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Vol. 8: Psychedelic Therapy

Vol. 8: Psychedelic Therapy

Grow Up LIVE (Vol.8):

Psychedelic Therapy

Past, Present and Future

 

Aired Thursday, July 8th 2021 @ 2pm EST

Join us for a high-level overview of the modern history of psychedelic therapy in Canada and beyond. Examining the cultural roots of the modern medical psychedelic renaissance along with a ‘psychedelic therapy 101’ for the neophyte.

Trevor Millar

Owner Liberty Root Therapy Ltd.

Trevor Millar is a social-entrepreneur who has played a role in advancing the psychedelic movement for nearly a decade. He has the unique perspective of having operated a business where he legally administered psychedelics to over 200 people within Canada, mostly for substance use disorder. He is a board member and co-founder of the Canadian Psychedelic Association and from 2018 to 2021 was on the board of directors for the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Canada, where he acted as Chair of the Board for over two years. From 2012 to 2017, Trevor was active as the founder and President of Liberty Root Therapy Inc., a business dedicated to healing and transformation by legally providing the plant medicine ibogaine to people mostly with opiate use disorder. Trevor was featured in the award-winning documentary about using magic mushrooms and Iboga to treat addiction, anxiety and depression called DOSED, which was released in 2019. He also serves as Chief Psychede

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Agronomist, Gaia Green Organics

Av Singh is one of the leading proponents of regenerative organic cannabis production being engaged in cannabis projects across six continents. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 600 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Vol. 7: What it takes to go Micro

Vol. 7: What it takes to go Micro

Grow Up LIVE (Vol.7):

What it takes to go Micro

A discussion with four micro licence holders in Canada

 

Aired Thursday, June 3, 2021 @ 2pm EST

Kieley Beaudry

Co-founder of Parkland Flower Inc.

Mother, caregiver, relationship builder, entrepreneur and self-described “serial student”, Kieley Beaudry is the co-founder of Parkland Flower Inc. and the Founder and President of the Alberta Cannabis Micro License Association.

A cannabis user for 25 years, her personal journey as a caregiver using cannabis therapies started in 2013 when her father-in-law was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a series of brain tumours. To help him sustain quality of life, Kieley and her husband researched and made cannabis oil when they found his options for cannabinoid therapies were limited during end-of-life care.

As a mother to an 8-year-old daughter who lives with Cystic Fibrosis, Kieley’s research extended further into her family life as she began treating her daughter’s symptoms with cannabis. These experiences led to Kieley devoting her time to other families, helping them navigate treating their children who live with chronic disease or illness holistically with cannabis. She encourages parents to be responsible for their cannabis consumption while advocating for the normalization of cannabis as part of a healthy family dynamic.

Kieley has applied her years of intense research of cannabis into developing different oils, topicals, tinctures, lotions and suppositories from legal cannabis products while helping people navigate Canada’s medical cannabis program. Kieley also has developed an interest in the connection between cannabis and sexual health, taking the taboo out of both topics by talking about each openly and honestly through her platforms.

As a self-named “serial student”, Kieley has enjoyed education at Western University, Fanshawe College, and received an Occupational Health and Safety Diploma, with distinction, in 2009 from the University of Alberta, after receiving her Workforce Trainer Certification from Keyano College. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health at Columbia Southern University and her Diploma of Organic Skincare Formulation from Formula Botanica. Kieley continues to passionately educate herself about cannabis by attending and speaking at various events, conferences and research symposiums.

Prior to cannabis, Kieley enjoyed a fast-moving career in Health and Safety where she oversaw the safety of hundreds of workers across numerous oil and gas sites. While raising her children, she reached Top 4 in all of Canada for Direct Sales with Mary Kay, birthing her interest in skincare and topicals.

With her personal experiences with cannabis fueling her passion, she successfully lobbied her own municipal government to allow for cannabis production in Parkland County. She opened Parkland Flower Inc. with two other co-founders, where they are applying for their micro-license and are in the early stages of building their business.

With a desire to bring cannabis micro-license applicants together, Kieley formed the Alberta Cannabis Micro License Association in June 2019, to help support and protect smaller cannabis operations in Alberta by providing innovation, collaboration and education within all levels of government in Alberta.

When she’s not learning about cannabis and passing on the knowledge, Kieley devotes all her time to her family, who together are tackling first-time dog ownership in the form of Tundra, a 90lbs (and still growing) Great Pyrenees. In her spare time, she is an avid snowboarder, has been known to carry a mean karaoke tune. Kieley can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @kieleybeaudry

Albert Eppinga

Owner, BC Cannabis Inc
Albert Eppinga is the owner of BC Cannabis Inc in Sooke BC. He is from the community of Haida Gwaii and BC Cannabis is Indigenous-owned. His Haida name is White Eagle from the Eagle Clan. His Sooke location currently has one licensed cannabis cultivation facility and has applications submitted for two more in the same building. He also has plans for a cannabis nursery and processing facility in Chilliwack, BC. 

Ron Gauthier

CEO, UpRyze Cannabis

Ron Gauthier is the CEO of UpRyze Cannabis, a micro cultivator and processor in Acheson, Alberta. UpRyze Cannabis is truly craft – small batch grown, hang dried, hand trimmed and expertly cured. UpRyze produces exceptional, high quality cannabis, to bring a unique experience highly valued by consumers.

Logan Dunn

Owner, Dunn Cannabis

Logan Dunn is the owner of Dunn Cannabis in Abbotsford, British Columbia, run by a legacy production team of 3 with over 42 years of cannabis experience. Dunn Cannabis has found early success in the market by building a network of partners and a good reputation among consumers.

David Brown

Advisor, StratCann Services Inc.

David Brown is the founder of StratCann, a cannabis industry publication with a special focus on micros and nurseries. Prior to founding StratCann, David was a Senior Policy Advisor to Health Canada’s cannabis branch from 2018-2020, working—among other things—with the regulation team on the crafting of new licence categories like micros and nurseries. Prior to his time with Health Canada, David was a co-founder of and Communications Director for Lift Cannabis and Editor in Chief of Lift News.

Vol. 6: Growing Cannabis in the Great Outdoors

Vol. 6: Growing Cannabis in the Great Outdoors

Grow Up LIVE (Vol.6):

Growing Cannabis in the Great Outdoors

Aired Thursday, April 15, 2021 @ 2pm EST

Growing great quality cannabis in the outdoors using the principles of regenerative agriculture are increasingly becoming the norm in Canada. From seed or transplant, it all starts with soil health and balanced plant nutrition, but as cannabis and hemp become common the cannabis plant will face increased pressure from emerging pests and pathogens. Join our panel of experts as they share some crop-saving tips on how to grow a healthy cannabis crop this season.

This session will cover:

  • How cover crops can help reduce disease
  • Role of microbes in reducing “transplant” shock
  • What are the new pests and diseases and what to look for
  • Tips on how to scout large scale cannabis gardens
  • What are the best tools for your IPM toolbox

Rico Thorsen

Certified Arborist

Rico Thorsen is an ISA Certified Arborist with a European Horticulture Degree from his home country of Denmark. With 30 years of experience in both Europe and North America, Rico now operates a Horticultural Consultation business based in the Okanagan. As the pioneer of RT Horticulture Ltd., Rico has been determined to support growers across North America in converting to regenerative practices.

Rico is renowned for his creative problem-solving capacity, leading to the development of the first successfully converted BC-based Regenerative Tree Nursery. With a strong connection to some of the Industry’s leading experts and researchers, Rico has been granted $500 000 worth of Government Research awards in the past 6 years.

Rico’s innovation and cutting-edge holistic growing methods have also recently landed him a project in Ethiopia through Global Affairs Canada.

Anoo Solomon

Owner, CannaProtect IPM Solutions Integrated Pest Management, Scientist and Educator in the Canadian Cannabis Industry
 

Anoo Solomon is the owner of CannaProtect IPM Solutions which offers consulting services across North America for cannabis companies.

She works with design and construction teams at the drafting phase of new and existing facilities to ensure all contamination risk factors and deficiencies are addressed to minimize crop loss. Anoo is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Cannabis. Dedicated Scientist and Educator providing full spectrum application and consulting to ensure the healthiest and cleanest crops. She educates staff on the fundamentals of pathology and entomology to create universal awareness while working with the plants. Anoo is well-versed in plant propagation, grafting, soil health and nutrition, plant production under field, greenhouse, garden and container conditions, food and agriculture legislation and regulations, Quality Assurance and Compliance, GMP, GPP and proper sanitation practices to mitigate contamination and HACCP planning.

She has extensive experience within the Canadian Cannabis Industry and comprehension of the Canadian Cannabis Act (formerly ACMPR)/Cannabis Regulations. She has worked for one of the largest global cannabis Licensed Producers on a multi-site scale as well as multiple start up facilities.  

In a laboratory setting, Anoo has implemented microbial testing for pathogens within the plant genetics. She has performed trials on use of approved chemicals and their effects on cannabis under various environmental conditions.

Anoo has taught IPM, Plant Pathology and Entomology for the Commercial Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Claude Robert

Sales Representative & Cannabis IPM Specialist, Anatis Bioprotection

Cannabis enthusiast since 1987. Collecting genetics and knowledge since the beginning of this passion. Working in greenhouse research since 2004. Teacher and speaker for small fruit production in Quebec. Worked many years on the pest and pathogens alert team ( RAP ) for the minister of agriculture of Quebec ( MAPAQ ) Now taking care of the cannabis sector at Anatis Bioprotection. Protecting crops for ACMPR growers, home growers , micro-producers and licensed producers across Canada. Doing a lot of research and development and helping growers with their Integrated Pest Management IPM programs.

Zamir K. Punja

Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University

Zamir completed MSc and PhD degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Davis. He joined Campbell Soup Company and was Manager of plant biotechnology until 1989, when he left to join Simon Fraser University. Zamir’s research investigates the causes and management of plant diseases on vegetable and horticultural crops, and include the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. His group is currently developing methods for identifying and managing new and emerging diseases of cannabis.

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Agronomist, Greenstar

Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty.  Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at  O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.

Virtual Grower Day

Virtual Grower Day

Grower Day

April 14, 2021 – June 22, 2021

Virtual Grower Day comes to a new interactive platform!

Meet with experts and growers from across the country, and discuss the latest in research, technology and production practices during this two-day virtual event, hosted by Greenhouse Canada and Grow Opportunity.  

Day 1 (April 14) spotlights all things cannabis cultivation, including trends and issues that impact Canada’s licensed cannabis producers.

Day 2 (June 22) highlights new trends, tackles issues from a local perspective and promotes discussion among flower and vegetable growers to advance the industry. 

Grow Opportunity is a multimedia platform delivering relevant content to the Canadian cannabis industry. The premier resource for the cannabis enterprise, Grow Opportunity is available online and on print, delivered to industry investors, C-level executives, managers and staff at licensed producers across Canada, as well as decision-makers involved in all aspects of cannabis production: cultivation, harvesting, curing, extraction, packaging and marketing.

Published six times a year, each print issue of Grow Opportunity covers news, products, trends and issues that impact cannabis producers, and their partners.

Grow Opportunity
PO Box 530, 105 Donly Drive South
Simcoe, ON
Canada N3Y 4N5
Phone: 1-888-599-2228
Fax: 1-519-429-3094

Digital Edition

Each issue of the Grow Opportunity digital edition appears in a rich media format with a best-in-class viewer that is easy to read and navigate.

All editorial items and advertisements are hyperlinked to instantly connect you to additional sources of information.

The digital edition does not replace your printed copy, but provides you the ability to view additional content related to articles and advertisements in the publication.

Vol. 5: EU GMP and Global Certification

Vol. 5: EU GMP and Global Certification

Grow Up LIVE (Vol.5):

EU GMP and Global Certification

Aired Thursday, March 18, 2021 @ 2pm EST

Achieve a global license to sell. Join Vantage Hemp Co.’s Chief Operating Officer, Deepank Utkhede, and Director of Sales, Christian Santi, as they outline proven strategies to meet the rigorous global certification requirements and achieve compliance to fulfill contracts.

Our expert panel will also take you on a virtual tour of their world-class CBD extraction facility to explore key factors facility operators must consider when receiving EU GMP and other Global Certifications. Topics covered include:

  • Incorporating safety into building design
  • Complying with international fire and building codes
  • Design considerations to prevent product contamination and improve workflow and process efficiency
  • Factors to consider before selecting extraction equipmentReserve your spot now!

Deepank Utkhede

Chief Operations Officer

Mr. Utkhede has 22 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation and process development and has extensive experience developing robust and commercially scalable manufacturing processes. He has worked extensively developing various pharmaceutical dosage forms — topicals (dermal and ocular), orals (capsules and liquid), parenterals (aseptic and terminally sterilized) — and drug/device combination products with extensive experience in the area of lyophilization, liposome and emulsion technology. Utkhede is also well versed in GMP/FDA regulation.

Christian Santi

Director of Sales

With over 25 years experience in sales, business development, marketing, and operations management from in a variety of different industries, Christian Santi is no stranger to leading global supply chain organizations.

With past titles ranging from Chief Operating Officer, Director of Channel Sales & Product Development, Exec. Vice President, and most recently Director of Sales for companies such as Socati Corp, Ferrin-Tech, and Boulder Botanicals & Bioscience Laboratory, Christian’s background is second to none.

Additionally, Christian has incredible expertise in building and leading high-performance sales teams and providing client needs analysis with a consultative approach as well as an extensive background in sourcing from China and India.
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Bridget Hoffer

Marigold PR (Moderator)

Bridget is the co-founder of Marigold Marketing and PR, a communications strategist and brand expert. She has extensive experience in delivering strategic communications, marketing, and brand programs that achieve results and resonate. Her expertise ranges from developing and managing iconic Canadian brands to refreshed personal brands with effective positioning to ensure relevance and value.

Since 2015, she has been a consultant with individual clients, digital start-ups and PR firms providing communications strategy and planning for business development, expansion and launching new brands. From 2000 to 2014, Bridget was the executive director of CBC communications, marketing, and brand for all CBC English Services. She collaborated with CBC Radio-Canada’s French and Corporates service on national projects. During her tenure, CBC was ranked as one of Canada’s most influential brands by Ipsos. Previous, to her role as executive director, Bridget was director of CBC Radio and CBC regional communications. Before joining CBC, Bridget led the communications teams for the United Way of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Currently, she is a board member for Safetynet services in Oakville, ON.

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Cultivation Advisor and Chief Science Officer, FS Cannabis

Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty.  Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at  O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.

Vol. 4: An Overview of Common Pest and Pathogens with Avoidance Techniques

Vol. 4: An Overview of Common Pest and Pathogens with Avoidance Techniques

Grow Up LIVE (Vol.4):

An Overview of Common Pest and Pathogens with Avoidance Techniques

Aired Thursday, January 14, 2021 @ 2pm EST

Participants will learn about plant pests and pathogens that infect and devastate cannabis. Jeff Jones will discuss how to identify the different afflictions and learn about abatement strategies, with emphasis on prevention. Your questions will be answered in Q&A!

Presented by: Jeff Jones
Oaksterdam University’s Horticultural Instructor & Co-Founder”Oaksterdam”

Hosted by: Av Singh, PhD, PAg
Agronomist, Greenstar Plant Products

• Discover your limited options and the concept of “the least bad choice” when it comes to treating plants for P and P.
• Recognize: How and why the treatment and cure of a disease is often worse than the disease itself.
• Identify: Spider mites, aphids, thrips, powdery mildew, and botrytis. Oh my!
• Identify: How certain P and P can make cannabis flowers unsuitable for certain kinds of human consumption.
• Demonstrate: How to use a jewelers loop to examine leaf surfaces for P and P.
• Understand: The ways in which the reproduction strategies of P and P allow them to remain in a garden space even after the room is completely emptied of plants.

Duration: 1 Hour

Jeff Jones

Oaksterdam University’s Horticultural Instructor & Co-Founder”Oaksterdam”

Jeff Jones co-founded the Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative (OCBC) in 1995 simultaneously creating the downtown cannabis-friendly area known as “Oaksterdam”. With Jeff’s assistance, the City of Oakland became the first U.S. City to contract with a medical cannabis provider in 1998. Jeff set many precedents from self-regulatory practices that would become the tenants of law to best practices in dispensaries. His cooperative coined the term “dispensary” for medical cannabis!

Jeff was named the defendant in the OCBC Federal Civil case, one of the longest-running medical cannabis cases in history as it traveled all the way through the Supreme Court; the first to ask the question of if cannabis can be provided for medical necessity patients.  He transitioned the OCBC into advocacy and education with the Patient ID Center (formerly OCBC) and shared his expertise with hundreds of thousands of medical cannabis patients, professionals, and experts. He has become known worldwide as an educator in horticulture, with a passion for mitigating pesky pests and pathogens.

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Agronomist, Greenstar Plant Products

Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty.  Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at  O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.

The Grower’s Source Virtual Trade Event

The Grower’s Source Virtual Trade Event

The Grower’s Source EXPO Brings Together Cannabis Cultivation Community For Virtual Trade Event

Digital Initiative Offers Ongoing Support for the Cultivation Community

Montreal, QC: The Grower’s Source, a multifaceted digital initiative to support the cannabis cultivation community, opens registration early December for its first annual industry-supported Grower’s Source Expo. The industry trade event is being organized by The Grower’s Source developers Munn & Affiliates, with generous funding from key industry partners BioFloral and CANNA Canada, and media partners Grow Up Conference and Expo, Grow Opportunity, Garden Culture Magazine. The GS Expo will run from January 21st to February 6th, 2021.

The first major virtual event dedicated to cannabis cultivation in Canada, The Grower’s Source Expo comes after a challenging but resilient year for the industry. While the pandemic continues to keep us confined mostly to our homes, those involved in cultivation are eager to see each other again, share their learnings, and achieve a sense of solidarity to propel the craft forward.

2020 has been a hectic year for everyone,” says Jason Stanley, Sales Director at BioFloral Canada. “First we had the supply chains being broken down by following confinement measures, and we had to respond to rapidly increasing demand while adopting new technology. Moreover, there has been no trade show or opportunity to meet each other face to face since Vancouver in January 2020, and we can’t even see when will be the next opportunity. It is about time we see each other’s faces and get together. The Grower’s Source is that opportunity. 

The Grower’s Source Expo is open to anyone involved, directly or indirectly, in cannabis cultivation. This includes the workforce and management of licensed producers (LPs); all passionate growers; and the retailers and service providers supplying LPs and independent growers. The event aims to encourage constructive dialogue between unique stakeholders, putting a spotlight on the complexity of cultivation, and inspiring the community towards improved ways of working.

The event will consist of 2 weeks of networking, discussion groups, product demos, and heavily discounted sales bookings access -— all centered around four days of live-streamed, interactive content specific to each attendee’s role and experience.

Entrance fees are $50 for industry professionals, or $25 for passionate home growers. The $50 entrance offers full access to the Expo, while the $25 ticket offers limited access from February 1 – February 6, including two days of live streamed content. Tickets are on sale starting December 7th at expo.thegrowerssource.com.

Following the Expo, The Grower’s Source will continue to support the cultivation community through The Grower’s Source Broadcast, a cultivation-focused channel of podcasts and video series, and The Grower’s Source Network, an ad-free social network exclusive to growers.

For more information, please contact
Ryveann Elizabeth
Email: Ryveann@munnandaffiliates.com

About the Grower’s Source

Facebook: @thegrowerssource
Instagram: @thegrowerssource
LinkedIn: @the-grower-s-source
Twitter: @growerssource_

About Biofloral
About CANNA Canada
About Munn & Affiliates

PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

Vol. 3: Q&A with Frenchy

Vol. 3: Q&A with Frenchy

Q&A with Frenchy

History of Cannabis Concentrates

Aired: Thursday, December 10, 2020

History of Cannabis Concentrates. Join Frenchy in this free webinar, as he discusses the history of cannabis concentrates and hash making followed by an audience Q&A.

Hosted by: Av Singh, PhD, PAg
Agronomist, Greenstar Plant Products

Duration: 1 Hour

Frenchy Cannoli

Consultant, Educator, Writer

Frenchy Cannoli is a California-based teacher, consultant, artisan and activist dedicated to the production and appreciation of traditional cannabis concentrates.

Frenchy grew up in Nice, France but left home as soon as he could, inspired by the promise of exotic adventure — and by the imported hashish common in late-60s Europe. He lived nomadically for over twenty years, staying with traditional producers and learning techniques handed down over generations. This took him from Morocco, to Mexico, to Nepal, Pakistan and India, where he spent eight growing seasons living in caves and harvesting cannabis resin with Parvati Valley cultivators. Eventually, he settled with his family in California, where early medical access laws let him go from hiding his life’s work to producing legal cannabis concentrates.

Collaborating with legendary Emerald Triangle growers and experimenting with techniques like ageing, Frenchy’s since scaled up to producing “pure gold” (Cannabis Now) for licensed dispensary distribution: “unmatched” hash, with a character “unlike anything that you would ever smell or taste in cannabis [flower]” (Nick Smilgys, Emerald Cup judge). He’s also taken an open-source approach to promoting traditional methods. His “Lost Art of the Hashishin” seminars provide hands-on training for aspiring concentrate-makers, and Frenchy freely shares the same techniques on Youtube, as well as with his 146,000+ Instagram followers. He’s likewise pushed for broader post-legalization public education: beyond working to develop hashish grading standards, Frenchy is a prominent supporter of regional growing certifications for cannabis production, inspired by appellation d’origine contrôlée rules like those protecting the integrity of Bordeaux wines. He’s also developing a feature-length documentary that showcases the challenges legalization has brought to small California farms.

Frenchy’s lively personality and unique expertise make him a sought-after international speaker, on topics such as cannabis terroir, the promise of organic and regenerative cultivation approaches, and the importance of independent “craft” production. He also writes about the science and global history of cannabis for publications including Extraction Magazine (USA), Skunk (Canada), Weed World (England) and Dolce Vita (Italy).

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Agronomist, Greenstar Plant Products

Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty.  Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at  O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.

Vol. 2: Key Considerations Before Building Your CBD Extraction Facility

Vol. 2: Key Considerations Before Building Your CBD Extraction Facility

Key Considerations Before Building Your CBD Extraction Facility

Aired Thursday, November 19, 2020

Are you considering opening a CBD extraction facility? Join Vantage Hemp Co.’s Chief Operating Officer Deepank Utkhede and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Daniel Chinnapen as they take you on a virtual tour of their world-class Colorado-based CBD extraction facility to explore key factors facility operators must consider before their facilities can be up and running. 

Incorporating safety into building design, complying with international fire and building codes, design considerations to prevent product contamination and improve workflow and process efficiency, and factors to consider before selecting extraction equipment will all be covered in this interactive and engaging panel discussion. You won’t want to miss this!

Duration: 1 Hour

Dr. Daniel Chinnapen

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Chinnapen recently joined Vantage as Chief Scientific Officer and is responsible for direction on oversight of the Company’s extraction operations, research and development. Dr. Chinnapen has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and was a principal investigator at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital focused on research into large molecule therapeutic delivery. Dr. Chinnapen also brings extensive experience from various cutting-edge biotech companies focused on biologic drug development. He has publications in peer-reviewed journals and brings a critical eye to the science of CBD supporting the company’s deep-science approach at every step of the process from seed-to-extract

Deepank Utkhede

Chief Operations Officer

Mr. Utkhede has 22 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation and process development and has extensive experience developing robust and commercially scalable manufacturing processes. He has worked extensively developing various pharmaceutical dosage forms — topicals (dermal and ocular), orals (capsules and liquid), parenterals (aseptic and terminally sterilized) — and drug/device combination products with extensive experience in the area of lyophilization, liposome and emulsion technology. Utkhede is also well versed in GMP/FDA regulation.

Bridget Hoffer

Marigold PR (Moderator)

Bridget is the co-founder of Marigold Marketing and PR, a communications strategist and brand expert. She has extensive experience in delivering strategic communications, marketing, and brand programs that achieve results and resonate. Her expertise ranges from developing and managing iconic Canadian brands to refreshed personal brands with effective positioning to ensure relevance and value.

Since 2015, she has been a consultant with individual clients, digital start-ups and PR firms providing communications strategy and planning for business development, expansion and launching new brands. From 2000 to 2014, Bridget was the executive director of CBC communications, marketing, and brand for all CBC English Services. She collaborated with CBC Radio-Canada’s French and Corporates service on national projects. During her tenure, CBC was ranked as one of Canada’s most influential brands by Ipsos. Previous, to her role as executive director, Bridget was director of CBC Radio and CBC regional communications. Before joining CBC, Bridget led the communications teams for the United Way of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Currently, she is a board member for Safetynet services in Oakville, ON.

Av Singh, PhD, PAg

Cultivation Advisor and Chief Science Officer, FS Cannabis

Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.

Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty.  Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at  O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.