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.