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Policy & Regulations
Cultivation, Processing & Manufacturing
Retail
Networking & Socializing
Expert Panels
CANNABIS SUMMIT COMING TO
PRINCE GEORGE ON 4/20/24 WEEKEND
The BC Craft Farmers Co-Op (BCCFC) announced today plans to host the 2024 BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit from April 19-21 in Prince George, BC on the traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. BC craft cannabis farmers, processors, independent retailers, Indigenous organizations, government officials, and other sector leaders are invited to participate in a three-day Summit that will put a spotlight on one of BC’s best-kept cannabis secrets.
“Northern British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s and the world’s most skilled, experienced and passionate craft cannabis farmers,” said BCCFC President Tara Kirkpatrick. “Over the past two years, the BCCFC has been fortunate to experience the incredible hospitality of the Westbank First Nation and the City of Kelowna for two sold out BC Cannabis Summits. This year, we are eager to embark on a new journey with a dedicated team in Prince George, highlighting the talents and commitment of Northern BC craft cannabis farmers, processors, and independent retailers.”
To support the Summit, BCCFC is establishing a planning committee which includes representatives from the Prince George Community Futures Development office, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Prince George, downtown businesses, Prince George Observatory, licensed cannabis retailers, farmers, and hemp producers. BCCFC will also invite City of Prince George officials and First Nations representatives to participate.
“In addition to showcasing the diversity of BC’s cannabis sector, the 2024 BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit will benefit the local economy and shine a light on how medical cannabis access can safely treat chronic disease and opioid addiction,” said BCCFC Vice President Richard Willems. “We look forward to rolling out the green carpet and safely celebrating cannabis together in Prince George on 4/20/24.”
REGISTRATION DETAILS ARE PROVIDED BELOW
“This year’s BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit will also be an opportunity to strenthen our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, fight for improvements to the federal Cannabis Act, and encourage the BC government to start treating craft cannabis farmers, independent retailers, and BC municipalities more fairly,” said BCCFC Director Jonathan Fernandes. “Managed properly, BC’s craft and indigenous cannabis industry can mitigate downturns in traditional sectors like forestry by creating thousands of legal jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity in all regions of the province.”
BCCFC was established in 2020 under the BC Cooperatives Act to help BC’s craft cannabis farmers transition to the legal marketplace, protect BC’s global cannabis brand, and make sure medical and recreation consumers have access to the best quality cannabis in the world.
For more information and to register for the Summit email us at:
ABOUT PRINCE GEORGE
Along the TransCanada Yellowhead, you’ll find Prince George offering you big city pleasure with backwoods adventure. Located at the junction of Highways 16 & 97 and the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers, you’ll find all the amenities the largest BC city on the Yellowhead has to offer.
While visiting Prince George, you will find top notch theatre, accommodations, restaurants, and unique gift stores. Test your skills on one of the six picturesque golf courses, or try your luck fishing any of the 1600 lakes in the area. Within an hour’s drive of the city limits are provincial and regional parks and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities just waiting for you to explore. Whether you enjoy being outdoors or indoors, Prince George has it all!
SUMMIT AGENDA
Click the plus icon to expand the agenda for each date. Speakers, panelists, and exhibitors will be published soon.
FRIDAY APRIL 19
Noon Registration Opens
1:00pm Media Availability
BCCFC officials and partners available to members of media for interviews in advance of the 2024 BC Craft Cannabis Summit.
2:00 2024 Summit Opening
- First Nations Greetings and Prayer
- Speaker 1: Special Guest TBC
- Speaker 2: Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament (West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky), Chair of All Party House of Commons Caucuses for both Cannabis and Tourism Caucuses, House of Commons Finance Committee member
3:00 Roundtable: Cannabis Act Review and Federal Budget
Facilitated discussion and Q&A with speakers and BCCFC President regarding the recent Expert Panel review of the Cannabis Act and results of the federal budget which is expected to be released days before the Summit.
- How will the Expert Panel’s recommendations impact BC cannabis and hemp industries? What happens next?
- Will the federal government respond to concerns about the Excise Tax? What if they don’t?
4:00pm Conclude Day One Program
Preview Day Two
4:20pm BC Cannabis Caravan Arrival at Epik Retail
Celebration
Private Evening Gatherings
SATURDAY APRIL 20
8:30am Day Two Opening Reception – Trade Show
Coffee, mingle, wake, bake (optional) and spotlight Summit partners.
9:00am Perspectives: The Front Line of BC Cannabis
- Craft Farmer: Tyson Wall, Kush Mountain Craft (5 mins)
- Micro Processor: To be Announced!
- Independent Retailer: To Be Announced!
- Feature Speaker: Mike Schilling, Community Savings Credit Union CEO (10 mins)
9:30am Roundtable: State of BC Craft Cannabis
Facilitated discission and Q&A with speakers focused on identifying solutions and actions needed to support BC craft farmers, processors and independent retailers.
- Is the system fair for small cannabis businesses? What can be done to level the playing field?
- What happens if the government does not make changes proposed by experts and stakeholders?
10:15am Trade Show Break
10:45am Cannabis Agritourism Case Study
Dr. Susan Dupej, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Post-Doctoral Fellow and Sessional Lecturer at University of Guelph School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management
Dr. Dupej will present a new agritourism case study on Norther California’s world-famous ‘Emerald Traingle’ and how this research can be applied to British Columbia, another historically world-renowned region for cannabis cultivation. This is first time Dr. Dupej is presenting this new research in Canada.
11:15am Roundtable: BC Bud: Defining BC Craft Cannabis in the Legal Market
Facilitated discussion and Q&A with Dr. Dupej and other panelists regarding opportunities to leverage BC’s historic cannabis brand into international tourism, Indigenous Reconciliation and education opportunities.
- How do we define BC craft cannabis in the legal market?
- How can consumers become more involved in driving sector change?
Noon Lunch Break
1:00pm Remarks: Special Guest
- To be Announced!
1:30pm Opening Remarks: Compassionate Cannabis
- John Conroy, K.C, Conroy and Company
2:00pm Roundtable: The Future of Medical Access
Facilitated roundtable discussion and Q&A with Mr. Conroy and panelists about opportunities and challenges associated with ongoing medical access to cannabis.
- Is special medical access still relevant post-prohibition, as the Expert Panel suggested?
- Should medical access be expanded to help respond to the overdose crisis?
- Do we need still need a medical access program?
3:00pm Trade Show Break
3:15pm Roundtable: Community Futures Development
Prince George’s Community Futures Development will host a panel discussion focused on
Northern BC cannabis and hemp sectors. In addition to featuring local cannabis sector leaders,
CFDC will highlight assistance available to cannabis licence holders.
4:00pm Conclude Day Two Program
Preview Day Three
4:20pm Street Party – 4/20/2024
Private Evening Gatherings
SUNDAY APRIL 21
8:30am Trade Show Reception
Coffee, mingle, wake, bake (optional) and spotlight Summit partners.
9:00am Special Delegate Assembly: Direct Cannabis Sales – Creating our Own Supply Chain
Facilitated dialogue focused on how craft farmers, processors and independent retailers can come together with BCCFC and effectively create their own cannabis supply chain under the current provincial and federal regulatory framework.
- What resources are required to achieve an independent BC cannabis supply chain?
- Is there an opportunity for a pilot-project in the region?
- What partnerships exist with First Nation producers and retailers?
- What immediate changes should BCCFC and sector partners be advocating for with provincial and federal governments over the coming year?
10:15am Summit Break – Trade Show Conclusion
10:30am Closed Session with Summit Delegate: Special Announcement TBC
More details to follow. No media access.
11:30am Closing Remarks – Tara Kirkpatrick, President of BC Craft Farmers Co-Op
- First Nations acknowledgement
- Thanks to partners
- Action Items and Next Steps
- Media availability
11:45am 2024 Summit Closing
- Media Availability. Depart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What are the rates and different options for the summit?
There are two rate categories for the three-day 2024 BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit:
BC Craft Farmers Co-Op (BCCFC) Members and Independent Cannabis Retailers
- Three Day Pass – $94.20 plus tax
Non-BCCFC Members and General Public (Adults Only)
- Three Day Pass – $144.20 plus tax
All passes include:
- Access to all panels and presentations
- Access to the Trade Show
- Access to networking events
- Access to recordings of panels and presentations following the event
For more information and to register for the Summit email us at:
How can I become a partner?
BCCFC has a limited number of Summit partnership packages available for cannabis sector supporters. Like admission, BCCFC members and independent retailers receive reduced rates. Contact our planning committee at info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com to inquire about rates and availability. Some packages include hotel accommodation and at least two summit VIP passes.
How can I get a booth display at the Summit?
BCCFC has a limited number of booth and display space available for cannabis sector supporters. Like admission and Summit partnerships, BCCFC members and independent retailers receive reduced rates for booths and displays. Contact our planning committee at info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com to inquire about rates and availability. Booth packages include two summit VIP passes.
Where should I stay?
BCCFC has established an agreement with the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre to offer reduced rates for registered delegates. A confidential link will be distributed to delegates and Summit partners after they RSVP for the summit at info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com.
Tourism Prince George’s website includes a list of other places to stay at www.tourismpg.com.
Where should I eat?
Tourism Prince George’s website includes a lot of great information about places to stay, shop, eat and explore in Prince George. Check out www.tourismpg.com.
Where should I park?
Ramada Hotel guests will have access to parking with their booking. More parking information will follow as downtown venues are announced.
INDUSTRY IMPRESSIONS
