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OCS sponsors 10 access grants for the 2023 CannExpo

Access grants encourage the presence and participation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned retailers and licensed producers

November 10, 2022  By Grow Opportunity Staff


(Globe Newswire) Toronto — CannExpo, Canada’s largest cannabis consumer show, is launching 10 access grants, sponsored by the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).

These grants aim to increase the presence and participation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned retailers and licensed producers at CannExpo by providing successful applicants with free in-kind registration and one 10×10 booth.

Selection will take place using a randomized selection process, so all eligible applicants will have an equal opportunity of being selected. The eligibility criteria and application form can be found here. The deadline to apply is November 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

“OCS is thrilled to be participating in CannExpo 2023 as the sponsor of 10 access grants. To enable a vibrant marketplace, we must actively increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned retailers and licensed producers so the industry truly reflects the diversity of our province.” — David Lobo, president and CEO of the OCS

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CannExpo invites applications from authorized Ontario retailers and federally authorized LPs who are at least 51 per cent owned and operated by someone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour, and may be otherwise unable to participate due to cost or other barriers.

“Cannabis has been legal in Canada for four years now and there is still so much stigma associated with its consumption. Through education, exhibitions and networking events, we aim to normalize cannabis through an upscale and fun show for consumers, budtenders and retailers.” — Kathryn Reilly, CEO of CannExpo

Information on how to apply can be found on CannExpo’s website: cannexpo.ca/ocs-access-grants/

The Ontario Cannabis Store will also be in attendance to promote evidence informed education and their new evidence-based education hub for Ontarians, Cannabis Made Clear. Cannabis Made Clear provides unbiased, non-judgemental education on a range of key cannabis-related topics including responsible use, health effects, the value of buying legal cannabis, and how to have these important conversations with young people.

It can be difficult to assess who is most in need or most deserving of an in-kind grant, and CannExpo wants to ensure that all applicants have an equal chance of being selected, regardless of CannExpo’s or their partners’ relationships with various vendors. They believe this randomized selection process is the best approach for applicants and can help with starting to address the need for more diverse representation at cannabis events.


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