Tommy Chong Returns Home

We are thrilled to announce that Tommy Chong, legendary cannabis advocate, comedian, and actor, will be returning to his hometown of Edmonton to participate in a series of special events, including our Kick-Off Riverboat Party, meet-n-greet and an interview with his son Paris.

Keynote: Minister Nally

The Impact of the Red Tape Reduction Act on Alberta’s Cannabis Industry

Learn how the Red Tape Reduction Act is reshaping Alberta’s cannabis industry. We will discuss the progress made in reducing regulatory hurdles, enhancing sampling and retail experiences, and explore future initiatives such as farmgate sales and public consumption.

Canadian Cannabis Championship

Grow Up is proud to be bringing the Canadian Cannabis Championship back to Alberta, Sunday September 29, 2024, at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The top licensed producers in cannabis flower/pre-rolls/vape catridges and concentrates will be competing for the title of best in Canada by live judging in the Grow Up Consumption Lounge. Consumers welcome.

Canada's Largest Industry Tradeshow

Get your company in front of top growers, the best brands, largest retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, hundreds of top speakers/keynotes and thousands of delegates.

Riverboat Kick-off Party Early

Limited Seats to this Exclusive Event

Saturday September 28, 2024 (8:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Riverboat Kick-off Party aboard the Edmonton Queen. This exclusive event is limited to just 150 tickets, offering an intimate setting to kick off the Grow Up Alberta weekend. Your ticket grants you access to a night filled with food, music, and the stunning scenery of Edmonton’s River Valley. A special opportunity to meet cannabis icon Tommy Chong as we cruise along the river. Enjoy the beats of a live DJ. Drinks will be available for purchase at the cash bar.

Retail Buyer Application

Grow Up brings Brands and Buyers together.

Are you ready to take your cannabis retail business to new heights? Step into the Brand and Buyers Zone, where retail store owners, managers, and buyers can connect with industry-leading brands and uncover the latest cannabis products and innovations.

Previous Speaking Engagements at Grow Up:
2022 Niagara Falls | 2024

George Smitherman

George Smitherman brings cannabis sector expertise alongside four decades of political and governmental service at the local, provincial and national level including roles as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Toronto and as a senior assistant to Provincial and Federal ministers.

During 10 years of elected service – beginning in 1999 – Smitherman gained distinction as the first openly gay member of the Ontario Legislature, as the longest serving Minister of Health and with his appointment as Deputy Premier. During his tenure as a senior government minister, George passed 10 pieces of legislation and was responsible for the allocation of more than $200 Billion – including managing Ontario’s participation in the infrastructure stimulus program – stemming from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Following his 2010 loss in a race for Toronto Mayor, George has been focused on building businesses and supporting his growing family. As a founder of three companies and as a Director of several public companies, George has worked to leverage his broad sectoral knowledge in order to build value for shareholders and customers.

Since 2014, George’s primary focus has been in the cannabis sector where he led the development of a cannabis licence application under the MMPR regulations, latterly he served as a Director to two small cannabis LP’s and most recently worked in a corporate role for an LP.

George was widowed in 2013 and left to raise two small children. George was remarried in 2017 to Rolando Salomon Laurencio. Together with Michael (2008) and Kayla (2010) the family enjoys time in Toronto and occasionally Havana.

In the community, George’s primary advocacy has been related to HIV / AIDs, where George first encountered the benefits of medicinal cannabis in the 1990s.

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