GrowForce, Mi’kmaq Chiefs and AtlantiCann Medical Inc. Open Maritime Cannabis Cultivation and Extraction Facility

  • GrowForce takes initial step into Atlantic Canada and a key milestone in its national expansion in the medicinal and adult-use cannabis market
  • The new facility cements AMI’s position as a leading Maritime-licensed producer of high-quality, legally produced cannabis

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia & TORONTO--()--A new, state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation and extraction facility has opened in Halifax. GrowForce, a Canadian-based company that operates a complete seed-to-sale cannabis platform under Health Canada’s Cannabis Act, and Halifax-based AtlantiCann Medical Inc. (AMI), a licensed producer and member of the BANC group of companies, announced the opening of their newly built, 48,000 sq ft facility at the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The event marks a significant step in bringing Canada’s fastest growing sector to Nova Scotia’s capital. To show support and provide greetings will be The Honourable Lena Metledge Diab, Minister of Immigration, Chief Terrance Paul, Co-Chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and Chief Mike Sack, Cannabis Portfolio Lead for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.

“The joint-venture give us a strong foothold in Atlantic Canada as part of our coast-to-coast growth plan, expanding our portfolio through collaboration with key partners like AMI, Bridging Finance and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, while supporting the economic development of the local communities where we operate,” says Rishi Gautam, Chairman and CEO of GrowForce. “Furthermore, GrowForce’s uncompromising commitment to product quality and innovation is perfectly matched with the extensive pharmaceutical background of AMI, as we work together to develop new high quality cannabis products.”

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs have recently signed a letter of intent and memorandum of understanding with GrowForce and AMI creating a pathway for the Assembly to participate in the cannabis industry.

“We are pleased to be able to work towards having the AMI and GrowForce teams as partners in the cannabis industry,” said Chief Terrance Paul. “As we work towards creating better opportunities for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, it is clear how partnering with these two pillars in the industry would be beneficial for all parties.”

To further elevate their medicinal cannabis offerings, GrowForce is also collaborating with universities on R&D initiatives to advance medical research, including: pre-clinical and clinical studies.

“This partnership enables AMI to leverage GrowForce’s decade-long experience in cannabis cultivation, and will ultimately help the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia enter into this industry. Together, we will bring premium medicinal and adult-use cannabis products to the market and advance the use of legally produced medicinal marijuana products to help patients cope with their ailments,” said Christine Halef, President of AtlantiCann Medical Inc.

The Lower Sackville facility is expected to expand further beyond this initial phase, with the companies working diligently to add 20,000 square feet of flower room and increase production capacity in the near future. The companies are also expecting to obtain a sales license in early 2019. Currently, AMI plans to fill 24 new positions in the facility and increase its workforce as needed.

“We are thrilled about the future, as both companies share similar vision and commitment to invest in this community and support its economic prosperity,” adds Christine Halef.

David Sharpe, CEO of Bridging Finance Inc., an Indigenous led company, has been a key advisor, bringing financial backing and supporting GrowForce’s execution of its Indigenous joint ventures. Through the strategic partnership with Bridging Finance and the establishment of the Bridging Infrastructure Fund, GrowForce has unique access to growth capital for continued infrastructure investments and consolidation of strong operational cannabis assets.

About GrowForce

GrowForce is a geographically diversified and vertically integrated cannabis platform operating within Health Canada’s Cannabis Act (formerly known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations). GrowForce owns a majority interest in flagship cannabis facilities with strategic partnerships for turnkey operations, proprietary software and training, and project financing. GrowForce's flagship facilities are operated by MJardin Group, North America's largest turnkey operator of legal cannabis facilities, and financed by Bridging Finance Inc., Canada's leading provider of private credit. For more information, please visit www.growforce.ca.

About AtlantiCann Medical Inc.

AtlantiCann Medical, Inc. (AMI) was founded in 2013 with an application submitted under the MMPR program with the primary objective of advancing the uses of medicinal cannabis. Since then the 48,000 square foot facility, located in Lower Sackville, NS has completed construction and is on the cusp of receiving a cultivation license from Health Canada. AMI has partnered with GrowForce, a company with extensive experience in producing cannabis. With their combined knowledge and experience in cultivation and pharmaceuticals, they will strive to provide excellence, reliability and innovation in this burgeoning sector.

About the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs is comprised of all 13 Mi’kmaq Chiefs in Nova Scotia and is the highest level of collective governance for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Contacts

Media:
AMI:
Quantum Communications
Donalee Moulton, 902-443-9600
quantum@eastlink.ca
or
GrowForce:
ICR
Cory Ziskind, 646-277-1232
cory.ziskind@icrinc.com
or
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative:
Crystal Dorey, 902-843-3880
crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com

Contacts

Media:
AMI:
Quantum Communications
Donalee Moulton, 902-443-9600
quantum@eastlink.ca
or
GrowForce:
ICR
Cory Ziskind, 646-277-1232
cory.ziskind@icrinc.com
or
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative:
Crystal Dorey, 902-843-3880
crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com