Wednesday January 21 – Morning Highlights

2026 Vancouver, Grow Up News

Wednesday, January 21st – Morning Highlights — Grow Up Vancouver 2026

Wednesday, January 21 | AM Programming Recap

The final day of Grow Up Vancouver 2026 opened with a strong lineup of future-focused conversations, technical masterclasses, and interactive sessions that addressed global expansion, cultivation innovation, genetics, Indigenous leadership, and retail experience.

Wednesday morning reflected the industry’s next chapter — one rooted in export readiness, data-driven production, genetic integrity, community leadership, and experiential retail.

Export Ready: What You Need to Know

High North Main Stage | 10:00 AM

Day 3 began with a deep dive into international markets and what it truly takes for Canadian cannabis companies to become export ready.

Moderated by Deepak Anand (Principal, ASDA Consultancy Services), the panel featured Dr. Brigitte Simons (President & CEO, Safari Flower Co), Edward Woo (VP International Business Development, Village Farms Canadian Cannabis), and Sunny Gill (Founder & CEO, Apigen).

Panelists explored regulatory frameworks, quality standards, formulation considerations, and logistics across flower, concentrates, and edibles, with particular attention paid to the growing global demand for concentrates. The discussion emphasized preparation, compliance, and strategic positioning as essential components for long-term export success.

Dialing It In: You Can’t Know What You Don’t Know

Ballroom B | 10:15 AM

This cultivation masterclass focused on how modern sensor technology is reshaping cannabis production.

Speakers included Adam Clarke (CEO, West Coast Weedery), Alexandre Gauthier (VP of R&D & Director of Cultivation, Origine Nature), Angie Fulton (Director of Cultivation, Rubicon Organics), David Sandelman (COO & Co-Founder, Cannatrol), and Matt Sawler (Facility Manager, EastCann).

The session explored real-time environmental monitoring, automation, and data integration, highlighting how precision tools help cultivators improve consistency, reduce waste, and proactively address issues before they impact crop quality.

Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: Phenohunting for Today’s Market

Exhibit Hall A | 10:30 AM

Genetics took center stage with an in-depth discussion on phenohunting strategies and how genetic selection aligns with market demand.

Moderated by Daniel Joly (Courtside Genetics), the panel featured Dustan McLean (Chief Grow Officer Consulting), Jonathan Fernandes (Green Amber), Sylvain Gaudreau (CANASYGA), and William Fournier (Mauve et Herbes).

Speakers shared insights on cultivation considerations, consumer preferences, and how phenohunting decisions impact commercial viability, consistency, and brand differentiation.

Indigenous Cannabis in BC: Current Landscape and Emerging Opportunities

High North Main Stage | 10:45 AM

This important panel highlighted the growing role of Indigenous leadership in British Columbia’s cannabis industry.

Moderated by Michelle Corfield (Founder, BC Cann), the discussion featured Daniel Penny (Unity Cannabis), Stacey Duffy (All Nations), and Vikram Sachdeva (Seed & Stone).

Panelists shared firsthand perspectives on Indigenous-led projects, regulatory navigation, partnerships, and pathways for economic growth, emphasizing collaboration, self-determination, and long-term opportunity within the provincial cannabis landscape.

Shooting the Shit: Grower’s Circle Knowledge Dump

Ballroom B | 11:15 AM

Designed as an open, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, this masterclass encouraged candid conversation among cultivators.

Participants included Adam Mint (Paradise Valley Botanics), Chad Rigby (Grodan), Dustan McLean (Chief Grow Officer Consulting), Jeff Aubin (Smoker Farms), and Joshua Beckett (Magi Cannabis).

The session covered real-world cultivation challenges and solutions — from lighting and nutrients to pest management and propagation — offering attendees practical takeaways grounded in experience rather than theory.

Upselling Through Experience

High North Main Stage | 11:30 AM

Presented by Tether, this interactive session focused on retail strategy and the budtender’s role in enhancing customer experience.

Moderated by Jodie Giesz-Ramsay (Cannabis Culture), speakers included Amber Craig (Spark Business Strategies), Dr. Lucas McCann (CannDelta Inc.), and Ripley Halfyard (Cosmic Cannabis).

Through guided scenarios, the session demonstrated how thoughtful, experience-driven upselling can increase basket size while ensuring customers leave with products that genuinely meet their needs.

From Seed to Commercialization

Exhibit Hall A | 11:30 AM

Running concurrently, this genetics session examined the full journey from breeding to large-scale commercialization.

Moderated by Kevin Jodrey (One Log Cookies R&D Facility), panelists included Daniel Joly (Courtside Genetics), Mat Beren (Great Gardener Farms), Mike Mountain (Relevant Genetic Consulting), and Tyson Cramer (Peak Profit Yields).

The discussion highlighted breeding practices, early plant development, infrastructure scaling, and the importance of genetic integrity in commercial success.

Photo Gallery

Explore highlights from Wednesday morning below, featuring panels, masterclasses, interactive sessions, and the final day’s opening moments at Grow Up Vancouver 2026. Photos by Dominic Chan.