Business of Cannabis: Cannabis News | Cannabis Views | Cannabis Trends

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Nadia Vattovaz, CFO and EVP Operations at Fire & Flower. As a leading Canadian cannabis retailer, Fire & Flower leaders like Vattovaz have a unique perspective on the Canadian cannabis retail market, how the sector has addressed COVID and how they aim to meet the needs of consumers in the future.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Hilary Bricken of the law firm Harris Bricken. Bricken started practicing law in the cannabis sector in the early days of legalization in Washington state. From there, her practice has evolved and grown. She joins us on BofC Live to talk about her experience in the sector as well as where she believes the US industry is headed.Bricken’s firm Harris Bricken, along with the team at Torkin Manes LLP, will host Cross-Border Cannabis with Business of Cannabis on April 16th. Register today.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Denis Adigamov, a Senior Consultant at CannDelta Inc. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis. In this segment, Adigamov provides insight into varying security requirements in the cannabis sector, from retail to microcultivation to nurseries to licensed cultivation facilities and cannabis processors. By sharing these insights from the CannDelta team and his experience over the past two years, it is helpful to understand the full set of considerations cannabis businesses need to think about during and after licensing.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Krista Raymer of Vetrina Group – a retail consultancy with deep experience working with cannabis retailers. The Vetrina Group team penned a piece for Business of Cannabis this week titled:Why inventory management is important (beyond compliance audits) to your cannabis storeRaymer connected with Business of Cannabis to talk about the perspective and how inventory management comes to life within a cannabis retail operations.If you are interested in additional information, education and programming around cannabis retail, please join us for the next in our Business of Cannabis Retail Series on April 7 when the topic will be:Driving Customers In Store Through Digital MarketingRegister today.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Daniel Lantela from Whistler Therapeutics and Whistler Technologies. Lantela will share is journey in the cannabis sector – from North Vancouver to Montreal to Whistler. As well, he will share his previous work at Whistler Medical Marijuana and how it led him to developing world-class bubble hash techniques in British Columbia.Learn more about Daniel Lantela, Whistler Technologies and Whistler Therapeutics.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Mandesh Dosanjh, CEO of Pure Sunfarms – a British Columbia-based cannabis producer.We wanted to connect with Dosanjh about the background he brings to the cannabis sector, as well as the insights which Pure Sunfarms used to be one of the first Canadian companies to launch a large-format cannabis product.In addition to the focus on Pure Sunfarms, we wanted to connect with him about the letter he submitted to Health Canada about Canadian producers using questionable methods to report potency on cannabis packages.Read Dosanjh’s open letter on LinkedIn about the Health Canada submittal.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Leah Thiel, the Marketing Director at Indiva. Indiva has launched several successful edibles brands into the Canadian market, including Wana gummies and Bhang chocolates. We wanted to connect with Thiel to hear her perspective on building brand loyalty within the Canadian landscape.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Bernie Yeung, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Aphria Inc. Yeung has a deep background in consumer packaged goods as well as beverage/alcohol and will share the similarities – and differences – brand building in each.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Shahbaaz Kara-Virani from Dutchie. Dutchie announced this week a $200 million capital raise based on a $1.7 billion valuation. We connected with Kara-Virani to talk about what the financing round means for Dutchie and for cannabis retailers in the US and Canada.Learn more about Dutchie.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Clint Sharples, CEO of Heritage Cannabis about how his company is launching brands across Canada while at the same time executing on opportunities in the US. Heritage has recently announced new product and brand launches throughout Canada, including their RAD and feelgood brands, and we wanted to connect.Learn more about Heritage Cannabis and their brands.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Canadian musician Raine Maida about one of his latest ventures, LOOP/POOL. LOOP/POOL is an artist co-owned brand of cannabis products and a portion of every sale is used to support emerging artists. LOOP/POOL’s grant program will support emerging artists and music not-for-profit organizations by funding and helping them bring their creative endeavors to life.Learn more about Raine Maida and LOOP/POOL.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Larry Lisser, the CEO of HelloMD. Last year, at the beginning of COVID, we connected with Lisser about how patients were accessing medical cannabis in the early days of the pandemic. We wanted to reconnect with him to talk about trends, insights and difference with how patients were navigating the medical cannabis regime in Canada one year into COVID. As well, HelloMD and ZYUS recently announced a partnership whereby patients could access ZYUS medical cannabis program via HelloMD’s telehealth platform.Learn more about HelloMD and ZYUS.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Nalin Thillanayagam, a Business Analyst at CannDelta Inc. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis. In this segment, Thillanayagam shares insights into the differing municipal zoning regulations governing cannabis retail. Specifically, he shares a view of four communities in three provinces: Toronto, Ontario, North Vancouver and Vancouver in British Columbia and Edmonton, Alberta. By sharing these insights from the CannDelta team, those looking to open private cannabis retail in Canada have several levels of government regulations to consider – and a few kilometers in distance may create a world of difference in terms of approvals for your store.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with MMA fighter Elias Theodorou. Theodorou has become one of the most recognized athletes at the intersection of cannabis and sport. His use of medical cannabis has made him a vocal advocate. In advance of his March 13 fight on the ImagineBC platform we wanted to connect with him about the fight, about cannabis and about the direct way ImagineBC allows creators like him connect with his audience – while also talking about all things cannabis.Find out how to watch the March 13 fight.

On this episode of BofC Live we connect with Amanda Cochrane of Indigro Organics, a microcultivator in Alberta. Cochrane’s introduction and education in cannabis through Mount Royal University’s cannabis education program has allowed her to play multiple roles in the Indigro Organics’ operation. We connected with her to find out more about her education, experience and about Indigro Organics overall.Mount Royal University has developed an online cannabis workforce training program – helping prepare the future Canadian cannabis workforce. These online courses position students at the forefront of the sector – allowing students to gain specialized skills and knowledge designed to meet the demand for a trained workforce. Learn more about Mount Royal University’s Cannabis Education Program.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Greg Engel, the CEO of Organigram. Engel joined Business of Cannabis to talk about how the sector has changed since he took over the helm at the company, how he and Organigram has addressed COVID and are continuing to have nationwide reach into provinces and retailers.Learn more about Organigram, the company and its brands.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Dana E. Shoched of 02Vape to talk about how a US COVID relief package passed in the US has impacted the vape sector in the US. The relief package had a provision banning shipping of products and components in the vape category. Shoched is raising awareness around the consequences of the relief package and joined BofC Live to talk about what the provision means for her business.As president and CEO of 02VAPE, a leading vaping product manufacturer for consumers and wholesalers, Shoched notes that the bill could cost her business 60-70% of revenue and risk thousands of jobs across the country.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Tanner Stewart of Stewart Farms. Along with other New Brunswick-based stakeholders, Stewart was a signatory of a recent letter sent to the Province regarding the proposed privatization of Cannabis New Brunswick. We wanted to connect with Stewart to hear about the letter, his position on privatization of Cannabis New Brunswick and what the issue means to cannabis producers and manufacturers in the Province.Read the letter leaders in the New Brunswick cannabis industry sent to their Provincial government calling for consultation about selecting a non-New Brunswick private monopoly. READLearn more about Tanner Stewart and Stewart Farms.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Matt Maurer and Vlad Mihaescu of Torkin Manes LLP, the Official Law Firm of Business of Cannabis. Maurer and Mihaescu talked about the current state of affairs as it relates to cannabis beverages, including marketing regulations, potency equivalency levels and a possible path forward for regulatory changes.The conversation follows two beverage-related pieces published by the Torkin Manes LLP team on Business of Cannabis:To Co-Pack or Not to Co-Pack?Cannabis Beverages: Still the Next Big Thing or Not So Much?The conversation about cannabis beverages will continue on March 24 as part of our Cannabis Beverages. Register today.

On this episode of BofC Live we connect with Susan Kumar, Senior National Account Manager Western Canada at Organigram. Kumar has a deep background in consumer packaged goods – working for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. When she made the transition to cannabis and Organigram, she enrolled in the Cannabis Education Program at Mount Royal University to get a deep dive into the sector and its unique attributes. She shared her experience with the program and what it has meant for her career.Mount Royal University has developed an online cannabis workforce training program – helping prepare the future Canadian cannabis workforce. These online courses position students at the forefront of the sector – allowing students to gain specialized skills and knowledge designed to meet the demand for a trained workforce. Learn more about Mount Royal University’s Cannabis Education Program.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Dan Sutton, the CEO of Tantalus Labs. The Maple Ridge, BC-based cultivator has made a name for itself for its premium cannabis – but also about how Sutton leads the company transparently. A frequently-Tweeting voice on Twitter, Sutton responds to consumers and patients directly and chimes on issues of the day as the affect Tantalus Labs and their operations. On March 18, Sutton will join Business of Cannabis for “Office Hours” – meant provide an open forum for attendees to ask Sutton any and all questions.Learn more about Dan Sutton and Tantalus Labs.Join us on March 18.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Lisa Bigioni of Stok’d Cannabis. As an original Ontario retail cannabis lottery winner, Bigioni has had a front-row seat to how cannabis retail has rolled out in Ontario. She opened the Choom Niagara Falls store as part of her first round lottery win and recently opened Stok’d Cannabis’ first location in Scarborough, Ontario.Learn more about Stok’d Cannabis.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Phil McDonald and Abbey Bortolotti of Headset to talk about the new partnership between Headset and Business of Cannabis. This year, Headset will be the Official Insights Partner of Business of Cannabis – providing data and insights to the BofC audience through our newsletters, website, content and events.Learn more about Headset’s offerings for the cannabis industry.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Dana Baranovsky of the CannDelta team. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis. In this segment, Baranovsky shares her perspective and expertise in the best practices about how to prepare for planned and unplanned Health Canada inspections. Having worked at a license holder herself, and now on the consultancy side, Baranovsky has ample experience in keeping up to date in anticipation of Health Canada inspections.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Alison Gordon of Other People’s Pot (OPP). Gordon is a long-time leader in the Canadian cannabis sector and recently launched OPP. OPP is built as an organization to help producers and brands effectively reach and sell products into Provinces as well as help retailers understand and build engagement around those brands.Learn more about Other People’s Pot (OPP).

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with brothers Tyler and Alex Rumi of Goodbuds. Goodbuds is a craft cannabis grower based in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. We wanted to connect with the Goodbuds team to talk about their approach to growing craft cannabis and creating unique cannabis products for their target, craft-loving consumers.Learn more about Goodbuds.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect Jordan Wagman, an award winning chef who helps make cooking with cannabis more accessible. Wagman often shares how his struggle with psoriasis led him to change his diet – and incorporate cannabis into his cooking. He just launched a new podcast “In the Weeds” – which is a food-first look at cooking, cannabis and how the two intersect.Learn more about Jordan Wagman and his new podcast.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect Albert Kim, CEO of Greenline POS, a leading cannabis retailer technology provider for Canadian cannabis retailers. Kim and Greenline POS have seen tremendous success building and scaling Greeline POS alongside the ramp up of cannabis retail in Canada. Learn more about Greenline POS.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Paul Pedersen of Nextleaf Solutions. The BC-based extraction company has made identifying and securing intellectual property rights a key differentiator of their approach. Business of Cannabis connected with Pedersen to hear how Nextleaf Solutions is providing core services along the supply chain in Canada, as well as security intellectual property rights elsewhere.Learn more about Nextleaf Solutions.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Myrna Gillis, co-founder and CEO of Aqualitas. Aqualitas is a cannabis producer based in Nova Scotia growing with advanced aquaponics systems under Health Canada’s ACMPR. Their approach to growing was developed in association with Acadia and Dalhousie Universities – both in Atlantic Canada. Gillis joined BofC Live to talk about their approach to growing, their use of reclaimed plastic for their packaging and how Atlantic Canada’s cannabis ecosystem is creating a supportive and thriving cannabis industry there.Learn more about Aqualitas’ recent announcement about their use of reclaimed plastic for their packaging.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with David Kerr of Gallagher’s Canadian office. Gallagher is the Official Insurance Provider of Business of Cannabis. Kerr has deep experience helping the cannabis industry access the appropriate insurance coverage for the specific needs of their businesses. As retail operators ramp up, understanding the coverage required for opening while also understanding how insurance coverage can help protect your business is essential. Kerr provides insights into how he works with retailers during as they build their business.Learn more about Gallagher’s cannabis offerings.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Krista Raymer of Vetrina Group – a retail consultancy with deep experience working with cannabis retailers. Earlier in February, Raymer and Vetrina Group co-presented the first Cannabis Retail Series with Business of Cannabis. Following that event, Vetrina Group wrote this piece for Business of Cannabis:3 Things to Know About Designing and Building RetailRaymer connected with Business of Cannabis to talk about that early February event, as well as the March Cannabis Retail Series event focused on core tech stack requirements for cannabis retailers.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.Register for the upcoming Cannabis Retail Series on March 3.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with David Wasserman of the CannDelta team. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis. In this segment, Wasserman provides perspective – with data and insight to back it up – that there is still time and opportunity to open a cannabis retail store in Ontario.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live we connect with Joel Darichuk of 314 Pure Cannabis - a cannabis cultivator in Alberta. Darichuk joins BofC Live to talk about their facility, their team and their approach to the sector. As well, Darichuk serves on the Mount Royal University Cannabis Industry Advisory Board for their Cannabis Education Program. He will discuss the importance of educating the current and future workforce for building a strong legal industry.Learn more about 314 Pure Cannabis.Mount Royal University has developed an online cannabis workforce training program - helping prepare the future Canadian cannabis workforce. These online courses position students at the forefront of the sector - allowing students to gain specialized skills and knowledge designed to meet the demand for a trained workforce. Learn more about Mount Royal University's Cannabis Education Program.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Jeff Goldenberg, the founder of 2nd and Goal Ventures. Goldenberg’s company recently announced the launch of a cannabis brand with former NFL star Marshawn Lynch – Dodi Blunts. BofC connected with Goldenberg to talk about how the brand came to be, the uniqueness of Lynch’s personal brand and how Dodi Blunts will come to market.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.Learn more about Dodi Blunts.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Dr. Mather Carscallen, the CEO and CTO of Algae-C – a plant biosynthesis company using algae to create plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) – including cannabinoids. Carscallen describes the process of using algae for biosynthesis and the value it has to the cannabis sector – including cost, consistency and environmental impact.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.Learn more about Algae-C.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Nathan Mison, the CEO of Diplomat Consulting to understand how a cabinet shift in the Prime Minister’s government may impact the cannabis sector. Mison speaks about how broadening the argument around economic growth from the cannabis sector – including during the pandemic – may benefit the sector overall and the decisions the government may make in the next federal election.Learn more about Nathan Mison and Diplomat Consulting.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Sherry Boodram of the CannDelta team. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis. In this segment, Boodram provides an update on Health Canada’s approach on the regulation of cannabis-based Health Products that would not require practitioner oversight. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live we connect with Serena Donovan of Because You Cann, a microcultivator in Alberta. Donovan will share her story about how she entered the cannabis sector – including her roles as a student, alumni and Advisory Board member of the Mount Royal University Cannabis Education Program.Learn more about Because You Cann.Mount Royal University has developed an online cannabis workforce training program – helping prepare the future Canadian cannabis workforce. These online courses position students at the forefront of the sector – allowing students to gain specialized skills and knowledge designed to meet the demand for a trained workforce. Learn more about Mount Royal University’s Cannabis Education Program.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Christian Sculthorp of Cozy Cannabis. Cozy Cannabis is a cannabis retailer in Toronto’s West End that recently opened during the COVID lock-down. Christian’s experience in e-commerce and in the cannabis sector have set apart his approach to retail and how he will attract and retail customers. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Elisa Keay of K’s Pot Shop in Toronto’s East End. K’s Pot Shop has made a name for itself as a shop that is very much ‘of the neighbourhood’ – creating both a unique shopping environment as well as one where consumers come back to regularly. Keay is a speaker at the Business of Cannabis Retail Series on February 3. Register today. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Jesse McConnell, CEO of Rubicon Organics. McConnell joined BofC Live to talk about the how and the why of Rubicon Organics – including his experience and learnings from Whistler Medical. With an emphasis on sustainability and premium flower – Rubicon Organics’ Simply Bare brand is a popular choice for cannabis consumers in the premium category. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Callan Evans of the CannDelta team. CannDelta is the Official Regulatory Advisory of Business of Cannabis and a member of their team joins us every other Monday for an Ask the Experts segment on BofC Live. In this segment, Evans discusses the recently announced “craft” category put forward by the Ontario Cannabis Store – the Province’s wholesaler and online retailer. Evans describes what the craft designation entails and its analogues in other sectors.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live we connect with Amber Craig of FOUR20, a cannabis retailer based in Alberta. Craig is the Chief Marketing Officer of FOUR20 and also serves on both the Mount Royal University Cannabis Education Advisory Committee and as an instructor in the Cannabis Education Program.Mount Royal University has developed an online cannabis workforce training program – helping prepare the future Canadian cannabis workforce. These online courses – taught by experienced professionals working in the Canadian cannabis industry like Craig – position students at the forefront of the sector – allowing students to gain specialized skills and knowledge designed to meet the demand for a trained workforce. Learn more about Mount Royal University’s Cannabis Education Program.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Kevin Anderson, the head grower at Broken Coast. Broken Coast is a licensed producer based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Broken Coast grows in small batches and in single-strain rooms and has developed innovative strains filling key consumer demands. Anderson joined BofC Live to talk about his background, approach to growing and how Broken Coast works to develop premium cannabis.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Krista Raymer of Vetrina Group – a retail consultancy with deep experience working with cannabis retailers. This week, Raymer and the team at Vetrina Group published a piece on Business of Cannabis titled: The Destination Store is More than the Weed and she joined BofC Live to talk about that article.As well, Raymer and Vetrina Group are the presenting partners for our new event series: Business of Cannabis Retail Series – which launches on February 3 at noon. The initial event will look at designing and building cannabis retail locations. Register today.BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Matt Maurer and James Leech of Torkin Manes LLP. Maurer and Leech posted a perspective: To Co-Pack or Not to Co-Pack? about co-packing in the Canadian cannabis sector. Read the perspective. The two joined BofC Live to talk about their perspective and how the cannabis industry should think about brand/co-packer relationships. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Dr. Blake Pearson, the founder of Greenly Medical Consulting and Greenly Health. As a leading doctor incorporating medical cannabis into his patients’ care, Pearson has launched #CoverCannabis in order to shine light on the plight of medical cannabis patients. He joined us to talk about this initiative and the challenges patients face accessing insurance coverage for their medical cannabis. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Brent Zettl of ZYUS. ZYUS is a Canadian-based scientific research and development with a goal to deliver high-quality standardized therapeutic formulations to patients. Zettl co-founded Prairie Plant Systems Inc. and CanniMed Therapeutics Inc. in 1988. CanniMed was the exclusive supplier of medical cannabis to Health Canada from 2000 to 2014. In March 2018, CanniMed was acquired by Aurora Cannabis Inc. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.

On this episode of BofC Live, we connect with Nuno Paul of EN2 Development. EN2 has deep experience building cannabis retail stores throughout Ontario – and is planning to help dozens more cannabis retailers bring their stores online – on time and on budget. Having the deep experience in the cannabis retail sector, the EN2 team understands the unique attributes of cannabis retail – including the crunched timelines that the ramp up of cannabis retail in 2021 will demand. BofC Live is the daily news and interview program of Business of Cannabis. Business of Cannabis highlights the companies, brands, people and trends driving the sector.Learn more about EN2 and the work they do.