President

Walid has deep roots in the Cannabis Industry going back 20 years. From operating dispensaries and consumption lounges, he has built trusted relationships within the community and with local Health Officials and has helped the City of Toronto build the parameters around which Consumption Lounges may operate. Walid's efforts were critical in the progression of cannabis legalization in Canada. Hosting Industry nights at the Yongesterdam lounge (2016-2021), Wallid has grown an extensive contact list with cannabis cultivators, product inventors and trendsetters in the Canadian cannabis industry. Through his hard work and dedication, Walid secured his current Cannabis Retail Operator License and operates a chain of Retail Stores with his wife Jane called Cosmic Gardens. Using his wealth of experience, Walid was able to secure licenses with the clean reputation he built alongside his wife Jane who is a Registered nurse and Cannabis Advocate. 

Walid also brings to the table 20 years experience in the Electronic Music Industry working with world class Touring DJ's and operating Record Labels, Radio Stations and Large Scale Music Festivals.

He was part of the Founding Board and took over as President in November 2023.

Vice-President / Government Relations Chair

One of CCTA’S founding members and established the advocacy for our members as the Director of Government Relations. Jeremy is member voice driven that led him to becoming the Vice President and open the doors with our government across Canada. 

Prior to the CCTA, Jeremy worked at Joseph’s Hospital,  managed security and graduated from Police Foundations. 

Jeremy is passionate about making Canada the number one global destination for cannabis hospitality and tourism. After thirteen years of experience in the alcohol industry, he knows that it is time for cannabis to drive and grow tourism across Canada.

Membership Chair

Karen brings to the CCTA 30 + years of Tourism experience in every aspect of the Tourism industry in Niagara Falls. Holding many key relationships with MPP's, MP's and the Mayor, her experience is invaluable to the Organization.

Also, she is an equity owner at On The Ridge Cannabis Co. Niagara Falls , a Tour Agent/Tour Guide for a Major Hotel and Tour Company in the area, and previously VIP concierge for Niagara Falls Tourism (tourism, travel agents, media, tour operators, and site inspectors). She also has many years of experience in winery tours and experiential tours.

She also has acted as the Sales Manager at the Imax Theatre where she increased traffic by 15,000 annually with creative programs she installed.

She has won a Misty award for Hospitality Recognition  for her  administration  of  food services at Niagara Parks for 6 years.

Karen is a key player in the organizing of the CCTA's Cannabis Tourism Summit and Music Festival every 420 in Niagara Falls.

Event Co-Chair, Administrative Director

Reverend Kelly, founder of The KGL Network (Kelly’s Green Lounge), is a leading Canadian cannabis advocate and activist dedicated to integrating cannabis into mainstream society. Through the creation of The KGL Network and its associated brands, Reverend Kelly has cultivated a safe, inclusive space for spirituality, education, community building, and the celebration of cannabis culture.

As a founder and elected board member of the Federal Not-For-Profit organization; the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA), Reverend Kelly acts as co-chair of the events committee, and administrative outreach liaison. 

Finance Chair

Priscilla Ren is a dedicated member of the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA), holding pivotal roles as Finance Chair and Board Member. In her professional sphere, she excels in product commercialization and category management for a group of licensed producers, showcasing her comprehensive expertise in the cannabis industry.

Within the CCTA, Priscilla transcends her finance duties by actively fostering community engagement, whether through direct interactions on Discord or by curating compelling content for newsletters. Her efforts are instrumental in driving the alliance forward, leveraging her keen business insight.

Priscilla is committed to broadening the scope of cannabis tourism in the Maritimes, underlining her dedication to enhancing the industry's landscape and the CCTA's mission.

Chair, Research and Policy Committee

Brendon Roberts is an agribusiness celebrated expert and award-winning cannabis consultant, recognized as one of the cannabis industry leading minds. As the author of the groundbreaking textbook, "Cannabis Development: Unveiling Cannabis, Society, and the Humanities," Brendon has made significant contributions to both academic and horticultural research. More on the book: https://ganjapapaworld.com/the-book/.

His work is widely cited in scholarly circles and has earned accolades for its insightful exploration of cannabis cultivation, society, and the humanities. With a distinguished career marked by numerous industry awards and nominations, Brendon continues to shape the future of cannabis through his innovative approaches and thought leadership.

HighKu.Co / Diversity Equity & Inclusions Chair

Anisha Reindorf is a leader in Canada’s evolving cannabis industry, dedicated to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and ethical practices. As the founder of HighKu.Co, Anisha has been at the forefront of cannabis culture, curating innovative experiences that bridge the gap between the industry and diverse communities. Their work emphasizes education, advocacy, and creating spaces where cannabis is celebrated responsibly and inclusively.  

Now, as the Inclusion, Diversity & Ethics Chair for the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Association (CCTA), Anisha is committed to ensuring that cannabis tourism in Canada reflects the rich diversity of its people. She strives to make the industry more accessible, ethical, and representative, advocating for equitable opportunities and meaningful engagement across all sectors.  

With a deep passion for community-driven initiatives and industry growth, Anisha continues to push boundaries, shaping a future where cannabis is embraced with integrity and inclusivity at its core.