Tues January 20 – Morning Highlights

2026 Vancouver, Grow Up News

Tuesday, January 20 | AM Programming Recap

Day 2 of Grow Up Vancouver 2026 opened with a full slate of industry-defining conversations, technical masterclasses, and high-value networking, setting the tone for a packed Tuesday across the conference floor.

From macro-level policy and retail discussions on the High North Main Stage to deep scientific and cultivation-focused sessions in Ballroom B and the CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone, the morning programming reflected the diversity, complexity, and momentum of Canada’s cannabis industry.

Opening Remarks

High North Main Stage | 10:00 AM

The morning began with welcoming remarks from Randy Rowe, President of Grow Up Cannabis Conference & Expo. His address officially kicked off Day 2, welcoming attendees back and highlighting the importance of collaboration, education, and dialogue as the industry continues to evolve.

State of the Industry: Challenges, Best Practices & the Road Ahead

High North Main Stage | 10:10 AM

Moderated by Dr. Sherry Boodram (CEO & Co-Founder, CannDelta Inc.), this flagship panel brought together senior leaders from across the cannabis ecosystem to examine the current realities facing the industry.

Panelists included:

Margaret Brodie, CEO, Rubicon Organics
Megan Preik, Founder & CEO, Accelerated Quality Solutions
Rudi Schiebel, CEO & Founder, Habitat Life
Shannon Kloet, Partner, Tamerlane Trading Co.
Vikram Sachdeva, Founder & CEO, Seed & Stone

Discussion topics ranged from regulatory pressure and price compression to supply-chain efficiency, retail innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The session offered a candid assessment of what is working, what needs to change, and how adaptability is critical to long-term sustainability.

Masterclass: The Microbial Connection — Unlocking the Role of Endophytes in Cannabis Growth

Ballroom B | 10:30 AM

This science-focused masterclass featured Dr. Zamir Punja (Simon Fraser University) and Liam Buirs (Village Farms Canadian Cannabis), exploring the role of endophytes — symbiotic microbes living within plant tissues — in cannabis cultivation.

Attendees gained insight into how endophytes influence nutrient uptake, stress resilience, terpene and cannabinoid expression, and overall plant health, along with practical applications for commercial production and sustainable cultivation.

Bypassing the Bottleneck: Direct Delivery for Growers & Retailers in BC

High North Main Stage | 11:00 AM

Moderated by Jaclynn Pehota (Executive Director, Althing Consulting), this retail-focused panel examined BC’s Direct Delivery model and its impact on growers and retailers.

Panelists included:

Andrea Dobbs, Village Bloomery
Jonathan Fernandes, Green Amber
Kyra Horvath, Pineapple Buds
Laina Yates, Mercari Agency

The discussion explored real-world strategies for improving margins, speeding time-to-market, strengthening brand relationships, and differentiating retail offerings through direct partnerships.

Brands & Buyers Speed Networking (Morning Session)

Exhibit Hall A | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Running concurrently with stage programming, the morning Brands & Buyers Speed Networking session brought together cannabis brands and approved retail buyers in a fast-paced, structured networking environment. The event provided a valuable platform for product discovery, relationship building, and business development.

CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone — Morning Sessions

Exhibit Hall A | 11:00 AM onward

The CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone officially launched with an introduction by Daniel Joly (Courtside Genetics) and Kevin Jodrey (One Log Cookies R&D Facility), setting the stage for a day focused on genetics, preservation, and breeding innovation.

This was followed by:

Breeding Cannabis: From Concept to Success
Ryan Lee, Founder, Chimera Genetic Resource Management

Masterclass: LSO Growing & Re-Amending Soils

Ballroom B | 11:30 AM

This cultivation masterclass tackled the realities of maintaining long-term living soil systems. Speakers Amanda Renner, David Bernard Perron, Devon Thane, and Travis Lane shared practical strategies for diagnosing soil imbalances, restoring microbial diversity, and sustaining healthy, productive grows.

Turning Data into Dollars: Consumer Trends & Retail Optimization

High North Main Stage | 11:45 AM

Moderated by Katie Pringle (Marigold PR), this panel focused on how retailers can turn consumer data into actionable strategies.

Panelists included:

Andrew Gordon, Eggs Canna
Meaghan Ralston, Maggie Jane Marketing
Michael Colbourne, Neobi Technology Corp.
Riel Roussopoulos, Breadstack

The session explored consumer behaviour, inventory management, pricing strategies, and compliant promotional tools designed to drive profitability in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Why Landraces Matter: Himalayan Cannabis Genetics

Exhibit Hall A | 12:00 PM

The morning concluded with a genetics presentation by Ed Rosenthal, who took attendees on a deep dive into Himalayan landrace cannabis genetics. Drawing from decades of research and experience, Rosenthal highlighted the importance of preservation, adaptation, and genetic diversity in modern breeding.

Photo Gallery

Browse highlights from Tuesday morning below, featuring keynote moments, panel discussions, masterclasses, networking, and the CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone.