My calendar is always filled with business meetings, events, and speaking engagements.
Not long ago, I flew to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada for the 2nd annual World Cannabis Congress - an intimate invite-only event that gathers influential cannabis leaders, investors, government officials, scientists, and researchers to help shape and advance the industry. Organized by Civilized, an online magazine on cannabis culture, the three-day affair included expert panels, powerful speakers and the opportunity to connect with many passionate decision makers. Bruce Linton, the founder, Chairman and co-CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation, and I were invited to speak about the potential of CBD. We talked in front of more than 650-guests about our work and interest in the growing CBD world - it was a very inspiring and informative discussion.
Enjoy these photos.
The WCC was held at the Saint John Trade & Convention Center. Guests traveled from all around the world to attend. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Civilized publisher, Derek Riedle, addressed the group and thanked everyone for coming to the conference. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Bruce and I were interviewed together by Derek. We talked mostly about CBD or cannabidiol, which has surged in popularity in recent years based on the perceived wellness benefits. As some of you may know, CBD is found primarily in hemp plants. It’s sold in gels, oils, supplements, extracts, and more. Bruce and I are now working on a new line of CBD products for pets. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Hundreds of invited attendees filled the room, taking notes and asking questions. It was so nice to see such an energetic and passionate crowd of people who understand the potential benefits of CBD and who want to drive the industry forward. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
I talked about how excited I am to work with Bruce – he is a serious tech guy, and very smart – and emphasized my interests in collaborating on a sensible line of products for dogs, and hopefully for cats, and then horses and larger livestock. I share my home with many pets and care deeply about their wellbeing. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Bruce has great energy – the interview was lots of fun. We also shared our thoughts on the future of the industry, and how technology, consumer trends and behaviors have influenced this growing market. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
After the keynote session, Derek also interviewed me for a Civilized podcast. https://www.civilized.life/podcasts/ (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Next, we joined other conference attendees for a reception at the nearby Buckland Merrifield Gallery owned by Shannon Merrifield. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
In 2015, Shannon and well-known fine art gallerist, Peter Buckland, established the gallery to showcase some of the region’s best artisans and crafts people. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
The gallery holds about 100-guests – it was completely filled. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
I took this snapshot of these pretty pottery pieces on display.
A number of local artists produce wooden items. This collection was created by Peter Kinsella, who loves working with many types of wood including cedar, black cherry, yellow and white birch, maple and spruce.
I also admired these whimsical figures – skunks carrying vases of flowers.
On one wall was this large floral display, which served as a backdrop for those taking photos. The floral wall was conceived by Civilized VP for events and experiences, Shannon Hunter. It includes a blend of vegetables, greens and a variety of pink flowers. The wall was made by Unico Decor in Deippe, New Brunswick. https://www.unicodecor.com/
There were whole heads of lettuce incorporated into the design – it was beautiful and so creative. Our own design director, Kevin Sharkey, would have loved seeing this up close.
All the bright pink blooms stood out among the bold greens. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Here I am with Bruce, talking with others at the gallery reception. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)
Also provided – large platters of fresh crudites – cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, radishes, snap peas and more.
They also served crackers and various small bites of fish. I particularly liked the sturgeon.
Here, I am joined by Bruce, Derek and Derek’s wife, Terri. It was a very inspiring and informative day at the World Cannabis Congress. For more information, please go to the web sites linked above for World Cannabis Congress, Civilized and Canopy Grown Corporation. (Photo by Nienke M. Izurieta)