New Zealand’s first medicinal cannabis conference was held in November 2020 and less than a year later, registrations were open for MedCan 2021. “Academics, researchers, government officials, doctors, business people, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators, growers, and patients cannot afford to miss October’s MedCan Summit 2021. It marks the sunrise industry’s true starting line, as local producers are taking positive steps towards being in market,” read a release announcing the 2021 Summit, earlier this year.
Executive Director of BioTechNZ and MedCan Summit 2021 organiser, Dr Zahra Champion, had explained that with over $100 million invested in the local medicinal cannabis industry “2021 is our year to shine.” “MedCan 2021 will help local companies accelerate their path to market through valuable insights to exporting, innovation and education. We’ll present the latest medical and scientific findings and breakthrough technologies, and we’ll explore the current challenges and opportunities around the likes of investment, agritech, pharma manufacturing, and clinical trials,” she said.
The new date has been set for the 10th and 11th of February
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19-related restrictions, the event has had to be postponed, and has now been set for the 10th and 11th of February next year at Auckland’s Cordis hotel.
The event aims to connect medicine, industry, science and technology, and will feature leading international and national thought leaders. The areas covered in the discussions will include seed to sale, clinical trials, prescribing, patient case studies, as well as the social, cultural and economic benefits of the products to New Zealand.
“This has been a long journey. It’s nearly three years since the enabling legislation was passed in Parliament and over 18 months since New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme took effect. The local industry is starting to roll-out high quality and affordable products for Kiwi patients, but there’s still so much more to come,” said Champion.
She highlighted that despite being moved, the summit has still gathered momentum with additional sponsors, exhibitors and speakers joining, and an updated two-day programme is now available on MedCan’s website www.medcansummit.co.nz. The program outlines details pertaining to Industry and Science streams, as well as the Healthcare Professionals Forum.
