Thought Leaders

Our clients and friends have made themselves available for
questions, insights, interviews, and media appearances

Ashleigh Brown, SheCann Cannabis

Cannabis Advocacy & Education

Ashleigh Brown is the founder and CEO of SheCann Cannabis, the country’s largest and most engaged community resource for medical cannabis patients. As a patient herself, she works alongside stakeholders, industry members and regulators to provide a patient-centric view of the medical cannabis system. Ashleigh has been named Canada’s top cannabis educator twice since the groups’ inception in 2017 with honours from Lift, Leafly, and O’Cannabiz.

SheCann was recently voted Canada’s favourite advocacy group: an honour that Ashleigh says belongs to the ~10,000 members and followers that make it such an important resource for patients.

Elias Theodorou

Cannabis Athlete (MMA)

Elias “The Spartan” Theodorou, is a top-ranked middleweight fighter who amassed an impressive 8-3 record during his time in the UFC. Elias is committed to fighting the stigma of medical cannabis in athletics, being the first to compete in Canada in professional competition as a ‘cannabis athlete.’ In January 2020, he became the first professional athlete to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for medical cannabis, the first in combat sports or professional sports. Elias has transcended the stereotypes of a fighter by employing his advertising degree and corporate experience in the development, creation, and production of personal and corporate brands, including The Mane Event™, The Ring Boy™ and Weedbae™ When Elias is not busy training or competing, he’s working on several films and various TV projects. Elias is committed to using his growing platform to expand his reach beyond MMA and to fight for acceptance of medical cannabis in professional sports.

High Tide - Canna Cabana

LP & Cannabis Retail

High Tide is a retail-focused cannabis company enhanced by the manufacturing and distribution of consumption accessories. The Company is the largest Canadian retailer of recreational cannabis as measured by revenue, with 80+ branded retail cannabis locations spanning Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. High Tide’s retail segment features the Canna Cabana, KushBar, Meta Cannabis Co., Meta Cannabis Supply Co. and NewLeaf Cannabis banners, with additional locations under development across the country. High Tide has been serving consumers for over a decade through its numerous consumption accessory businesses including e-commerce platforms Grasscity.com and CBDcity.com, and its wholesale distribution division under Valiant Distribution, including the licensed entertainment product manufacturer Famous Brandz. High Tide’s strategy as a parent company is to extend and strengthen its integrated value chain, while providing a complete customer experience and maximizing shareholder value. Key industry investors in High Tide include Aphria Inc. (TSX:APHA) (NYSE:APHA) and Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE:ACB) (TSX:ACB).

Deepak Anand

CEO, Materia Ventures

Mr. Anand has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the global cannabis industry. He is a public speaker and is regularly engaged with Canadian and International media on all subjects related to the Cannabis industry.

He holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Management from Vancouver Island University. He is a recognized thought leader and brings 15 years of leadership experience in the health, charitable/non-profit, and private sectors in Canada.

Within the global cannabis sector, Mr. Anand has worked with senior government officials, politicians, policymakers, health professional organizations, clinical practitioners, educators,
investors, patients as well as producers. He has also served on the boards of various pharmaceutical associations across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Dynaleo - Sunshower - DynaThrive - Pocket Fives

The Gummies Experts

Dynaleo is an Edmonton, Alberta-based licensed processor that is focused on manufacturing cannabis-infused adult soft-chews. Dynaleo’s purpose-built manufacturing plant contains specialized production equipment to produce precisely dosed cannabinoid infused edibles for the Canadian market. Dynaleo’s mission is to create the finest infused soft chews that enable consumers to enjoy cannabinoids, without the negative health effects of inhalation. Learn more at www.dynaleo.com and follow progress on InstagramTwitter, and LinkedIn.

Jeannette Vandermarel

Medical Cannabis Entrepreneur

As a pediatric ICU nurse, Jeannette knows first-hand the power of therapies that work for patients. After the death of her daughter Breanne in 2003, from a childhood form of epilepsy, her journey to relieve suffering through medical cannabis began. Jeannette co-founded The Green Organic Dutchman (TSE: TGOD), one of the first licensed producers in Canada. She is also co-founder of Good & Green, former co-CEO of 48 North (TSX.V: NRTH.V), and holds many advisory and board appointments across the Canadian cannabis industry.

 

“Hardworking, humble, collaborative teams will make the difference to patients and partners, from soil to sale. We are at a crucial point in the Canadian medical cannabis industry.”

Nicholas Nedin

Greenhouse Cannabis Entrepreneur

Nicholas Nedin is currently the Product Development and Quality Assurance Manager at Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Crop. Nicholas has been working in the Canadian Cannabis Industry since 2016, starting as a Research and Development consultant, he leveraged years in an array of positions in hospitality, manufacturing and beverage alcohol to provide insights for cannabis companies on how to bring unique cannabis products and brands to market, while fitting their operations into government based grant structures and tax incentive programs.

 

In his free time, Nicholas produced more than 150 podcast episodes for The Cannabis Act Podcast, The Flower Hour Podcast, and The Cannalysts. He is also a regular contributor to Inside The Jar, writing about Cannabis, food and popular culture. He was also an executive member of The Podcast Mashup along with The Cannalysts, CFAMM, Lift & Co, and Ernst & Young, helping raise over $30,000 for Cannabis related charities in 2019.

Kalvara

Innovative THC Beverage Brand

Kalvara is powered by the unique Vessl® infusion technology, protecting sensitive ingredients until the moment of consumption, helping to ensure potency, freshness and full flavour. Oxygen and UV light affect the potency of cannabinoids and other sensitive ingredients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.). Vessl® technology uses UV resistant plastic, removes oxygen from the container, and pressurizes it using the inert gas nitrogen. The proprietary closure instantly mixes the active ingredients with the water when opened, creating a unique experience for the user.

Nuveev

CBD Wellness and Cosmetics

Nuveev is the health and wellness brand that empowers you to discover the benefits of cannabis for targeted health concerns and everyday wellbeing. Nuveev offers a wide variety of innovative, user-friendly cannabis-infused products that are aligned with your lifestyle.

At Nuveev, we firmly believe there is always something you can be doing to proactively improve your physical and mental health. We work with industry-leading experts to develop safe, high quality products that help you live to your fullest potential and make more positive choices for your own well-being.

Justin Renfrow

CFL Athlete and Cannabis Enthusiast

Justin has had a storied career even since his youth as an athlete in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  As a scholar athlete at both the University of Virginia and the University of Miami, Justin exemplified hard work and determination and even recognized as an All-Academic athlete while at Miami.  Justin’s drive and work ethic positioned him to be a highly sought after player in both the National Football League and the Canadian football League.  

What makes Justin most impressive is his off the field work with youth and supporting his community. Whether he is giving back in his hometown of Philadelphia or whatever city he is playing for, you will find him deeply embedded in the community doing the work of improving that community for all people.  The man that is Justin exemplifies what it is to care about others, while at the same time being a top tier professional athlete.

Tabitha Fritz

Cannaseur and Educator

Tabitha is a lifelong teacher and learner who is passionate about empowering and helping others, from cultivating business relationships to bringing quality cannabis products to the people who will benefit from them.

She first started consuming cannabis around the age of 30, when she was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.  After finding that the medication she was prescribed left her feeling disconnected from life, she discovered that cannabis gave her the mental and emotional space to start working on her anxiety, and the change in perspective she needed for recovery. 

With years of experience teaching MBA students to apply model-based decision making and working as a cannabis educator, Tabitha takes this expertise to the legal cannabis market to help facilitate research, mentorship and product development while working on bringing Fritz’s unique and innovative family recipes to market.

Greenway

Greenhouse Cannabis Production

Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation is a federally licensed nursery and Licensed Producer for the Canadian cannabis marketplace. Greenway operates in Kingsville, Ontario and leverages its expertise to build their business brands as a premiere cannabis nursery and cultivator by supplying Licensed Producers with top-notch cannabis products.

Athletes for Care

Cannabis Advocacy

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a not-for-profit organization launched in 2016 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information, please visit www.athletesforcare.org.

Their upcoming celebrity golf tournament on May 6 in Denver, Colorado remains open to sponsors and foursomes. Special guests include Al Harrington, Omar Bolden, and Roger Steele.

Ali Mohamed, Lyte Clinic

Cannabis Health Care

Lyte Clinic founded in 2016 is one of Canada’s leading virtual cannabis clinics. With its cutting edge platform, Lyte is able to see patients across 9 provinces. Covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan(OHIP), this gives Lyte the ability to allow patients access to medical cannabis completely free of charge to see a doctor. Having helped over 7000 patients to date, Lyte has become the choice clinic for many Licensed Producers to send both their staff and their patients to with the utmost confidence. Lyte Clinic sees patients from the most remote places in Canada through their virtual clinic platforms. This allows them to become a leader in connecting rural parts of Canada to doctors and helping them gain access to medical cannabis when no other options are available.

Chef Jordan Wagman

James Beard-nominated Chef

Bestselling author, cannabis advocate, philanthropist, Psoriasis warrior, dad and husband.

Jordan’s unique culinary journey began over campfires in Northern Ontario and progressed to the kitchens of some of the top chefs in the culinary world. At the age of 12, Jordan was diagnosed with Psoriasis, an often debilitating autoimmune disease. Subsequently every decision he made since that diagnosis revolved around his health. In 2014, fed up with dealing with the effects of his Psoriasis, Jordan sought the help of a naturopath; from this one meeting he removed gluten, dairy and refined sugar from his diet and began taking natural supplements and consuming cannabis. Jordan’s life changed almost immediately; within sixty days thirty pounds melted off his body and his Psoriasis became manageable.

With a renewed focus on food, health and wellness; Jordan offers 15 course tasting menus in his private dining space highlighting simple, seasonal ingredients prepared with love. Jordan is a cannabis advocate and cites the use of cannabis as a pillar for his health. Jordan is most proud of his philanthropic endeavours advocating for mental health, Psoriasis, and his involvement with several Foundations.

Krista Raymer

Co-founder, Vetrina Group (Cannabis Retail Experts)

Krista knows the kind of impact a great in-store experience can have on a business.  

Her ability to train and guide high-performance teams is matched only by her passion for humanizing retail interactions. Understanding the necessity for communication and trust in retail, she dedicates herself to creating holistic training models that drive efficiency and profitability by creating a positive, one-of-a-kind customer experience. With over ten years of retail experience, Krista has built and led training programs for multiple cannabis companies and international apparel brands expanding in Canada and the US. She believes that people are always telling you what they want. All you have to do is listen.

Angelina Blessed

CEO and Cannabis Athlete (MuayThai)

Angelina is a Muaythai fighter and CEO of Blessed Ventures who has spent 13 years training and fighting in Thailand and Canada. Ript runner, Calisthenics athlete and the first Canadian female to fight Muaythai in China. She is now building her company for legalization and plans on helping athletes and women worldwide.

With multiple injuries and dietary restrictions she had a lot to learn about the recovery process and that the sugary edibles available aren’t a viable option to fight inflammation in the body. Learn about her journey with healthy cannabis edibles, oils and how floating all became an integral part of her recovery and allowed her to train, treat and repeat like a lady boss.

Dr. Mike Hart

Cannabis Doctor and Life Strategist

Dr. Michael Hart, M.D, is one of the world’s foremost experts on plant-based medicine. In 2014, Dr. Hart became the first physician in London, Ontario, Canada to open a “Cannabis Clinic.” In 2016 he founded Readytogo medical clinic, where he currently acts as the lead physician and medical director. He is also the Medical Advisor for Terpwell, Medical Ambassador for Athletes for CARE, the co-author of the Amazon Best Seller “Friendly Fire: Why Vets Are Lighting Up and Ditching Pills to Treat PTSD.” His outspoken stance has landed him on a variety of media outlets, including an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast. You can find out more about Dr. Hart by visiting his website

Christina Michael

Founder, The Entourage Collective

The Entourage Collective Founder and CEO Christina Michael has a wealth of experience ranging across multiple verticals. Her cannabis career began to take off as she took on a CBD project for North America in 2016 that sparked her passion for the cannabis industry. She went on to develop retail platforms for notable brands in the regulated space in 2018 including founding and opening her own licensed retail cannabis store Marigolds Cannabis in Vancouver in 2020. As an advocate and philanthropist Christina also dedicated her time as Director of Canadian Activation for Athletes for CARE, advocating for the acceptance of cannabis use with athletes as well as veterans, making waves for the program from 2019 to 2020, and has continued as the founder of Cannabis for Harm Reduction a national non-profit providing support to those who need it most. Aside from her many accolades as an entrepreneur and career driven woman, Christina is a loving mother, life partner, friend and colleague. She spends her private time in nature enjoying a wide range of activities and spending time with those who mean the world to her. Christina is our driving force with The Entourage Collective, creating space and opportunity for women and allies within the cannabis space. Christina currently sits on BC Craft Farmers Co-op as a member at large, participates in industry associations and co-hosts Lit Conversations, a monthly platform focused on women in cannabis. A true visionary, connector and trailblazer Christina never stops working on new ideas with thought leadership enthusiasm.

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