Niyaaz Alikhan
Imran Rashid
Imran Rashid’s mission is to bridge the knowledge gap in cannabis extracts through simple explanations and accessible resources. Entering extraction in 2013, he has witnessed a vast transformation in the field with new products, processes, and terms. He works closely with a leading Canadian manufacturer of extraction systems, helping lead R&D, installations, and operator training. Recognizing a need for clarity, Imran founded Extractwise to demystify the jargon and translate complex science into clear, user-friendly explanations.
Nayyir Sunderji
“Nayyir Sunderji is the Director of Business Development at We Know Training (WKT), where he leads market development and manages CannSell, Canada’s largest cannabis retail training program. His journey in the cannabis industry began in 2019 as a budtender at one of Ontario’s first 25 retail stores. From there, he became an operational manager at Friendly Stranger, helped launch a chain of stores as a multi-unit manager, and later joined Cronos Group, working nationally with government buyers across supply chain, sales, and operations.
With deep industry experience from front-line retail to licensed production, he now focuses on building the infrastructure, technology, and networks that support cannabis education and verifiable credentials through WKT.
A passionate mentor and coach, Nayyir’s expertise lies in driving revenue, strategic growth, and data-informed decision-making. He has recently spoken at Grow Up 2024, Palette Skills Sales Boot Camp, and Humber College’s Careers in Cannabis 2025, and serves as an ongoing mentor with The Sales Network.
He’s driven to create business impact and build pathways for others to grow in cannabis and beyond.”
Kevin Varner
Shan Mei Young Tai
Shan Mei is a Nurse Practitioner, Ayurvedic Practitioner and Medical Cannabis Consultant. She has been a health care provider for over 20 years and has been working in the cannabis space for the last 7 years. Her approach to health is integrative, bridging Eastern, Western and Plant Medicine. Shan Mei has worked with clinics and LPs to provide medical cannabis authorizations to patient of all ages, and to support patients with the ACMPR process. In a clinical leadership role, she has been working to improve the medical cannabis process, making it more efficient and patient centred. As a speaker at conferences, seminars and community events, Shan Mei seeks to educate both patients and health care professionals in order to break down barriers to access, reduce stigma and advocate for cannabis as medicine.
Ro Fernando
My journey in the cannabis industry has been shaped by invaluable mentorship from pioneers like Subcool (RIP), who introduced me to the importance of terpenes and high-quality genetics. Collaborating with Subcool, I played a key role in developing the first Subcool seed lines, deepening my commitment to organic, premium cannabis cultivation. I also had the privilege of learning from BC Bubbleman (Marcus), who taught me the intricacies of full-melt hash extraction using water and ice.
These foundational experiences inspired me to establish Heavenly Daze in British Columbia, where we specialize in cultivating rare, long-flowering cannabis genetics. Shortly after founding Heavenly Daze, I expanded into extraction research and development, focusing on innovative approaches to cannabis extraction and continually advancing the industry.
Jeff Curtis
Jeff Curtis is the co-founder of Boro and Beyond, an industry-leading media production and consulting company, and TruQuartz, a brand specializing in cannabis concentrate accessories. With a decade of experience in photography, videography, and cannabis advocacy, Jeff has become a prominent voice in the industry. He has shared his insights on notable platforms such as the Legacies and Certicraft podcasts and was a speaker at the 2023 Grow Up event. Since 2015, Boro and Beyond has been at the forefront of media production in the cannabis industry and product development to serve important gaps in the market. From 2015 to 2018, it was the first and only 100% Canadian glass gallery with a photo studio upstairs, serving as a central hub for photography for many of Vancouver’s dispensaries. Jeff’s passion for visual storytelling and attention to detail has helped shape the image of the cannabis industry in British Columbia. Boro and Beyond has expanded its operations to provide high-quality video and photography services across multiple industries. Jeff and his team have actively collaborated with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, becoming the first to secure an open letter supporting cannabis consumption spaces. Their advocacy has also earned the company a nomination for Business of the Year 2023, while Jeff himself has been nominated for Young Professional of the Year, recognizing their dedication to both media excellence and cannabis advocacy. As the co-founder of TruQuartz, a cannabis concentrate accessories brand, Jeff is pioneering the space by offering high-quality products made from premium sourced materials. TruQuartz focuses on providing consumers and retailers with durable, high-performing accessories at affordable prices, positioning itself as a trusted brand in the market. Through high profile partnerships with producers/retailers and a commitment to excellence, Jeff is helping to raise the standard for cannabis accessories.
Carmen Kinshella
Boxx is a Canadian brand that is raising the bar in customized storage. Never has there been a large enough case with all these customizable options. We want to provide North America’s families with a versatile lockable Boxx that can be used for multiple purposes all to protect your family and also unwanted smells.
Ryan Rinsma
Ryan Rinsma, the founder of Sweedies Cannabis and its renowned brand Casa Di Fiore, has been a dedicated cultivator since 2012. He initially gained recognition through Columbia Coast Collective, an online brand showcasing premium local cannabis products. His expertise caught the attention of Habitat, where he spent three years mastering organic Deep Water Culture (DWC) techniques. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Ryan continues to influence the cannabis industry through his work with Sweedies Cannabis.
Chris Johnson
Chris has been actively working in the Cannabis industry since 2018, working in many avenues of the industry ranging from retail start-ups to running international extraction facilities. He also does work in the burgeoning psychedelics industry, growing psilocybin mushrooms for research purposes.
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