The Cannabis and Hemp Conference Expo is coming to Vancouver September 28th – 30th and we’ve interviewed the founder.

The Cannabis and Hemp Conference Expo founder Salimeh Tabrizi chats with us about the potential, power and benefits of plant medicines and how Canada leads the world in research, technology and plant-based medicines.

Why did you choose to start up CHCE?

Through my practice as a counsellor, I regularly spoke with clients who were hitting a wall when it came to the healing process. Talk therapy can work wonders, but sometimes deeper work is needed. I was then connected to the healing properties of ayahuasca, and this completed shifted my practice.

While assisting in ayahuasca ceremonies, I had a meditation with Cannabis. I received a clear message. The message was that cannabis was tired of being abused, misunderstood, and prostituted and that she, the plant, demanded reverence. As a result, I set about creating an educational platform to promote the therapeutic and conscious uses of cannabis and other plant-based medicines.

Who do you feel most benefits from CHCE?

Human beings are born with cannabinoid receptors, so everyone can benefit from the healing properties of cannabis. Cannabis doesn’t discriminate against those who it can help, but ironically all too often cannabis users are discriminated against.

Those who suffer from chronic illness, autoimmune diseases and acute pain can benefit immensely from discovering the healing properties of cannabis. Pharmaceutical medicines have their limitations, as they usually work on symptoms rather than the root of the issue, and we’ve seen huge problems stemming from the use, and abuse, of prescription drugs.

As we enter legalization in Canada, it’s essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the healing properties, therapeutics and research of cannabis, and that they can advise their patients on all the medicine available to them.

How do you see the industry evolving through the legalization period in Canada?

While legalization is a very important milestone in the changing perception of cannabis use, it will take time before the full circle of care is completed.

Under legalization in BC, patient access, safe consumption spaces, and access to a Craft cannabis market at this time is limited, but cannabis has always been, and will always be, about community. I feel that patients and consumer have a right to know who grew their cannabis and how it was grown, but this information is not always readily available.

We are still hopeful for the future, but it may take a year before holistic clinics, which combine the healing properties of cannabis and other plant medicines, open their doors.

What brand/research/product/speaker are you most excited about and is attending this years’ conference?

We are very grateful for our ethical sponsors such as Agrima Botanicals, who are committed to social and environmental responsibility. Agrima is the leading medical cannabis licensed producer in Canada and Dr. Kendall, who served as BC’s Provincial Health Officer from 1999 to 2018, is now a board member for Agrima. Dr. Kendall will be a keynote speaker at the conference. We’re also honoured, and very grateful, that Dr Ethan Russo will be returning to Cannabis Hemp Conference and Expo. Dr Russo is a world renowned researcher of the human Endocannabinoid systems and as a Past-President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and current Director of Research and Development at International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute is someone everyone looks up to. As such a highly respected individual in the industry, his schedule is very busy, so it’s fantastic that he has found the time to speak at the conference. Dr Russo will be delivering speeches on both Friday and Saturday morning, and we’re very excited to hear him speak.

What must the attendees be sure not to miss?

There will be something for everyone at this year’s event, which includes a two day conference and one day of expositions. Over 40 speakers will explore how cannabis, ayahuasca, psilocybin, MDMA and LSD, can enhance physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Attendees should be sure not to miss the workshops on a broad range of subjects, including how to make your own cannabis topicals, cannabis strains for different ailments, cannabis extracts as well as cannabis-infused cuisine.

What potential challenges do you feel are headed towards the Canadian public as legalization unrolls?

Patient access will be a big challenge as the number of dispensaries shrink. Another will be ensuring that healthcare professionals understand the science behind the use of cannabis as a medicine, and that they can advise on the right products, dosage and best practices for the right ailments.

Cannabis empowers us to become our own doctors, but as legalization unrolls we’ll need to overcome stigma by raising awareness and legitimizing the medicine even more.

Mega-Corporations such as Coca-cola have expressed interest in developing cannabis beverages, do you think this will be good for the industry?

It’s essential to remember that cannabis is a medicine, and as a medicine it needs to be kept as pure and as clean as possible. This means it shouldn’t be associated with unhealthy products, or tainted by companies that have consciously used harmful chemicals, such as sugar and aspartame, to sell their products.

Do you smoke pot?

I do smoke cannabis, but very mindfully. I only use cannabis as a spiritual practice, or to enhance my enjoyment of music and dance. I normally smoke cannabis on Sundays, when walking in nature, to reconnect with the earth and to reset and re-center after being in the city.

If yes, what is your preferred method of consumption? Why?

I like to keep it traditional, and have it rolled with intention. I’m very sensitive to the medicine, so only need one or two puffs to be able to ground, balance and reconnect. I do, however, use CBD oil on a daily basis for its amazing anti-inflammatory benefits.

By Tyler Summers