Owen Smith
J.J. Murray
I work with Victoria Cannabis Co. in setting up their front end retail as well as tour coordination, I have been working in Cannabis for about 8 years, I have experience at almost all levels of this industry and am excited to be able to share a vision of Craft Cannabis and tourism through our Farmgate location as well as open the discussion on ways to expand our industry and get us to a point of Cannabis forward thinking and experiences.
Jodee Dick
Jodee Dick is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in federal land management, governance, and economic development. As CEO of a First Nations development corporation, Jodee brings a wealth of expertise in negotiations, securing funding, project management, feasibility studies, financial management, drafting agreements, land valuation, leasing, government-to-government negotiations, and forestry.
Jodee is a member of the We Wai Kum First Nations from Campbell River, and her work is driven by her commitment to advancing Indigenous economic development and self-determination. Throughout her career, Jodee has demonstrated a track record of success in building strong partnerships and delivering results that benefit Indigenous communities and their partners.
If you’re looking to connect with an experienced leader in Indigenous economic development and land management, be sure to reach out to Jodee on LinkedIn.
Daniel Penny
Daniel Penny has spent most of his life in his hometown of Williams Lake, BC and joined WLFN in 2018 as an Economic Development Project Manager. Intrigued by the cannabis industry, Daniel passionately jumped into the space and became the COO of Sugar Cane Cannabis and Unity Cannabis, WLFN’s micro-cultivation and cannabis retail enterprises.
As a former Wildland Fire Fighter, Daniel brings that same sense of hustle to the business world and is an integral part of WLFN’s ascent to becoming a national leader in the world of cannabis
Andrew Scott
Have been working in the cannabis industry in Canada since legalization in 2018.
Previously worked with a Licensed Producer as the Director of Business Development, focused on domestic b2b wholesale.
Recently joined CCX in April working as a broker on domestic deals and also growing the international side of our business working with internationally certified facilities and international buyers.
David Hume
In 2022, David Hume was appointed as Assistant Deputy Minister and General Manager of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
David joined the Province of B.C. full-time in May 2009 in the role of Executive Director of Citizen Engagement. Prior to joining government, David has worked in various consulting and project roles with the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Province of New Brunswick, the Federal Government, and the Government of New Zealand. Starting out in 2002 with an organization called the KTA Centre for Collaborative Governance and continuing as the owner/operator of his own firm, most of his work has been focussed on building better services and better ways of engaging the public in public policy.
Prior to his appointment with the LCRB, David was Assistant Deputy Minister of the Government Digital Experience (GDX) Division. He was appointed in February 2017, and in July 2019 the GDX team joined the Ministry of Citizens’ Services from Government Communications and Public Engagement. As ADM of GDX, David was responsible for using public engagement to help create citizen centred policy and services, and leveraging government’s main web presence, www.gov.bc.ca, to improve services for citizens. In addition, David was responsible for technology services to Government Communication and Public Engagement (GCPE).
In 2011, David was a Premier’s Award finalist in the Leadership-Vancouver Island category. Watch his video.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and English from the University of Victoria.
Shannon Dames
Shannon (she/her) is a third-generation immigrant with British, Norwegian and German Heritage. She is a mother of two tweens and a life partner of 20 years. She served as the spearheading founder and current team member of the Roots to Thrive program, Vancouver Island University’s (VIUs) Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate education program, and VIUs Naut sa Mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research. She is a published author with expertise in nursing practice, resilience development, and psychedelic-assisted therapy service delivery, research, and education. She holds a doctorate in education, a master’s in public health, and is a registered nurse. She works across agencies and disciplines to develop collaborative service delivery, education and research in psychedelic medicine. Her current work focuses on the development of research infrastructure that supports psychedelic service delivery and education development with Vancouver Island University, and promoting resiliency and reconciliation through a relational approach, working across cultures and silos. Her work acknowledges multiple ways of knowing, with a specific interest in collaborating to understand how Western and Indigenous ways of knowing might be shared for the healing benefit of all.
Joshua Beckett
Founder of the Southern gulf island’s only micro producer, Magi Cannabis, I’m a second generation grower from Saltspring Island.
John Berfleo
“A Green Warrior: John Berfelo’s Quest for Cannabis Awareness”
John Berfelo’s life took a dramatic turn on a fateful day when he fell from a height of 28 feet, sustaining severe injuries that forever changed the course of his life. The pain that followed was excruciating, and the conventional medications prescribed to him were only a temporary solution. But, a glimmer of hope emerged when he discovered the therapeutic potential of cannabis, an ancient plant that has been used for millennia.
As John explored the potential of cannabis, he delved into the world of cannabinoid therapy and began to educate himself about the remarkable properties of the plant’s active compounds. He quickly discovered that cannabinoids interacted with the body’s endocannabinoid system, offering an array of potential therapeutic benefits. With this newfound knowledge, John took the bold step to treat himself with cannabis and found relief from the debilitating pain that plagued him.
John’s journey led him to a passionate mission of educating others about the benefits of cannabis. He knew he had to share his knowledge with the world, and he started by contributing articles to various publications, including Treating Yourself Magazine. In issue 39, he openly shared his story of survival and recovery, highlighting how cannabis helped him regain his quality of life.
In issue 21 of the magazine, John explained the science behind the effectiveness of cannabis, elaborating on the role of amino acids in the body’s response to cannabinoids. His insights broke down the complex interactions between cannabinoids and the body, helping his readers understand the potential benefits of cannabis as a medicine.
John’s efforts caught the attention of the cannabis community, and soon he became a well-known figure in the movement to promote the medical applications of cannabis. His tireless advocacy involved organizing seminars, participating in rallies, and even lobbying government officials to change the legal landscape of cannabis in Canada.
John’s compelling speeches at various conferences resonated with patients and healthcare professionals alike, as he presented real-world evidence of cannabis’ therapeutic potential. His bold advocacy not only raised awareness but also inspired others to share their stories and seek alternative treatments for their conditions.
Today, John Berfelo stands as a beacon of hope for those suffering from chronic pain, advocating for a world where cannabinoid therapy is recognized as a legitimate medical treatment. He continues his relentless pursuit to educate, inspire, and empower patients and the general public, creating a wave of change that echoes far beyond the borders of Canada.
In the eyes of many, John Berfelo is more than an activist; he is a green warrior who has dedicated his life to the advocacy of cannabis as a natural medicine. His efforts to promote cannabis awareness and education have undoubtedly made a significant impact, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit countless individuals for generations to come.
