EARLY ENTRANT
As one of the first companies to enter the legal cannabis industry, Canopy Growth Corporation has the required human resources and strategies to excel in years to come.
BIOGRAPHY
Bruce Linton is founder of Canopy Growth Corporation and co-founder of Tweed Marijuana Incorporated. Canopy Growth was the first cannabis producing company in North America to be listed on a major stock exchange and included on a major stock index. Linton’s experience across a wide variety of enterprises has influenced the positive start of Canopy Growth. Prior to his current position, he was General Manager and Re-Founder of Computerland.ca, President and Co-Founder of webHancer Corp, and part of the establishing team at CrossKeys Systems Corporation.The company has a superior market capital essence in the cannabis industry. How do you describe the strategy behind this outcome?
When I started the company, the regulations were evolving, and the intentions were clear; certain jurisdictions would end prohibition. We created a culture where there would be no shortcuts, no cheating. We hired brilliant people, specifically those who had the potential to collaborate. Canopy Growth Corporation seeks to get extremely bright people together.
How do you assess the medical cannabis industry in Jamaica?
The industry started off early and then became fairly quiet for a year or two. We now see a great deal of acceleration again. When I was working with all of the facilities, I saw 80% of alignment with the way the sector is regulated in Canada.
How do Jamaicans contribute to the expansion of the corporation?
We have an entity here that we have invested in. As a result, our Jamaica connection is that many people get the opportunity to work on medical research. There is cohort of people in Jamaica that is significantly more receptive to the idea that there could be geriatric remedies that will simply look at improving appetites and reducing anxiety as people age. We have done medical studies here, and this can be a great place for us to continue our operations.
What are your goals for 2019?
Canopy Growth Corporation is wrapping up the year, though it has to get recreational products across Canada. There are certain countries that are participating in the market, and there are 12 other countries that are federally turning it on, from Colombia to Denmark. There will be many projects wrapping up in Canada that need to be done. As well, we will have to look at developments in the US and the EU in 2019.
EARLY ENTRANT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Michael Lee-Chin, Founder and Chairman, Portland Holdings, Chairman, Economic Growth Council, Chairman, National Commercial Bank (NCB)
Portland Holdings manages public and private equity and strives to build strong businesses that support the well-being of the communities in which they operate.
read articleCommuniqué
A Legal Introduction to Jamaica’s SEZ Regime
A special economic zone (SEZ) is as a geographical demarcated area within a country's national borders that is governed by trade and business laws that are distinct from the laws of the rest of that country. The objective of an SEZ is usually to attract investment to a nation's shores, and thereby increase employment and economic growth.
read articleInterview
Daryl Vaz, Minister with responsibility for Land, the Environment, Climate Change, and Investment, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is working hard to ensure Jamaica's growth doesn't come at the expense of its environment.
read articleFocus: Brain drain
Holding on to the Best
Given its close proximity to North America's economic powerhouses and its warm relationship with its former colonial power, Jamaica's best and brightest have long decamped for more developed shores. The government is now fighting to encourage them to stay at home.
read article