ASSOCIATION News

We're thrilled to announce that the annual C-45 Quality Summit is being held in Hamilton, Ontario, on June 6, 2025. This premier event is dedicated to connecting professionals from across the Canadian legal cannabis industry, fostering an environment of learning and networking.

The C-45 Quality Summit is the ideal platform for those passionate about advancing quality, regulatory compliance, and lab testing standards in the Canadian legal cannabis sector. Engage with industry leaders, regulatory experts, and quality assurance professionals as we delve into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations.

Key Highlights:

• Expert Panels: Gain insights from top industry figures discussing critical topics in cannabis quality and regulation.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, thought leaders, and innovators in the cannabis industry.
• Educational Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and skills.
• Latest Industry Trends: Stay ahead of the curve with updates on the newest developments in lab testing and compliance.

Whether you're a Quality Assurance Person, a regulatory professional, a laboratory analyst, or simply keen on the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, the C-45 Quality Summit is the event of the year you don't want to miss.

Reserve your spot now and be a part of shaping the future of cannabis quality and compliance in Canada. Ticket prices include breakfast, lunch, and coffee/snacks for the duration of the event.

MEMBERS: To purchase your ticket with member-pricing, please ensure you login to your account FIRST, and then purchase your ticket.

NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to buy a non-member ticket, however we encourage you to join us - it's cheaper to purchase a membership + a members-only ticket.

Early Bird pricing expires March 31, 2025!

Remember to check out www.c45summit.com for up-to-date information on speakers and sessions.

The C-45 Quality Association has received a total of six (6) nominations for the 2024/2025 Board of Directors!

Voting will be held at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 19, 2024 at 4 PM Eastern / 1 AM Pacific.

Name: Jay Jay Brien

Current Employment: Certified Cannabis Health Coach & Educator, Executive Co-Chair EduCanNation

About Me:

Jay Jay O'Brien, a 2x cancer sur’thriver’ thanks in part to medical Cannabis, is the Executive Co-Chair of EduCanNation Cannabis Education Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to promoting responsible Cannabis education and advocacy.

A Chartered Herbalist, Jay Jay's passion for natural healing and success with Cannabis therapeutics through cancer led her to become certified as a Cannabis Health Coach & Educator through the Cannabis Coaching Institute (CCI), Healer.com, and Dr. Bonni Goldstein, so she can empower patients to manage, maintain, or maneuver their health with Cannabis.

She advocates through the naturalisticallynow Facebook group and Canecdotal Collective, the Women’s Empowered Cannabis Advocates Network (W.E.C.A.N.)., the Effective Cannabis Newsletter, and the EduCanNation (ECN) Digest.

Her forthcoming book, ""High Hopes for Healing: Stigma-free Education and Support on Thriving Through Cancer With Cannabis,"" scheduled for publication in early 2025 with Balboa Press and Hay House, further solidifies her commitment to providing accessible information for individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis with Cannabis.

Learn more about Jay Jay at www.naturalisticallynow.com

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

As Executive Co-Chair on the board of the nonprofit organization, EduCanNation, I value collaboration and networking and understand the importance of 'group effort' when it comes to effecting change within the industry.

As a medical Cannabis patient, it's important to me for patients to have a voice in the regulated market, and I would like to be part of a lobby for access to appropriate medicine needed for all conditions, including the high-dose medicine required to treat cancer. I live on the legacy side of the industry due to my medical needs, but I keep myself educated and abreast of all areas of the industry so I can best support the people I serve, and this would be a valued opportunity to learn and grow while supporting change and growth. 

Name: Arjun Dedakia

Current Employment: Director of Quality & Regulatory, Herbal Dispatch

About Me:

Arjun Dedakia is a distinguished professional with over a decade of extensive experience in the Quality Department of Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Cannabis sectors. As a seasoned Quality Assurance Person (QAP) and Assistant/QAP, Arjun has honed his skills while working with renowned LPs, bringing a wealth of expertise to each role.

With a solid background in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Arjun seamlessly transitioned into the cannabis industry, driven by a passion for its unique challenges and the opportunity to contribute to its growth. His dedication to learning and serving the community underscores his commitment to making a meaningful impact in every endeavor.

Arjun's tenure in the industry has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, characterized by his proactive approach to problem-solving and his unwavering adherence to quality standards. His ability to navigate regulatory frameworks with precision has been instrumental in ensuring compliance and upholding the integrity of operations.

Beyond his technical acumen, Arjun is known for his leadership prowess and his ability to inspire teams towards achieving common goals. His collaborative spirit and dedication to continuous improvement make him a valuable asset in any organization striving for excellence in quality management.

In summary, Arjun Dedakia's vast experience, coupled with his passion for the cannabis industry and unwavering commitment to excellence, position him as a highly sought-after professional poised to make significant contributions to the industry's continued advancement and success.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

As a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the Quality Department of Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Cannabis sectors, I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance within the industry. Serving as a board member for the C-45 Quality Association would allow me to leverage my expertise and contribute meaningfully to the community.

I am particularly inspired by Tom's pioneering work as the first QAP for Canna Farms in BC and have learned valuable lessons from his past experiences. His dedication to excellence and commitment to serving the community have set a high standard that I aspire to uphold.

The C-45 Quality Association plays a crucial role in guiding LPs and fostering a culture of quality and compliance within the cannabis industry. By serving on the board, I would have the opportunity to contribute to the development of best practices, share insights, and collaborate with industry peers to drive continuous improvement.

Moreover, I am passionate about community building and believe that the C-45 Quality Association serves as a valuable asset in bringing industry professionals together to collectively address challenges and opportunities. By being actively involved in the association, I aim to contribute to its mission of advancing quality standards and promoting the growth and success of the cannabis industry as a whole.

Name: Deana Huntsbarger

Current Employment: Operations Manager / QA, IslandCanna Seeds Inc.

About Me:

A diverse individual with a breadth of experience in multiple sectors – publishing, education, research, farming and since 2020, cannabis. A US-born citizen and proudly Canadian since 2000, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in Commercial Cannabis Production from Niagara College. In addition, I have six years of experience as a Certified Clinical Research Professional working in Regulatory, Start Up and External Relations in pharmaceutical drug trials at a community-based geriatric medicine clinic. During my time at the clinic I was elected to the Board of the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R) as the Associate Member Rep, serving for two years.

While studying Commercial Cannabis Production at Niagara I was selected to join the College’s inaugural Inclusion and Diversity Taskforce and had the opportunity to work with other students and faculty to develop a framework for the College Board of Directors and Leadership.

Since graduation, I have worked for 3 License Holders – starting in cultivation in Ontario, moving on to a First Nations micro on Vancouver Island where I was qualified by Health Canada as the site QAP, and now serve as the Operations Manager / QA at a craft cultivation facility near Victoria, BC.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I wish to join the Board of C45 to collaborate, learn and advance the cannabis industry through a focus on quality and in ways that are inclusive and innovative

Name: May Khatlib

Current Employment: Founder and CEO, Merit Method

About Me:

I'm a regulatory compliance professional with over 10 years in the cannabis industry. I was directly responsible (RP) for 4 manufacturing sites across Canada with a cultivation and processing footprint of over 1M square feet and over 1000 employees. I currently own and manage a compliance and marketing consulting agency serving businesses in Canada, US, Thailand and the UK.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I've been in the industry for about 10 years, leading global compliance and quality programs. I feel have a lot of knowledge to share and contribute to the growth of businesses in this sector. I also would like to grow my network of compliance and quality professionals and learn from their experiences while sharing my own.

Name: Lisa Quiring

Current Employment: Senior Advisor, Cannabis Team, Consumer Products Directorate, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)

About Me:

With a background in legal studies, I have extensive experience working in policy, regulation and stakeholder engagement across government. At Health Canada since 2017, I was involved in enacting the Cannabis Act and making the related regulations. I was the primary author, drafting in both English and French, the Cannabis Regulations and Industrial Hemp Regulations, along with helping to develop the accompanying guidance documents and consulting with various industry groups. As of December 2022, I have helped to build the Cannabis Team at Innovation, Science and Economic Development. I now undertake ongoing industrial and economic research and analysis, data gathering, and cannabis consultations. In addition, I assist with the administration of the Cannabis Industry Forum. My work has also been focused on developing better services and better ways of engaging in public policy. I support the development, growth and integrity of a regulated cannabis industry, covering issues such as excise tax, potency, testing, and many others. I help to better navigate various government departments and regularly actively engage with the value-change to stay abreast of concerns and to learn more about industry trends. I am motivated and energized to work towards an efficient and sustainable cannabis industry and I consider quality assurance to be fundamentally important in a successful framework.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

There are numerous challenges being addressed by C-45 Quality Association, challenges which are impeding advancement of the cannabis industry. Lab shopping/pay to play are enormous problems. There is THC inflation and demands for standardized methods. There are also concerns surrounding the freshness of Canadian cannabis, and from other jurisdictional requirements (GPP vs GMP, etc.). Other problems include: sample tampering and non-representative samples, the lack of streamlining of key accreditation methods, gaps in government processes, among some examples. Having been involved at the outset of legalization, and knowing that quality legal access is one of the cornerstones of the objectives in the Cannabis Act, I would like to do my part in seeing advancements in the displacement of the illicit market, and a growing and thriving legal cannabis industry. I believe I would make a significant contribution to C-45.

Name: Patrick Uharcek

Current Employment: Senior Quality Auditor, Motif Labs Ltd.

About Me:

1. Started as a trimmer in May of 2017 at Emblem Cannabis Corp

a) At this time, the company was much smaller, so there was ample opportunity for learning. I was able to cross-train a lot in the cultivation area, including flowering, propagation, fertigation, and most importantly IPM, which I "apprenticed" for ~6 months, learning a lot of the nuance behind beneficial insects and overall IPM strategies. There was a lot of opportunity here to learn regarding genetics and phenotypes, which was a major interest.

b) Gained experience in harvest processing, machine operation, sanitation, post-harvest processing, packaging, and essentially anything in this general area

Over time, transitioned through various roles in the processing space, leading harvests, leading post-harvest (drying, curing)

c) About 2 years later, late 2018, I joined the Quality department, where I was able to utilize all my prior knowledge to standardize and improve all prior areas of knowledge

This included studies in areas of cultivation, standardizing and developing new post-harvest methods (the most notable being hang-drying implementation)

d) Over time, transitioned into more QMS development, and managing quality systems

This would include the basics such as SOPs, training, Deviations, Change Controls to start; and later transitioned into internal/ external audits (which really piqued my interest), calibration management, some IQOQ, with a finale of "GMP-ification" and providing GACP product internationally

Some other areas included PCP development, QAA development, New system development/ deployment, New product development, Some dabbling in CSV,

Anything and everything when it comes to HC audits (free consulting ... technically)

And essentially anything quality, And of course ... becoming AQAP.

e) During this time, everything from the above was emphasized even moreso,

and of course, included releasing product for sale and review/ approval of testing

Extracts, Vapes, Oils, Sprays, Kin Slips, Capsules, Edibles, Dried Cannabis Products

2. After my time at Emblem/ Aleafa, I moved to Motif, where I currently work (not as QAP/ AQAP) as Senior Quality Auditor - more so as a key leadership role that manages core QMS elements, which include:

i. Building a complaint management department, including liaising with provincial entities and clients/ customers

ii. Deviations/ CAPA system management

iii. Change Control system management

iv. Internal/ external audit

v. Vendor Management (including QAA management - which is how I suppose Beatrix noted that I work here), and setting up quality structures with new service providers/ suppliers

vi. PCP involvement

vii. QMS (SOP) management

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I would like to get more involved within the Cannabis space, in a broader sense. I would like to gain experience within the industry outside of just working within it.

The C-45 Quality Summit is set to convene on June 7th, 2024, offering an unmatched platform for professionals dedicated to advancing quality, regulatory compliance, and lab testing standards in Canada’s burgeoning legal cannabis industry. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the cannabis sector, from quality assurance personnel and regulatory professionals to laboratory analysts and pioneering entrepreneurs.

What to Expect at the Summit

Expert Panels: Immerse yourself in insightful discussions led by top industry figures who will cover critical topics affecting cannabis quality and regulation today. This is your chance to gain firsthand knowledge from those at the forefront of the industry.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers, thought leaders, and innovators. Whether you’re looking to broaden your professional network or find potential collaborators, the networking sessions are designed to catalyze meaningful professional relationships.

Educational Workshops: Participate in interactive workshops that are not only informative but also designed to enhance your practical knowledge and skills. These sessions are tailored to keep you abreast of the latest methodologies and technological advances in the field.

Latest Industry Trends: Stay updated with the most recent developments in lab testing, compliance, and quality assurance. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone looking to maintain or establish a competitive edge in the cannabis industry.

Quality Conversations: Engage with a diverse panel of experts including government policymakers, business leaders, esteemed scientists, and dedicated quality professionals. This segment offers a unique opportunity to hash out the evolving landscape of cannabis, tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges, and uncover new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Why You Should Attend

The C-45 Quality Summit is not just an event; it’s a converging point for the thinkers and doers of the cannabis industry to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore innovations. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this summit will provide valuable insights and connections that are integral to your professional growth and the advancement of the sector.

Tickets include access to all sessions, plus breakfast, lunch, and coffee/snacks throughout the day. Ensure you reserve your spot early to be part of the discussions shaping the future of cannabis quality and compliance in Canada.

Reserve Your Spot Now!

Don’t miss out on this pivotal industry event. Join us to contribute to and lead the conversation on advancing cannabis quality standards in Canada. Together, let’s set the benchmark for excellence and innovation in the cannabis sector.

Dear C45 Quality Association Members,

A meeting with industry associations and Health Canada, chaired by John Clare, Director General of Controlled Substances and Cannabis, was held on June 28, 2023. 

The meeting’s objective was to solicit feedback from the industry pertaining to cannabis products containing intoxicating cannabinoids other than delta-9-THC.

Amongst select C45 board members, the following associations were also present at the meeting:

• Canadian Cannabis Council (C3)

• National Cannabis Working Group (NCWG - NCBC)

• Association québécoise de l'industrie du cannabis (AQIC) 

The meeting consisted of a brief welcome and opening remarks, an overview of the situation and Health Canada’s intentions, and a question/comment period. 

Essentially, Health Canada is concerned that other intoxicating cannabinoids, with a potential impact to public health and safety, are being used to deliberately circumvent regulatory controls.  

Some of these other intoxicating cannabinoids include:

• Delta-8-THC,

• Delta-10-THC,

• Delta-6a-10a-THC,

• THC-O-acetate (THC-O),

• Cannabinol (CBN),

• Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV),

• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP), and

• Tetrahydrocannabutol (THCB).

To address this issue, Health Canada is drafting two documents for release this summer/fall:

1. A guidance document for Licensed Producers

2. A consumer information sheet

 

We commend John Clare and the team at Health Canada for taking a proactive approach to soliciting industry feedback on this emerging issue, and for their active, open, and honest communications. The C45 Board believes this guidance will be reasonable considering the unknown public health and safety factors with cannabis products specifically formulated to contain minor cannabinoids. Furthermore, we believe that the Provincial Distributors will be more open to accepting these cannabis products once Health Canada releases their guidance.

We will keep you updated as more information is received on the matter.

Over the last few weeks, our members have noticed that certain licence holders have been distributing samples of cannabis products to retailers which did not include an excise stamp. This is primarily related to the AGLC’s recent changes to their policy on cannabis samples: https://aglc.ca/bulletins/cannabis-samples

Today, we are providing important clarification on the topic of excise stamp application on cannabis products. This article specifically addresses scenarios where fully-packaged cannabis products may or may not require an excise stamp, according to information from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Firstly, it's crucial to comprehend the Excise Act, 2001. According to section 158.34, excise stamps are typically affixed to indicate that a product's duty has been paid. This understanding is fundamental to the scenarios we will discuss.

Cannabis Samples to Retailers

Should a fully-packaged cannabis product be provided to a provincially-authorised retailer as a "sample", the product is still required to be stamped and duty-paid. Even in cases where the product is made available to the person not by means of a purchase, such as samples, the Fair Market Value (FMV) is used to calculate the adjustment to the additional duty.

In addition, all standard Health Canada requirements for packaging and labelling are still in place, including the position and size of the THC logo, cannabinoid levels, etc. Essentially, the samples should look exactly the same as any product sold into the province, plus any additional provincial requirements such as a sticker noting it as a sample.

Cannabis Samples to Testing Laboratories

The requirement for excise stamps becomes more nuanced when it comes to sending a fully-packaged cannabis product to a federally-licensed cannabis laboratory for testing purposes. According to Section 158.3 (a) (iii) of the Excise Act, 2001, such a product does not require an excise stamp. The Act states that duty is not payable on a cannabis product that is "taken for analysis by a cannabis licensee in a manner approved by the Minister." As such, this product is relieved of cannabis duties and does not need to be stamped.

Cannabis Products for Research and Development

Lastly, let's consider when a fully-packaged cannabis product is sent to a federally-licensed research licence holder for research and development purposes. Here, under paragraph 158.01(d) of the Act, research licence holders are excluded from Part 4.1 of the Act. As such, unless they hold another type of licence (such as cultivation or processing), they are not licensed with the CRA and cannot be in possession of non-duty paid (unstamped) cannabis products.

If a product is being delivered to a research license holder that is not licensed under the Excise Act, 2001, these products are required to be duty-paid and stamped. If it is being delivered to a listed specified province, then we would use the FMV to calculate the adjustment to the additional duty since the product is made available to the person not by means of a purchase.

Conclusion

As we navigate the emerging and evolving cannabis industry, regulatory clarity is vital. Knowing when to apply excise stamps is an important facet of compliance, whether for retail distribution, testing, or research and development. The above explanations are invaluable for our industry in maintaining legal and regulatory compliance. As always, the C45 Quality Association is committed to providing the necessary guidance for quality and regulatory professionals in the Canadian Legal Cannabis Industry.

Below you will find the verbatim email sent to the CRA (LPCANNABISG@cra-arc.gc.ca) on May 30, 2023:

Hello,

I am inquiring as to when fully-packaged cannabis products do NOT require an excise stamp affixed to them? 

These are the following scenarios I am looking for clarity on:

• A fully-packaged cannabis product is provided to a provincially-authorized retailer as a “sample”; for example, related to the recent AGLC guidance (https://aglc.ca/bulletins/cannabis-samples)

• A fully-packaged cannabis product is sent to a federally-licenced cannabis laboratory for testing purposes

• A fully-packaged cannabis product is sent to a federally-licenced research licence holder for research and development purposes

I would appreciate clarity on this matter, including references to the Excise Act or other applicable regulations, if possible.

Thank You,

Tom Ulanowski

Below is the verbatim response provided by the CRA on May 31, 2023:

Good morning,

With regards to cannabis samples, the product would still have to be stamped and duty-paid. If it is being delivered to a listed specified province, then we would use the FMV (Dutiable amount provision per 158.34 of the Excise Act, 2001) to calculate the adjustment to the additional duty since the product is made available to the person not by means of a purchase.

With regards to a fully-packaged product being sent to a laboratory for testing purposes, it does not have be stamped. Section 158.3 (a) (iii) of the Act states that “Duty is not payable on a cannabis product that…is taken for analysis by a cannabis licensee in a manner approved by the Minister”. Since the product is relieved of cannabis duties, it does not need to be stamped to indicate that duty has been paid on the product.

With regards to a fully-packaged product being sent to a research licence holder for research and development purposes, under paragraph 158.01(d) of the Act, research licence holders are excluded from Part 4.1 of the Act. So unless they have some other type of licence from HC (i.e., cultivation, processing, etc.), they would not be licensed with us and cannot be in possession of non-duty paid (unstamped) cannabis products. For product that is sent to a research licence holder that is not licensed under the Excise Act, 2001, those products are required to be duty-paid and stamped. If it is being delivered to a listed specified province, then we would use the FMV (Dutiable amount provision per 158.34 of the Excise Act, 2001) to calculate the adjustment to the additional duty since the product is made available to the person not by means of a purchase.

 

Thank you.

N.V. 

Excise Duty Operations – Cannabis

Excise Duties and Taxes Division

The C-45 Quality Association has received a total of six (6) nominations for the 2023/2024 Board of Directors!

Voting will be held at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 27, 2023 at 1 PM Eastern / 10 AM Pacific. See our Forum or Events section for more info!

Name: Kori Ainsworth, BSc. BCHM.

Current Employment: VP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Cannabis Co-Pack

About Me:

Kori Ainsworth is an experienced quality and regulatory leader with success in developing quality management systems using a solution-oriented mindset. Driving growth, innovation and improving operational efficiency while ensuring high quality and compliance standards.

Kori entered the cannabis industry in 2015 after developing her Quality Control and Quality Assurance career in the food and pharmaceutical fields. She has built and mentored QA/QC and Regulatory teams at multiple licensed cannabis facilities in Canada and the US. As a senior leader, Kori provides strategic compliance direction regarding GPP, EU-GMP and Health Canada regulations to all cross functional teams to achieve growth objectives while monitoring the regulatory landscape of Recreational and Medical Cannabis programs.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

As a Board Member, it would provide an opportunity to share the knowledge and experience I have gained in the cannabis industry. I feel my contributions as a Board Member would help shape and develop the quality landscape, while providing mentorship to others.

Name: Stephanie Bach

Current Employment: President, Bach It Up Agri Consulting

About Me:

Stephanie is classically trained in molecular biology, genetics, plant breeding, and food science. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, and her graduate degree at the University of Guelph. Since then, her career has taken her through traditional and genetic plant breeding programs, indoor and outdoor agriculture, conventional and organic growing systems, food & microbiology testing laboratories, and through some international food companies.

Stephanie has been working in and around the cannabis industry since 2016, managing product launches across Canada. Most recently, she helped garner the processing sales license and research license for a producer located in Western Canada. There, she has headed up the departments of Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, and Project Management, while also supporting the Operations, Quality, and Sales departments.

With years of governance experience under her belt, Stephanie also has a strong understanding of, and ability to navigate, the regulatory and governance policies in the food, agriculture, and cannabis industries.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I've been involved in indoor agriculture since 2016 and have spent the majority of that time since, working in and advocating for the cannabis industry. As a medical patient, the quality and regulatory aspect of the cannabis sector is incredibly important to me. I'd like to join the C45 board to help continue advocating for the the industry, in improving efficiencies and best practices.

Name: Kyle Boniface

Current Employment: Vice President Quality and Compliance, Decibel Cannabis Co.

About Me:

Dr. Kyle Boniface is an entrepreneurial "green chemist" with a passion for product development, regulatory compliance, and quality management. In 2018, Kyle earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Chemistry from Queen's University. At Queen's Kyle's multidisciplinary work developing novel green technologies for the chemical industry resulted in issued patents in the US and Canada as well as and several international publications.

Prior to joining Queen's, Kyle completed an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) degree specializing in Chemistry and Business at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2012. Kyle has since held leadership positions in Canada's newly regulated cannabis industry where he focused on the development and operationalization of processes for cannabis cultivation, extraction, product development, research, regulatory compliance, inventory reporting, and quality management for sale in domestic and international markets.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

Dear C-45 Members,

I am running for the position of Board member because I am passionate about our organizations goals to promote positive measures to grow the industry and to champion sound scientific and business practices that protect public interest and wellness. I am an experienced quality professional with recent work in cannabis cultivation, extraction, product development, manufacturing, marketing, research, sale, export, quality management, regulatory compliance and leadership. I am a value-based leader who champions truth and integrity and if elected, I intend to use my experience and values as the basis to advocate for the needs of the members of this organization and of quality professionals nationally.

Name: Hubert Marceau

Current Employment: Development Director and Co-Founder, Laboratoire PhytoChemia

About Me:

Hubert Marceau is the Development Director and a co-founder of Laboratoire PhytoChemia, an analytical and research lab that was established in 2013 and licensed to work with cannabis a year later in 2014. Throughout his time there, he's taken on numerous responsibilities, including designing the lab space, securing accreditation, maintaining equipment, developing new methods, building customer relationships, and generally propelling business growth.

In addition to this role, he's also a founding member of Alchemia Solutions since 2015, a small business focused on crafting extraction systems. Hubert earned his Bachelor's degree in Natural Product Chemistry from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), and he's an expert in analytical phytochemistry and data analysis. One thing's for sure – he loves plant chemistry.

Hubert was crucial in earning the ISO 17025 accreditation for the lab, where he implemented the right tools and procedures to guarantee accurate data management. He's also developed various methods within the cannabis industry and created open-source software to assist with the statistical analysis of data. He's shared his passion for plant chemistry at numerous conferences in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Over the past few years, he's been involved in internal software development as well, working on automating lab processes and optimizing data acquisition and retention.

Hubert has a data-driven approach to chemistry, always trying to understand patterns in the vast and complex world that is cannabis chemistry, and phytochemistry in general.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I'm of the opinion that C-45 Quality Association is a unique association, serving not only as a conduit to the regulator but also as an educator. What sets C-45 Quality Association apart from other business associations is its role as a platform for information exchange, and I'm eager to play an active role in this organization.

As a leader in an independent laboratory that collaborates with a broad spectrum of businesses, ranging from smaller individual entities to larger organizations, I have gained a comprehensive perspective of the industry's current state. Furthermore, my exposure to non-cannabis sectors could offer distinct or supplementary viewpoints on certain issues.

Personally, I advocate for free access to information, a principle I'd be committed to promoting as a director. I envision C-45 Quality Association as a hub uniting QA and other industry members, a place where they can find answers to their questions without apprehension, thereby serving as a propelling force towards a stable and thriving industry.

Name: Jacqueline Menezes

Current Employment: Principal, 7th Wave Consulting

About Me:

Jacquie Menezes is a science and technology, government-relations and marketing communications consultant. She is currently involved in the reform of legislation and regulatory standards of the Canadian Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations working in conjunction with the Cannabis Council of Canada and Canadian Women in Cannabis.

She recently organized Grass On the Hill advocacy and government relations events on Parliament Hill, membership drives and a member advocacy program ('All Politics is Local'), encouraging industry members to invite their MP/MPP/Municipal leaders to visit their facilities.

Jacquie holds both a B.Sc. (Agr.) and a Certificate with Distinction in Cannabis Production, Quality Assurance and Regulations from the University of Guelph.

She believes in the power of science-driven policy-making and is a tireless advocate for professional standards and practices in biotech industries, particularly for the emerging cannabis industry.

Jacquie's background spans key areas for the emerging cannabis industry: plant genetics, processing, sustainable best practices and market development. She worked for Alpinemed/ Phivida, shepherding the organization through the early MMPR/ACMPR process. At Allelix Crop Technologies she was on the team that developed the biotech process for edible Canola production and at AGRA Industries, a field-to-table Canola process, in conjunction with CIDA for developing countries and SE Asia. She served on the research group that developed individually quick-frozen (IQF) field-to-table production for fruits and vegetables with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. As part of the Tobacco Transition Crop research team Jacquie researched high ROI alternatives to tobacco farming, such as ginseng, greenhouse crops & vegetable production for Asian markets

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

As a member of C-45, a QA professional and a lifelong cannabis advocate, my goal in joining the Quality Association Board is to help build C-45 into the preeminent voice for the science of cannabis and a primary influencer of government policy.

I'll actively promote a science-based approach to both product development and as input to the regulatory framework. I would advocate for active participation by QA professionals like C-45 in the legislative process to achieve a regulatory framework that is fair and beneficial to our industry, especially as the Government of Canada goes through the current statutory review process.

I would seek innovative ways to educate government officials, the public, association members and the industry on the safety and benefits of our products and to identify and respond to ongoing issues of importance to our membership.

As an ace networker, dot-connector and event manager I can bring the fun and help grow our association and its influence at a time when our industry is going through tough growing pains.

Name: Leanne "Brigitte" Simons

Current Employment: President/CEO, Safari Flower Company; Director of the C-45 Quality Association

About Me:

Dr. Brigitte Simons is a quality and regulatory compliance professional in support of science study-backed cannabis product development, laboratory services, and data management tools for the development of safe cannabis. Bridging expertise within chemistry, pharma drug development, and environmental testing – Brigitte has demonstrated a professional track record for cannabis industry knowledge towards building quality supply chain sustainability. Taken from lessons of laboratory quality control instrument mass spec services, analytical service contracting excellence for the Canadian federal agencies, and global sales experience in high value trade of laboratory services – cannabis is characteristic complex The toxicological implications and medical merits are studied at a molecular level by regulatory policy consulting labs and contract service findings.

Dr. Simons participated in early cannabis and hemp contracts within the agency settings Canadian Food Inspection, Health Canada, Agriculture Canada, and Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Following-on with field mass spec work with Molecular Science Corp, Brigitte established a craft cannabis quality assurance remote teams while companies navigate cultivator and processor partnerships with BC Craft Supply Co.and other early micro-licence holder applicants. Presently, Dr. Brigitte Simons is the President and CEO at Safari Flower Co, a craft-at-scale licence cultivator. A life-long drive to the right to choose personalized medicine. Brigitte received her Ph.D. in Chemical Biology at the University of Ottawa and a Kellogg-Schulich M.B.A. in operational business strategy.

Why I Would Like to Serve as a Director:

I am thrilled to declare my candidacy for a second term as Director of the C-45 Quality Association. In my initial term, I've been devoted to nurturing the Association from its early stages, actively bridging the gap between the cannabis industry and various regulatory bodies. In this upcoming term, my focus will be on expanding our engagement with regulatory entities, consistently organizing and hosting more informative events for our members and the public, and reintroducing live, in-person events such as our signature Quality Summit. I am confident that the experience and knowledge I've gained over the past three years as Director will be instrumental as we welcome new directors and strive to grow and diversify our membership.

Hello everyone,

We are pleased to inform you all that the recording of our recent live event on Cannabis Testing in Canada is now available on our youtube channel!

Link to Recording: https://youtu.be/jQAv0DYImME

Thank you to our panelists for participating!

Dear C-45 Quality Association Members,

The Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that we have successfully transitioned to our new online membership management. This transition marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve communication and services for all members of the C-45 Quality Association. Our original membership management systems were unfortunately not designed to scale effectively as the Association grew, and over the last 6 months it has been difficult for the Board to effectively communicate with our members regarding Association updates and events. 

Behind the scenes, we have been busy engaging with Health Canada on a number of important topics, including potency inflation/tab testing issues, the recent decision to reclassify certain oral cannabis extract products, and general regulatory improvements based on feedback from our members and the industry. We look forward to sharing more about what we have done, and what we have planned for the future.

In this email, however, we will highlight some key aspects of the new platform and how they will benefit you. Please be aware that you may receive duplicate emails during the transition period, as we will be emailing from both our old and new mailing lists to ensure our members are all aware of these changes.

New Site & Domain

The new member platform is accessible at https://c45qa.wildapricot.org. Please update your bookmarks and records accordingly. 

We are confident that the new site offers an enhanced member experience, making it easier for you to navigate and access the resources you need. Our original site at www.c45association.com will exist as the public landing page of our Association, but we will continue to improve on both sites in the weeks and months to come (including design and content). If anyone has any feedback about the new site, please do let us know! The front end is a tad outdated, we admit, but the tools available to us on this platform will improve our communication and planning. As a volunteer run organization, we are always looking for help, so do not hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas on how we can modernize our online systems!

Advantages

Our new platform offers several advantages, including:

• Improved communication between the Association and its members

• Easy access to forums, groups, resources, and events

• Secure billing and payments

• Streamlined profile management

• Direct Member-to-member communication and networking

New Password & Password Recovery

Upon your first visit to the new site, you will need to reset your password. To do this, please follow the 'Password Recovery' link on the login page, enter your email address and follow the instructions to create a new password. Any issues, please reach out to us and we can help sort them out.

Forums & Groups

The new platform features forums and groups that cater to various topics of interest within the legal Canadian cannabis sector. You can participate in discussions, share knowledge, and network with fellow professionals. Please note that anonymous posting is available in the forums for sensitive topics.

Billing, Payments & Membership Levels

Our new platform simplifies the billing and payment process, allowing you to manage your membership with ease. Prior to your membership expiring, you will receive an automated email with renewal instructions.

Moving forward, all members will be paying the following annual fees:

• Student Membership - $49*
• Non-Voting Membership - $99*
• Voting Membership - $199*

*Not including Paypal processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30

Update Your Profile

We encourage you to update your profile with your current title, role, and company information to help us serve you better. This will allow us to communicate with you all more effectively, and reach out to members that show an interest in meeting with Health Canada or collaborating on future projects and events.

Events

Stay informed about upcoming events by visiting the Events section of the site. 

Check Your Junk Folder & Whitelist Our Email

To ensure you receive all communications from us, please check your junk folder and whitelist our email address by adding it to your spam filter's approved senders list.

Need Help?

If you experience any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help! But we also ask for your patience during this transition in case any unforeseen technical issues arise.

We hope you find our new online platform beneficial and user-friendly. Thank you for your continued support and participation in the C-45 Quality Association. See you online!

Sincerely,

Tom Ulanowski

Chair, C-45 Quality Association