Media Advisory - Cannabis Industry Insiders Respond to Ontario Government's Cannabis Distribution Framework Announcement

H+K's cannabis experts available for comment

TORONTO, Sept 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is planning on announcing its cannabis distribution framework on Friday Sept 8 at 11am. This is a crucial moment for 13.6 million Ontarians given this is going to set how Ontarians can legally access and consume cannabis for recreational and medical purposes.

H+K's experts are available to discuss the following:

• The potential rollout of the Ontario government's approach (Tax implications, legal implications, safety and security and the black market)
• How this relates to the federal government's plan to legalize the use of cannabis by July 2018 and how it sets a precedent for other provinces as they determine their frameworks
• Results from H+K's pan-Canadian research panel on Canada's preferences for a distribution regime

What: Ontario Government's Cannabis Distribution Framework Announcement

Where: Ottawa and Toronto

When: September 8, 2017 (Noon onwards)

Who:

• Ivan Ross Vrana (Ottawa): Ivan Ross is widely recognized as an industry expert in the field of medical cannabis and the emerging regime of legalized cannabis.  His experience in this sector dates back to his time with Health Canada when he helped develop the Government of Canada's position regarding the use, production, distribution and regulation of cannabis for medical purposes.  Since that time he has offered clients counsel and support in investor relations, communications, regulatory review, strategic partnerships, identification and outreach related to market opportunities in other countries such as the United States and Australia and government affairs work at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.  Ivan Ross has also written several articles regarding the cannabis industry and been a guest speaker at conferences in Canada and the United States.
  
  
• Omar Khan (Toronto): Omar served as Chief of Staff to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care where he was responsible for, among other things, providing insights and counsel on emerging issues, strategic decisions and policy development to the Minister, Premier's Office and other Cabinet members. He has also served as a Senior Advisor to an Ontario Attorney General.

About Hill+Knowlton's cannabis practice
H+K has a team of experts that have been advising clients in the medical cannabis space since 2013.  We assist clients in navigating the regulatory and application process, support their communications and marketing efforts and provide public affairs support which allows our clients to achieve success today, while preparing for the future of this fast-changing industry.

SOURCE Hill and Knowlton Canada Limited (Ottawa)

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Ivan Ross or Omar please contact me at my coordinates below. James Kenny, Manager, Business Development + Marketing, [email protected], D: [phone], M: [phone], F: [phone]