After nearly two years of hard, quiet work by the JMCC team, we announced our presence on Canada’s medical cannabis scene with something of a splash at Lift & Co.’s 2018 Cannabis Expo in Toronto May 25 to 27.
As a Title Sponsor of the country’s biggest cannabis event (and the largest in the world outside the U.S.), we were delighted by the enthusiastic reception we received from so many members of the cannabis industry, the media, patients currently benefiting from medicinal cannabis, and the cannabis-curious public over the three days of the show.
Our launch formally began on the evening of May 24, with JMCC hosting a reception for the Honourable Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Minister of Science, Energy & Technology for Jamaica, and
Professor the Honourable Errol Morrison, Director General of that country’s National Commission of Science & Technology and Advisor to the Prime Minister. Held in the ever-popular “Dinosaur Gallery” at the Royal Ontario Museum, this event was a great opportunity for us to celebrate JMCC’s official “arrival” in Canada with our valued customers, partners and friends.
I was able to share with our guests some terrific news – not only our sales contracts to date (pending Health Canada approval) but also advanced discussions with several prospective customers in Canada and Europe. And I was also very pleased to announce two very important initiatives close to our hearts here at JMCC: the first two projects to be funded by our JMCC Foundation.
The first is a 10-year study to be conducted by a consortium of scientific agencies in Jamaica to identify, preserve and protect the country’ s indigenous cannabis strains. The second is to provide, on a pro bono basis, high-quality medical cannabis for the clinical trials of a drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which is under development by renowned Jamaican scientist Dr. Henry Lowe.
Our reception also provided an opportunity to share our excitement about working with leading Canadian LPs and similar companies around the world, to support them in providing high-quality, innovative medical products to patients to help alleviate suffering via a range of promising treatments.
That excitement is shared by Jamaica’s Minister Andrew Wheatley, who told our reception guests about his government’s determination to build a well-regulated, world-class medical cannabis industry. He also spoke about the opportunities such an industry would provide for Jamaica’s people – by creating jobs, new training and education programs, reinvigorating and modernizing the country’s agricultural sector, and spurring more medical research and development. He praised Canada for its leadership in providing a solid regulatory model, and noted the strong cultural and economic ties between our two countries.
He built on those messages during our joint presentation the next day at the Lift Expo’s Industry Day when we spoke on the magic that can happen when “Two Countries Collaborate”. The interest in our endeavour was palpable, and we ran out of time fielding the many questions from audience members. Many others dropped by our booth later to learn more about Jamaica’s medical cannabis program and what JMCC is doing in Jamaica.
All in all, it was a wonderful three days for the entire JMCC team. Thanks to all of you who came to see us at Lift last month to wish us continuing success!
Best regards,
Diane Scott