The federal government has officially announced the formation of the Cannabis Industry Forum, a group of prominent executives from various cannabis companies who will collaborate to address the challenges and opportunities in the emerging industry.
What is the Cannabis Industry Forum?
The Cannabis Industry Forum is a platform for dialogue and innovation among the leaders of the Canadian cannabis sector. The forum was established by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) in 2023, but the official list of members was not made public until February 16, 2024.
The forum is chaired by Hugo Alves, CEO, Founder and Director of Auxly Cannabis Group Inc., a diversified cannabis company that offers products, services and solutions across the cannabis value chain. The other members of the forum are:
- Philippe Dépault, President and Founder, Québec Craft Cannabis Inc., a producer of premium craft cannabis products that focus on quality, sustainability and social responsibility.
- Taylor Giovannini, President and Founder, Oceanic Releaf Inc., a Newfoundland-based company that aims to provide affordable and accessible medical cannabis to patients in Atlantic Canada.
- Beena Goldenberg, CEO, Organigram Holdings Inc., a leading licensed producer of high-quality medical and recreational cannabis products, with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Raj Grover, Founder, President and CEO, High Tide Inc., a retail-focused cannabis company that operates the largest network of cannabis stores in Canada, as well as e-commerce platforms and wholesale distribution.
- David Klein, CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation, the world’s largest cannabis company by revenue, with a diversified portfolio of brands, products, research and production facilities across five continents.
- Miguel Martin, CEO, Aurora Cannabis Inc., one of the world’s largest and most trusted cannabis companies, with a strong presence in both medical and consumer markets, as well as international expansion and partnerships.
- Rosy Mondin, President of Soma Labs Scientific Inc. and Director of Cannaworld Ventures Inc., a pioneer in the cannabis extraction and processing industry, with expertise in regulatory affairs, advocacy and education.
- Tyler Robson, President of Cannabis, SNDL Inc., a global cannabis company that produces and sells a range of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and beverages.
What are the goals and activities of the forum?
The main goal of the forum is to foster collaboration and innovation among the cannabis industry leaders, and to provide input and feedback to the federal government on the regulatory and policy issues that affect the sector.
The forum members have already engaged with Morris Rosenberg, Chair of the expert panel leading the legislative review of the Cannabis Act, which is expected to be tabled in the House of Commons in the coming months. The review will examine the impacts and effectiveness of the current cannabis legislation, and propose amendments and improvements to better align with the objectives of public health, safety and social justice.
The forum will also explore other topics of interest and relevance to the cannabis industry, such as:
- The development and adoption of standards and best practices for product quality, safety and consistency
- The promotion and protection of intellectual property and innovation in the cannabis sector
- The enhancement of consumer education and awareness on the benefits and risks of cannabis use
- The expansion and diversification of the domestic and international markets for Canadian cannabis products and services
- The creation and retention of jobs and economic opportunities in the cannabis industry
- The contribution of the cannabis industry to the social and environmental well-being of Canada and the world
Why is the forum important for the cannabis industry and Canada?
The Cannabis Industry Forum represents a unique opportunity for the cannabis industry to work together and with the government to shape the future of the sector in Canada and beyond.
François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, says the forum reflects the government’s commitment to support and collaborate with the cannabis industry, as a key driver of innovation and growth in the Canadian economy.
“For Canada to be a leader in this global economy, we require the ability to adapt to new industries and sectors that benefit Canadians. The Cannabis Industry Forum helps create innovative solutions to barriers that exist in this industry. Through active collaboration, Canada is working with industry leaders to become an innovator and leader in this changing economy.”
The forum also demonstrates the maturity and diversity of the cannabis industry in Canada, which has emerged as a world leader in the production, distribution and consumption of cannabis products, both for medical and recreational purposes.
The cannabis industry contributes significantly to the Canadian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue, taxes and exports, and creating thousands of jobs across the country. The industry also supports the development of research, education and social programs that advance the knowledge and understanding of cannabis and its impacts on health, society and the environment.
The forum members express their enthusiasm and optimism for the future of the cannabis industry, and their willingness to collaborate and innovate to achieve their common goals.
Hugo Alves, the chair of the forum, says:
“We are honoured and excited to be part of this forum, which represents a diverse and dynamic cross-section of the Canadian cannabis industry. We look forward to working with our fellow members and the government to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our sector, and to contribute to the success and sustainability of the cannabis industry in Canada and around the world.”
