2024 Cannabis Summit Prince George. Image courtesy of: BC Assembly of First Nations
The 2024 BC Cannabis Summit opened Friday on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh people in Prince George BC with an opening address from British Columbia’s Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations Terry Teegee. Regional Chief Teegee has just returned from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York and underscored the imperative for Indigenous inclusion in shaping legislation, particularly regarding cannabis governance.
Regional Chief Teegee has been leading the National Assembly of First Nations’ cannabis file. Reflecting on his involvement in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) implementation, Chief Teegee emphasized the paramountcy of aligning federal laws, notably the Cannabis Act, with Indigenous rights and sovereignty. He underscored the necessity for equitable revenue sharing and exemption considerations for First Nations, urging federal legislation to adhere to UNDRIP provisions faithfully.
“We extend our gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share insights on the cannabis industry from a First Nations perspective,” said Chief Teegee. “It is essential that Indigenous voices are central to discussions surrounding jurisdiction, sovereignty, and self-determination in cannabis governance. Ultimately, whether it’s decisions on the land, decisions regarding the well-being of our children, we certainly have the ability to regulate and govern substances that are coming into our communities, whether it’s medicinal and/or recreational or any other uses.”
Delegates Welcome Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler
BC craft cannabis farmers, processors and independent retailers attending Day One the 2024 BC Craft Cannabis Summit in Prince George welcomed West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler. Patrick attended the Summit after arriving directly from Ottawa where the government of Canada presented its 2024 Budget on Tuesday.
In addition to providing insight on what was and what was not in the budget for the cannabis sector, Patrick talked about plans to start addressing some of the problems with the Cannabis Act identified by the recent expert panel review, particularly related to craft farmers. Following his remarks, Patrick participated in a roundtable question and answer session with BCCFC President Tara Kirkpatrick and participating delegates
MP Patrick Weiler accepting a gift from Michelle Cozzuol, CEO of jointconnections.ca at Day One of the 2024 BC Craft Cannabis Summit at the Ramada Hotel, Prince George.
Media Reports
We were pleased to welcome members of the Prince George media to the 2024 Summit Planning Committee members have been doing interviews all week.
Here are a couple of media links from Day One:
MYPGNOW – BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit underway in Prince George
CKPGToday.ca – BC Craft Cannabis Summit kicks off Friday in Prince George
Looking Ahead: Day Two Highlights
For those who have not registered, Day Passes are available at the Radisson Hotel registration for Day two of the Summit – Saturday: 4/20:
- 8:30am: Morning coffee and trade show opening
- 9:00am: Opening Speakers: The State of BC Cannabis
- 10:30am: Cannabis Tourism
- 1:00pm: Greetings from Mayor of Prince George
- 1:30pm: The Future of Medical Cannabis Access
- 4:20pm: Street Party Cannabis Celebration
So far this month BCCFC confirmed the following keynote speakers: MP Patrick Weiler and Dr. Susan Dupej and Mike Schilling, CEO and John Conroy, K.C. and Mayor Simon Yu, Michelle Cozzuol, CEO, and Tyson Wall, Kush Mountain and Colin Carson, Lisa Hoy and Andrea Hoy.
4/20 Prince George Street Party Underway!
The historic 4/20 street party downtown Prince George, showcasing vendors, games, and food trucks, as locals gather to mark a milestone.
For the first time in Canadian history, a municipality has approved the closure of a city block for a marijuana-centered event, drawing local excitement and attention. Today’s 4/20 street party on George Street, scheduled from 10:00 AM to 4:20 PM, features 27 different vendors alongside an assortment of games and food trucks.
The event, aimed exclusively at adults, is part of a larger effort to recognize and leverage the economic benefits of cannabis legalization. Organizers and city officials are highlighting potential advantages such as boosting tourism and creating jobs.