2022 Conference

A graduate of Université Laval in Quebec City in Chemical Engineering and a Certified Corporate Director, Hugo co-founded Groupe SiliCycle in 1995, and launched PurCann Pharma in 2019. He has nearly 30 years of experience in R&D, technology manufacturing, global commercialization, finance, HR and growth management.

In order to bring us the Cannabis Act, Canada needed to show creativity in order to solve many of the legislative hurdles that came along with its policy decisions. Since 2018, the Cannabis industry has inherited this innovative spirit in order to establish a thriving culture that seeks to encourage research and the sharing of knowledge despite the rigid regulatory framework. This was not without its own challenges and lessons learned. Join us for a retrospective of the past three years as we delve into the impact that certain legislative decisions have had on research, innovation, advertising, commercial practice and intellectual property, both locally and abroad.

Alexandre Gauthier has been involved in the industry since the legalization of medical cannabis in France and Quebec. His career experience has allowed him to reach the rank of Master Grower. He has helped several organizations to produce and sell high quality cannabis. His knowledge and understanding of cannabis regulations and storage requirements have helped ensure that the organizations he has worked for have impeccable traceability.

Presented by AQIC (Quebec Cannabis Industry Association)

The internalization of cannabis is here, and with that many opportunities for established operators to enter new markets, but does Canada still have a first mover advantage? Michaela will provide a Canadian perspective on the global cannabis market and business opportunities. Insights on the B2C and B2B market in new and established markets, as well as important mid to long term trends will be discussed. 

Presented by AQIC (Quebec Cannabis Industry Association) and accounting firm Mallette

Contrary to what previously believed, cannabis-derived cannabinoids do not act uniquely on the endocannabinoid system. However, an expanded endocannabinoid system, known as the "endocannabinoidome", and including hundreds of lipid mediators, and tens of receptors and enzymes, can explain a considerable part of cannabinoid pharmacology. Given the increasingly recognised role of the endocannabinoidome in host-gut microbiome communication, it is therefore likely that also plant cannabinoids owe part of their pharmacological actions also to their modification of the complex ecosystem of microorganisms inhibiting the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.

The endo and exocannabinoids play a big role in regulating the neurologic and immunologic system. So when we treat a patient with medical cannabis, we are giving back a balance state in multiple systems with the cannabinoid receptors . We then improve multiple functions and symptoms. With the personalize approach we respect the individual needs and improve his quality of life.

Presented by accounting firm Mallette

With the participation of :
- Catherine Grillon (researcher, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS)
- Dr. Elian Lati (director of Laboratoire Bio-EC)
- Lionel Ripoll (researcher, UQAC)
- Alain Thibodeau (director Bioscience and Cosmetics, Groupe SiliCycle)

With the diversification of products and processes, it is important to have a value creation plan. Having high quality extracts and custom-made products is an important asset in a constantly innovating market.

In the Canadian context, where and how will cannabis-related innovations emerge? In order to resolve complex problems, how will technical, scientific, economic, legal or social innovations need to be integrated into the political environment? To implement new ideas, the cannabis industry will need to ensure its inclusion in an entrepreneurial, social, economic and human environment. If businesses are to address issues imaginatively, the industry will need to work toward a collective mindset that seeks to improve the understanding of cannabis.

Pierre Plante is PurCann Pharma's Vice President Operations and also leads the company's business development.

A renowned manager, Mr. Plante has many years of experience in world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, having served as President and CEO of Delmar Inc. (the Canadian subsidiary of Roemmers SA and then F.I.S. SpA) and as Senior Director, CMO & API Procurement at Pharmascience Inc.

A festive networking activity, presented by ROBIC

Hosted by magician Simon Bernard, and set to music by multi-instrumentalist le.Panda.