the A celebration of BC craft cannabis as an opportunity for job creation and economic growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2022

(Syilx (Okanagan)/Kelowna, B.C.) – The Association for Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) and BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) are co-hosting a sold-out BC Cannabis Summit starting today at the Eldorado Resort in Kelowna.

In attendance are craft cannabis farmers, processors, independent retailers, Indigenous government leaders, members of Parliament, provincial officials, exhibitors, vendors and sector leaders from across the country are expected to attend, celebrate cannabis and discuss the state of the BC and Canadian cannabis sector.

“What better place to host an important Canadian cannabis summit and celebrate 420 than BC?” said ACCRES Executive Director, Jaclynn Pehota. “In addition to marking three years of cannabis legalization, the Summit is a significant coming-out celebration for BC’s legendary network of cannabis experts. We are ready to present solutions to decision-makers at all levels of government that can create thousands of BC jobs over the next five years.”   

“The BC Cannabis Summit will demonstrate that our province’s craft farmers, processors and independent retailers are job creators, small businesses, innovators and engines of sustainable economic growth that can support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery,” said BC Craft Farmers Co-op President, Tara Kirkpatrick. “Gatherings like the Summit also counter the institutional stigma that still lingers around cannabis. We need to normalize cannabis production as a positive agriculture activity.” 

With a rich agricultural history, a vibrant Indigenous culture, excellent facilities, and a reputation as a prime tourism destination, the Okanagan is a natural choice to host the inaugural BC Cannabis Summit. Together, the Summit can build on these strengths and help position the region as a global cannabis headquarters.

Registration opens today (April 20) at 3:00 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Eldorado Resort. The Summit closes on Friday at 4:00 p.m. View the agenda and speakers at bccannabissummit.ca.

Event Highlights:

  • Release of attendee survey results and introduction of policy resolutions.
  • Indigenous government and women’s leadership panels.
  • Panel discussions with BC Members of Parliament regarding a review of Canada’s Cannabis Act and BC government officials regarding direct cannabis sales.
  • Keynote remarks from former Westbank First Nation, Chief Roxanne Lindley; Kelowna Mayor, Colin Basran; Tourism Kelowna CEO, Lisanne Ballantyne; and other special guests.
  • Release of attendee survey results and introduction of policy resolutions.

The BC Cannabis Summited is presented by BCCFC, ACCRES, Dutchie, the Weed Pool Cannabis Cooperative, and the Eldorado Resort.

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Contact:

David Hurford, BCCFC Secretary (Volunteer)
assistantsecretary@bccraftfarmerscoop.com
(778) 239-5350