a spectacular dish utilizing infused fats with Chef Shaun O’Neale.

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: John Conroy

(Intermediate Level: Panel)

Best practices on how new and existing retailers can succeed in Canada retail market

Key Takeaways:

●  Why compliance matters and how to remain on the right side of the law

●  How to create a memorable experience at every touchpoint

●  Operational best practices

●  Proven marketing tactics that increase foot traffic and brand awareness

●  How to build and prepare your staff for the sales floor

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(Presentation) Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is experiencing a surge of interest and investment in North America and around the world. Interest in urban agriculture has been spurred by a confluence of factors, most notably the demographic shift leading to two-thirds of the world’s population becoming urbanized by 2050 and concerns about how this burgeoning populace will be sustainably fed. The 2017 market value for the industry was estimated at $47 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4% estimated for the 2018–2023 period. There are a variety of reasons for such growth such as (1) growing consumer interest in year-round access to a wider variety of locally sourced food; (2) concerns about food security and safety; and (3) expansion of legal markets for medical and recreational use of cannabis. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and dehumidification represent the largest end-uses in these facilities. Considering its high cost, the energy use of indoor agriculture may not be advisable without the use of renewable energy and stacked growing trays. Hence, this talk targets the use of renewable sources to support the energy uses in indoor farms and to step forward towards an integrated CEA.

(Intermediate Level: Presentation)

A new wave of Canadian consumers are entering the market, and they want to make an educated decision about the cannabis products they buy. These new consumers have a variety of needs, are actively seeking information, and they expect retailers to be ready and knowledgeable. For those reasons, providing a technology that allows consumers the ability to shop at will is key. Let’s take a look at how the Hunny Pot has benefited from giving their customers more ways than one to shop.

The Hunny Pot will share:

How mobilizing budtenders with the right tools can shape the shopping experience, engage with consumers, and increase productivity.

How arming budtenders with better tools can improve the selling process and sales transaction experience.

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(Advanced Level: Workshop)

You’ll learn what AGCO requires, how to streamline provincial reporting, and how to implement automated compliance features. A demonstration of effective workflow and procedures will show you the power of proper inventory management and operational reports to improve your bottom line.

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(Presentation)

An examination of the barriers and opportunities for North American companies looking to establish themselves in the European Cannabinoid Supplement Industry.  What the market looks like and future projections focusing on Key trends and consumer behaviour.

An overview of the regulations governing the cultivation, extraction and production of Cannabinoids.  Looking at the impact of the Novel Food Regulations on producers, manufacturers and retailers.  Labelling requirements, product testing and the retail requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

The challenges posed for investments and banking in light of Money Laundering Legislation and the impact for companies engaged in activities that are ‘lawful’ in one jurisdiction but prohibited in others.  The assessment of risks, proposed legislative changes and opportunities in specific European countries.

(Presentation)

(Presentation)

What keeps a supplement manufacturer or branded OTC executive up at night? A potential product recall from a contaminated or off-spec natural ingredient. It's not only possible, but more likely with natural products like cannabis and hemp because the input material is ever changing.

How can one assure a consistent and high purity supply? Extraction methods such as supercritical CO2 combined with purification methods such as SFC chromatography (SFC) can assure the manufacturer or co-packer that the products have removed contaminants like pesticides, fungicides and other naturally occurring products that might not be needed like THC in a CBD or CBN ocused product.

We will discuss the methods, data and how it applies to the cannabis, hemp and natural products industry as a whole.

(Presentation)

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(Presentation)

Cannabis has been used medicinally for millennia but our comprehension of Cannabis and cannabinoids from a modern perspective is still limited. As the interest in cannabis and cannabinoid research is surging, the knowledge gaps in the research in different areas are being identified.  This presentation will provide a summary of some leading areas of research in the cannabinoid filed where the knowledge gaps have been or are being actively addressed.

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: John Conroy

(Presentation)

• Invest in Return on Experience – employees become your best brand ambassadors
• Cannabis is specialized retail, it is not for everyone and requires specific training & coaching
• Customer service and building a community is critical
• Develop your staff – promote from within, provide growth opportunities, they can become your next executives

 

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Jenn Larry

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Jenn Larry

(Presentation)

With a focus on both the online and bricks and mortar Cannabinoid retail industry in Europe this talk will examine the challenges for white labellers and own product manufacturers.

Discussing seed to shelf production, blockchain and transparency we will examine the legal requirements for manufacture, testing, labelling and marketing.  Topics covered include THC content, Health Claims, Terpene and Vitamin Additives and the current regulations across the continent of Europe.

We will examine market trends and buying habits whilst sharing the opportunities in new entrant countries adopting a more progressive attitude to these products and highlight the paths to retail success in the industry.

(Panel Discussion)

With cannabis increasingly in the spotlight as athletes fight for the right to access and use their medicine of choice, current and former professional athletes share their stories. Representing a variety of sports leagues, athletes talk about using cannabis for athletic performance, including training, focus and recovery aspects. Moderated by Dr. Rick Lioger-Weyback [assuming he's available], the discussion will offer personal athlete perspectives on cannabis relative to crucial issues such as concussions and brain injuries, mental health, and substance abuse, with medical cannabis as a viable alternative to highly addictive opiates.

(Fireside Chat)

Brought to you by:

(Presentation)

Opening cannabis retail is not an easy task.  You have to face challenges beyond a normal retail store.  Learn from other’s mistakes so you can avoid costly mistakes and run a profitable cannabis store.

You will learn:

• Key costs associated with opening a dispensary

• Top challenges when opening a medical dispensary

• What you need to include in your business plan and your license application

• Tips to design a winning dispensary experience

• Top compliance issues and how to avoid them

• Unique taxes and treatment of taxes in Oklahoma

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(Panel Discussion) The hospitality industry’s cannabis themed dreams are boundless. Combined joint-and-sushi rolling classes, cannabis-enhanced yoga, micro-dose enhanced meals, farm tours that mirror the wine-country-tour experience. But there are bumps in the road. Not least of these are the government regs limiting cannabis promotion. Among forbidden acts: “promoting a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality risk or daring.” But the experience of pot-legal Colorado – 23% of tourists say cannabis was a factor in their travel decision – is incentive enough to keep the industry on course. This session will examine how tour operators sell an experience while following the rules.  

(Panel Discussion)

Brought to you by:

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Katharine Thomas

The hemp revolution is underway. And this session takes you through every aspect of the all-purpose product, starting with Katherine Thomas’s discussion about product consultation and farming, followed by Ashley Orr’s medicinal tutorial on the endocannabinoid system, hemp-derived CBD and the Wimhof method of breathing that ostensibly stimulates the brain’s natural cannabinoids. Andria Simone talks fabric, fashion and sustainability, followed by a fashion show titled The Hempress Wears No Clothes, in which Andria, Ashley and Katharine show off hemp and vintage design. Finally, the whole hemp experience is capped off by a Q&A.

(Panel Discussion)

Prohibition may be over, but the celebrations are muted by Health Canada’s promotion restrictions. Meanwhile, LPs and retailers are looking to build brand loyalty and break out of the pack early. They must do it with no glamour, few product claims and nothing that could catch the eye of young people. So, successful early marketers have learned to promote with a wink. Coy billboards ask, “Is Tweed a product?” UP Canada has its “Is This Real?” campaign and website that doesn’t even mention cannabis until you click. And plenty of marketing falls under the banner of “education.” This session will look at imaginative approaches to marketing with limits, and consider the future of celebrity spokes-pitchers and the point-of-purchase value of trained “bud-tenders.”

Presented by:

(Presentation)

Although aggressiveness is not a core symptom of Autism, a substantial number of children / teenagers present with severe behavioral issues characterized by severe self and/or generalized aggressive behavior. It presents as a challenge for families, therapists, physicians and the school system. Some patients either do not respond to conventional drug approach or develop important side effects. In our setting Cannabidiol has been shown to be very effective in the management of these cases, with minimal or no side effects.

Dr. Lins will describe his successful experience, presenting some case studies, with the use of CBD for autistic children and teenagers who present with severe behavioral issues, including irritability and aggressiveness, unresponsive to usual psychiatric medications. Possible mechanisms of actions will be discussed.

(Presentation)

Let’s face it, all businesses have to deal with some degree of internal theft and fraud. But in a cash-based business like cannabis retail where the product is relatively easy to pocket shop owners have to be especially committed to establishing procedures early on. Here’s an overview of what cannabis retailers can do to detect and prevent internal retail fraud before it becomes a serious and costly problem.

Brought to you by:

(Presentation)

(Panel Discussion) It was a surprise to some when Statistics Canada announced that the most enthusiastic new users of legalized marijuana were over 65. On one hand, the Boomers were the first to embrace cannabis as a symbol of rebellion. On the other, they had a strong memory of pot prohibition, and were likely to no longer have connections to the grey market. And then there are the aches and pains of aging, and a new appreciation for herbal analgesics. Cannabis is natural, safer than prescription drugs, and with CBD, getting high is no longer necessary for an improved quality of life. This session will examine this market, what they’re looking for, and what they should be aware of (including interactions with meds).

(Fireside Chat)

Brought to you by:

(Panel Discussion) Moderator: Corey Herscu A tech and business-based boost looms for an industry that, lately could use one. Edibles and derivatives are finally on shelves, and the higher-margin product is quickly overtaking dried flowers. CBD revenue is expected to soon soar to more than $20 billion. And R&D is amplifying opportunities, with strains targeted to specific cannabinoids. Consumer DNA analysis is on the horizon that can indicate personal best-combinations of product for medicinal use. Plants are being bred to naturally resist pests and increase yield. Consumers are learning more, via social media and the ‘Net, about best-buy and easy home-grow tech. Retailers are embracing delivery-apps. And brands are benefiting from consumer behaviors, educating customers while branding. This expert panel will predict the widest effects of future tech.

(Presentation)

It’s true that we’ve seen progress socially and politically for legalization, but the struggle to keep cannabis retailers free from legal scrutiny is still an uphill battle. Despite imminent changes in legislation across Canada, existing and new operations alike should be ready to dot their I's and cross their T’s as it pays to get ahead of the cannabis compliance game.

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