As the first G-7 country to legalize recreational cannabis, Canada is perfectly poised to once again host the world’s thought leaders to exchange views on business, innovation and policy development in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. This must-attend B2B event is a catalyst for conversations and change that reverberate around the globe, shaped by our new regulatory environment and our country’s progressive views on social justice.
Themes
Business
Never before have there been opportunities to launch new product offerings and explore new business models in the cannabis space. The legalization of both recreational and medical cannabis in countries worldwide, investments in research, and demand for safer ways to consume cannabis are contributing to a global market that is expected to reach over $146B USD by 2025. The untapped potential in the marketplace makes this an exciting time to examine the industry’s bright future.
Innovation
The growth of the industry has paved the way for innovation, ideation and technology. It’s fueling creativity and opportunities in tinctures, oils, vapes, beauty, wellness and edibles. Understanding more about DNA and genetic-risk factors within the cannabis context, for both medical and recreational use, advances high-level research and facilitates a global approach to setting standards. Shared learning informs us all.
Policy
The legalization of recreational cannabis use has been described as a paradigm-changing social experiment. Canada is leading the way for the world in terms of policy development and the implementation of a new regulatory environment. From marketing and advertising to workplace safety, social justice and human rights, the repercussions of cannabis decriminalization are widespread. We’ll bring some of these issues to the forefront.
Topics
Policy & Regulations
- Looking back at Canada’s first year, and first phase, of legalization
- Looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of legalized edibles
- Exploring the influence and impact of Canadian legalization on the US, EU and Latin America
- Examining social justice issues and human rights
- Regulatory changes and impacts in the workplace
Cannabis Research & Science
- Analyzing and understanding dosages and their impacts
- Examining future treatments and courses of action
- Cannabis and terpene extraction
- Federal / provincial funding and opportunities within Canadian research
- Pushing the frontier of medical research, intellectual property and genetic advancements
Medical Innovations
- New medicines and cannabinoid-derived pharmaceuticals
- Training physicians in the new cannabis reality
- Emerging opportunities for pharmacies
- The future of prescription cannabis
- How the medical marijuana industry is impacting Big Pharma
Cannabis & Money
- The next big market
- Smart investments in the space
- Ancillary businesses that will capitalize on post-prohibition opportunities
- Accessing capital outside of Canada
Emerging Trends
- The rise of luxury brands in the cannabis market
- The growing momentum for cannabis-infused food, beverages and tourism
- Experiential, cannabis-focused events
- Canna-curiosity, craft cannabis and women in weed
Growing & Cultivation
- Seed-to-sale tracking and inventory solutions
- Cultivation techniques and best practices
- Ideal greenhouse grows
- Developing new technology to create a premium growing environment in diverse climates and ecosystems
Marketing, Advertising & Branding
- Building compliant brands in a highly regulated industry
- Working within restrictions on packaging, labeling and promotion
- Innovative marketing strategies to raise awareness and secure recognition
Technology
- New technology and advancements improving the customer / consumer experience
- The legal collection of data driving the industry forward
Corporate Social Responsibility
- The development and launch of the Responsible Cannabis Framework from the Global Cannabis Partnership
- Investing in a strong corporate social responsibility program