That’s right, Lift Expo returned to the West coast after a three-year hiatus with a new zeal. Curious as to what you missed? Lift Vancouver 2023 just wrapped, which wowed the thousands who visited the Vancouver Convention Centre from January 12th to 14th. With everything from panels of cannabis’ brightest figures to a private screening of “Frenchy Dreams of Hashish”, Lift returned to Vancouver with vigor.

Yet again, ADCANN was proud to be a Media Sponsor of this three-day event which brought together leaders of not only the cannabis industry but also the still emerging psychedelics sector. With a familiar, skunk-scented haze descending over the Vancouver Harbour from the movers and shakers celebrating outside, the Vancouver Convention Centre full of booths, brands, and the people who make all of them possible, this year saw hundreds of professionals from both industries gathered to connect and discuss the latest innovations.

Lift Expo Vancouver 2023 Recap

The first day was the Lift Cannabis Business Conference, where countless leaders across the industry gathered for powerful conversations such as BZAM’s Better Branding presentation, where the creative minds behind the BZAM brands explained how they built a portfolio of strong brands with unique identities. Another highlight would include the Brand & Retail Relationships panel, where THC’s Spensir Sangara not only broke down stigma on stage with his Puffco, but explained how brands can work to build meaningful relationships through sampling rather than swag. While discussing how retailers have to order, Spensir pointed out that samples can give a much better understanding of a product rather than a strain card, saying “We should be able to know what we’re getting into before we buy… Come have a conversation, let’s smoke one together…”

On the second day of the Lift Expo, the convention halls opened to the countless curious individuals who’ve waited years to see Lift back in Vancouver. Before the hall opened, Lift made sure to not only do a land acknowledgment but a traditional demonstration led by Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Elected Councillor, Tsleil-Waututh Nation (People of the Inlet) and Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s (Salish Thunderbird). Once the floor was opened, convention attendees were able to connect with brands such as Futurola, CCELL, and Integra in between such panels as Medical & Wellness: The State of Medical Cannabis and CBD as a Natural Health Product in Canada & Access to Psychedelics: How Alberta’s New Psychedelics Regulation Will Impact Patients in Alberta and Across Canada.

The last day of Lift Vancouver came in hot with a busy floor of exhibitors, cannabis industry members, and consumers. With the shift in attendees from industry to the general public, the stages of Lift saw conversations drawing large crowds for panels such as Otis Jasper, Jodee Dick, & Darwin Douglas discussing Indigenous Cannabis while later in the day Abi Roach hosted Michael Ghazal, Josh Creighton, and Arjen Melis to discuss innovation across the industry. ADCANN’s agency partner, grnhouse, had a presence at their booth to show off their capabilities with digital marketing and community building for cannabis brands. By the end of the day, attendees left with a renewed passion for cannabis ready for the after-parties & beyond, just enough to hold them until this year’s Lift Expo Toronto.

Interested in learning more about Lift Expo – and how to not miss the next one? Visit their website and follow us on social media for all the latest updates. 

Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by ADCANN

William Zorn

William Zorn

Certified Cannabis Sommelier & Twitch Affiliate; William is currently an expert in digital cannabis marketing.