Cannabiziac’s “Get in the Biz”
Cannabiziac’s international “Get in the Biz” Roadshow made its final 2024 stop in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The University of the West Indies, Regional Headquarters, 2A Hermitage Road, Ramson Room, Kingston, St. Andrew Parish. The “Get in the Biz Roadshow” was a series of innovative one-day conferences designed for individuals who are either curious about the cannabis industry or are currently active in the industry and looking to grow their enterprise. The Cannabiziac roadshow event series covered five cities in three countries, with its launch in Toronto, Canada on June 8, 2024.
The roadshow also introduced the Cannabiz Builder Incubator™ Program, providing attendees with a preview of the extensive training and resources that Cannabiziac® offers to entrepreneurs and professionals in the cannabis industry. Attendees engaged in an interactive session and pitched their “Cannabiz” to a panel of judges for a chance to win a scholarship for the upcoming Spring Business Incubator Cohort (a $5,000 USD+ value) + 1yr business mentorship.
L-R Julie Fry,[ Co-founder of LERN Herstory, co-owner of CJ Retreats, Ltd,] Ann Marie Sorrell, [CEO and co-founder, Cannabiziac] Adrian Anglin, [Winner of the Business Case Pitch Competition], Ann Marie Sorrell, [CEO and co-founder, Cannabiziac], Andray McKenzie,[COO, Partner, Medicanja Ltd]
“I am very grateful to be considered for this scholarship and the opportunity to gain access to a wide network of experts. Thank you to everyone for listening to my idea, and thank you to Cannabiziac for doing something like this. I am very excited for what is to come.” said Adrian Anglin, winner of the Business Case Pitch competition.
Attendees of the roadshow were immersed in a microcosm of the cannabis industry, and explored a range of topics including cultivation, Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Technology, and Professional Services. Attendees also listened intently to the insightful presentations made by guest speakers of the roadshow. One such speaker was Farrah Blake, the CEO of the Cannabis Licensing Authority whose presentation stimulated a passionate discussion on the regulations of cannabis in Jamaica.
L-R: Keachea Dixon, [Vice President of International Affarirs and Co-founder, Cannabiziac], Dwight ‘Bushman’ Duncan, [Recording Artist] and Ann Marie Sorrell, [CEO and co-founder, Cannabiziac]
The panel topics covered the opportunities and challenges in the cannabis industry, as well as principles of business for entrepreneurs. Dr. K’adamawe K’nife gave an insightful speech on the difficulties faced by micro, small and medium marijuana enterprises, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who operate in the informal and unregulated market. He posited that “the ganja business is arguably the most successful agricultural business in Jamaica, despite being illegal.” His statements sparked a discussion around the legal obstacles that hinder Jamaican farmers from being more successful, as opposed to those who do not adhere to the legal procedures.
Additional speakers for Kingston, Jamaica included:
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- Kareece Lawrence, Consultant, Plant Allies & Associates
- Julie Fry, Co-founder of LERN Herstory, co-owner of CJ Retreats, Ltd.
- Dominic McDowell, Cannabis Industry Consultant, Owner of The Ganja Consulate
- Kamau Janai, Owner, Starscape Rastafari Sanctuary, Board Director Cannabis Licensing Authority Executive member R.A.G.G.A.
- Robert Moore, Founder, St. Bess Strains
- Douglas K. Gordon, CEO, Marley One
- Dr. K’adamawe K’nife, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Thinking and Practice (CETP)
- Germaine Bryan, Business Developer; CEO, Gerbry Business Ltd.
- Andray McKenzie, COO, Partner, Medicanja Ltd
- Annette J. Henry, Attorney-at-Law, Caribbean Fair Trade Cannabis
- Dr. Machel Emanuel, Lecturer, The University of the West Indies
- Dr. Terel Newton, Medical Director, Total Pain Relief LLC & Trulieve MMTC
- Melissa Bloomfield, Founder and CEO of Mel’s Tree Eats & Buds and Brushes JA
- Ann Marie Sorrell, CEO and co-founder, Cannabiziac, Host of the 2024 Cannbiziac Roadshow
- Keachea Dixon, CEO and co-founder, Cannabiziac, Host of the 2024 Cannbiziac Roadshow
“This roadshow has been a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry to build community and exchange ideas among like-minded individuals. Our participants came from different backgrounds from biomedical engineering, to tourism. This event was designed to offer entrepreneurs a space to explore opportunities in the industry utilizing their sets, experience, and resources along with learning about the potential of the cannabis industry.” said Ann Marie Sorrell, President & Founder of Cannabiziac®.
Cannabiziac® was founded in April 2020 by award-winning marketing expert Ann Marie Sorrell along with her five co-founders to create a welcoming space for cannabis businesses to learn, grow, and connect. The company is registered in Jamaica and offers a wide range of services to help entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry succeed, including educational programs, business resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, and advocacy. Cannabiziac® members get access to global cannabis experts, networking events, and affordable business automation tools. With a focus on building a supportive community, Cannabiziac® is dedicated to helping cannabis businesses in Jamaica and around the world thrive.
For more information about Cannabiziac® and the Get in the Biz Roadshow, visit cannabiziac.com/roadshow. For media inquiries contact Ashley Haynes at as****@ca*********.com or 1-876-633-1696.
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