BC Cannabis Summit (Submitted image/BCS)

By Pete McIntyre

BC Cannabis Summit

Cannabis industry leaders hold summit in Kelowna

Apr 20, 2022 | 2:14 PM

The state of the B.C. and Canadian cannabis sector is among the topics of discussion at the BC Cannabis Summit which starts today in Kelowna, on the day known in cannabis culture as 420.

The three-day, sold-out event is being co-hosted by the Association for Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) and BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) at the Eldorado Resort.

The slogan used in the event’s logo is ‘Roll It Up. Hash It Out.’

Craft cannabis farmers, processors, independent retailers, Indigenous government leaders, members of Parliament, provincial officials, exhibitors, vendors and sector leaders from across the country are expected to attend and celebrate cannabis.

“What better place to host an important Canadian cannabis summit and celebrate 420 than B.C.?” said ACCRES executive director Jaclynn Pehota. “In addition to marking three years of cannabis legalization, the summit is a significant coming-out celebration for B.C.’s legendary network of cannabis experts. We are ready to present solutions to decision-makers at all levels of government that can create thousands of B.C. jobs over the next five years.”

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“The BC Cannabis Summit will demonstrate that our province’s craft farmers, processors and independent retailers are job creators, small businesses, innovators and engines of sustainable economic growth that can support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery,” said BC Craft Farmers Co-op president Tara Kirkpatrick. “Gatherings like the summit also counter the institutional stigma that still lingers around cannabis. We need to normalize cannabis production as a positive agriculture activity.”

Organizers say with a rich agricultural history, a vibrant Indigenous culture, excellent facilities, and a reputation as a prime tourism destination, the Okanagan is a natural choice to host the inaugural summit, helping position the region as a global cannabis headquarters.

Registration opens today, April 20, at 3:00 p.m. with the opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Eldorado Resort. The summit ends on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

View the agenda and speakers at bccannabissummit.ca.

Keynote remarks will be made by former Westbank First Nation Chief Roxanne Lindley, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and Tourism Kelowna CEO Lisanne Ballantyn.