Canada has formally announced the formation of a Cannabis Industry Forum to address challenges in the country’s industry.
The notice regarding its creation came via a government news release on Friday. The group was formed last spring but its leadership list was not revealed until now.
“The Forum is composed of nine leaders who have business activities across the cannabis industrial ecosystem,” Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada said. This includes cultivation, processing and logistics related to its sale.
Hugo Alves, Founder and CEO of Auxly Cannabis Group Inc (TSX: XLY) will lead the new organization. The leadership roster comprises the following figures as well:
- Raj Grover, Founder and CEO of High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSX-V: HITI)
- Philippe Dépault, President and Founder of Québec Craft Cannabis
- Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI)
- Taylor Giovannini, President and Founder of Oceanic Releaf
- David Klein, CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (Nasdaq: CGC)
- Miguel Martin, CEO of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB)
- Rosy Mondin, President of Soma Labs Scientific and Director of Cannaworld Ventures
- Tyler Robson, President of Cannabis at SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL)
Canada’s cannabis job creators need an engaged fed gov to succeed. I’m pleased to join this @ISED_CA forum as a 1st step.
Government of Canada creates a forum to discuss challenges in the Canadian legal cannabis industry – https://t.co/Qc2tHcZvpb https://t.co/C4Gn7GdsN1
— Raj Grover 🇨🇦 (@RajGrover_HITI) February 21, 2024
Read more: BC permits cannabis smoking on patios where tobacco and vaping are authorized
Read more: High Tide expands its influence into the Manitoba cannabis market
Minister Champagne voices support for initiative
Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne expressed his enthusiasm for the new group.
“The Cannabis Industry Forum helps create innovative solutions to barriers that exist in this industry,” he said.
Morris Rosenberg will assist the members going forward, a lawyer with an extensive career in the Canadian government. He is the chair of an expert panel responsible for an ongoing legislative review of the Cannabis Act that will be presented in the House of Commons later this year.
Heavy taxes and regulatory fees, steep competition, the impact of inflation, the THC limit on edibles and the influence of the illicit market are some of the most significant challenges Canada’s industry faces.
rowan@mugglehead.com
