Contributors & Members

Executive Director

Atiyyah Ferouz Founder Executive Director ICQSA International Cannabis Quality Standards Association

Founder and Executive Director
International Cannabis Quality Standards Association (ICQSA)

Atiyyah Ferouz

  • Atiyyah is the Founder and Executive Director of the International Cannabis Quality Standards Association (ICQSA).

    Atiyyah obtained her Bachelor of Science with an Honors Specialization in Biology from Western University. She completed her Master of Science in genetic engineering and plant biotechnology through a collaboration between Western University and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Atiyyah entered the cannabis industry as a Tissue Culture Lab Manager in 2018 and subsequently gained experience in cannabis cultivation, postharvest processing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. In 2020, she founded AgCann Consultancy, a consulting firm specializing in the development and optimization of operations, quality assurance, and tissue culture processes in emerging markets. She has worked with clients across five continents and is passionate about the globalization of the cannabis industry.

    Atiyyah is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), trained pharmaceutical systems auditor, and Certified Pharmaceutical GMP Professional (CPGP) who is committed to instilling quality throughout the cannabis supply chain. As an educator and frequent speaker in the cannabis space, Atiyyah continually strives to drive the industry forward. In line with this objective, she founded the ICQSA to bring together industry thought leaders to develop best practice guides and provide advisement to policymakers. She hopes that industry-specific practices and policies will bring benefits to both established and emerging markets, facilitating the establishment of global cannabis standards.

Contributors

Ben Males

Business Development Manager
The Australian Cannabis Group

  • Ben has been immersed in the Medical Cannabis industry in Australia since its creation in 2016 where he worked managing the design of a Medical Cannabis production and cultivation facility. He has over 20+ years of experience in the Agriculture and Construction Industries. Ben has managed the design and construction of various farms, labs, and horticulture facilities in over 15 different countries throughout his career.

Andre Devorss

General Manager
The Australian Cannabis Group

  • Andre studied Chemistry and Engineering Physics at the Colorado School of Mines. Andre has extensive experience in cannabis extraction, post-processing, and purification. He has successfully incorporated cannabis into various products including beverages, tablets, soft gelatin capsules, topicals, dry powders, and more. He is recognised in Australia on a Distinguished Talent Visa as a medicinal cannabis expert.

Claire Erickson Boveda ICQSA

Claire Erickson

Industry Programs Manager
Boveda

  • Claire Erickson is the Industry Programs Manager for Boveda, the global leader in 2-way humidity control. Claire’s passion for helping people and for the cannabis plant coalesce in innovative partnerships centered around cannabis science, strategic integration, and public affairs. Focused on promoting quality and supporting evolving business ecosystems, Claire has become a forceful advocate in the cannabis industry. A native of western Colorado, Claire currently lives with her family in the mountains of Montana.

Hardeep Shoker

Chief Product Officer
Elevated Signals

  • Hardeep is Chief Product Officer and one of the co-founders of Elevated Signals, an organization that develops manufacturing software for the cannabis industry. With a strong focus on quality, the company manages 4+ million sq ft of production area represented by craft producers right through to enterprise-level operators.

    Day-to-day Hardeep helps Licensed Producers get the most out of their teams by leveraging technology to streamline operations and compliance. Having a technical and management background, he helps his peers navigate tough choices around change management and make data-led decisions.

    With over 14 years of experience in software development, he is passionate about bringing technical best practices from other industries and applying them to the cannabis space, to help the market become sustainable from both an operating and business perspective.

    Prior co-founding Elevated Signals, Hardeep was a Lead Software Developer at Adobe and he studied Computing Science at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

Jay Evans

CEO
Twister Technologies

  • Jay is a dedicated and passionate leader in the cannabis industry with over 25 years of experience. As a pioneer in cannabis production and post-harvest technology, Jay has devoted his career to elevating the industry by developing innovative solutions and empowering the people who make it thrive.

    His journey has allowed him to work closely with small craft growers to collaborating with the largest commercial producers around the world. Jay's unrivalled expertise in cannabis production, particularly in post-harvest processing, has made him a sought-after resource for those looking to optimize their operations and maximize their success.

    As the CEO of Keirton, Jay oversees a company that is at the forefront of cannabis processing technology. Keirton's cutting-edge equipment is deployed globally, processing millions of pounds of cannabis each year and contributing to the industry's rapid growth.

    Jay's deep experience and knowledge grant him a unique and valuable perspective, and set him apart as a true visionary in the cannabis space. With his unwavering commitment to cultivating people and technology, Jay continues to drive the industry forward, helping shape the future of cannabis.

Chico van Vlimmeren

General Manager
Bionova

  • Chico is based in the Netherlands and has over 17 years of experience in the cannabis industry. His father, the founder of Bionova Nutrients, has been growing cannabis for over 45 years and established the first legal cannabis cultivation greenhouse in the Netherlands, before recriminalization. Building upon the success and knowledge gained from this experience, Bionova was launched as a dedicated cannabis nutrient brand. Bionova prioritizes transparency and backs its products with research and data, ensuring its clients get a truly effective product for cannabis cultivation.

    Chico is now the Owner and General Manager of Bionova, advocating for highly concentrated, cost-effective products while optimizing return on investment for cultivation facilities. With a background in International Business Studies and Plant Physiology, Chico is well-positioned to help cultivators address the challenges of commercial cannabis cultivation. He has advised and worked alongside growers from every corner of the globe to improve their facilities, accumulating a wealth of knowledge.

    Chico is a firm believer in making informed decisions at the outset of any cannabis cultivation project and is eager to contribute to the development of industry best practices to ensure growers around the world can benefit from our collective lessons learned.

Steve Clark

Founder and CEO
Global Cannabis Exchange (GCX)

  • A globally recognized Canadian entrepreneur with a strong foundation in business development, logistics, and crude oil trading, Steve Clark has channelled his extensive experience into transforming the cannabis market as the CEO and founder of the award-winning Canadian Cannabis Exchange (CCX). Under his leadership, CCX has become a leading platform for licensed producers to buy and sell wholesale cannabis and facilitate new supply chains. CCX prioritizes transparency, industry standardization, and market insights, empowering licensed producers with tools to make well-informed purchase decisions for their business. The exchange has over 700 clients across Canada and over $113M in transacted sales.

    Steve’s dedication to connectivity in the cannabis supply chain extends beyond Canada; he is also the founder behind the Global Cannabis Exchange (GCX) and the American Cannabis Exchange (ACX), bridging international markets and ensuring seamless access to newly legalized countries. His strategic insight plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global cannabis market by offering secure, standardized solutions for producers and buyers worldwide. GCX has successfully completed deals into the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. In 2024, ACX launched in California, allowing cultivators to expand their cannabis supply chain across the state.

    In addition, Steve is the founder of Loud Lion Supply (LLS), a distributor of cannabis packaging and equipment from trusted brands. Loud Lion Supply offers a comprehensive range of packaging solutions and high-quality equipment tailored to meet the unique needs of the cannabis industry. Through Loud Lion Supply, Steve continues to innovate, providing critical resources that uphold quality standards and support the growing demands of the cannabis industry.

Jillian Reddish

Co-Founder
Global Cannabis Network Collective

  • Jill Reddish is the co-founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective, a private executive network for leaders of multinational cannabis and hemp companies. Through the GCNC, Jill keeps her finger on the pulse of international trade and trends by interacting with member companies all across the cannabis supply chain and all around the world.

     

    She also co-founded the marketing strategy think-tank Project Evolve, where she advises on business strategies for U.S.-based companies preparing to expand to emerging cannabis and entheogenic markets.

     

    Jill entered the cannabis space in 2018 by working with Marijuana Business Daily on MJBizCon, the world's largest B2B cannabis trade show. She later served as Chief Marketing Officer at Gateway Proven Strategies, a globally minded consulting agency focused on building businesses in emerging markets.

      

    A liberal arts devotee, Jill holds a bachelor's in music and history from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master of Communication from the Communication Leadership program at the University of Washington.

Sonny Moerenhout

Managing Partner
Cultivators

  • Sonny is based in the Netherlands and is a co-founder of Cultivators, a cultivation consulting firm dedicated to helping licensed cannabis producers grow. The team at Cultivators brings in-depth horticultural knowledge and expertise to each project and helps clients throughout all stages of their business lifecycle.

    Sonny has been consulting cannabis growers since 2019 on various aspects of cannabis cultivation all over the globe. His cultivation experience and expertise continue to develop through his participation in trials with Wageningen University and research institutions.

    Sonny holds a Master's degree in Plant Science from Wageningen University with a specialization in greenhouse horticulture. He understands the importance of bringing together the pharmaceutical, horticultural, and hobby aspects of the cannabis industry.

Manou Timmermans

Sales Manager
Bionova

  • Manou is based in the Netherlands and is the Sales Manager of Bionova Nutrients. Manou began working in greenhouses at a young age alongside his father, and the founder of Bionova Nutrients. He gained experience with cannabis cultivation during this time and learnt about best practices for commercial production.

    Manou studied International Business and Languages, gaining the education and experience to manage the business development of brands operating on an international scale. He joined Bionova in 2018 and is currently overseeing both the retail and commercial product lines around the globe.

    Working closely with cannabis cultivators over the last 6 years, Manou has gained firsthand experience with the challenges and obstacles facing these key industry stakeholders. Combined with his personal cultivation experience, Manou has an in-depth understanding of the factors that contribute to success in cannabis production.

Jack Hanna

Founder and CEO
Single Estate Cannabis

  • With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and coffee industries, Jack, the youngest World Latte Art Champion (2007), possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in coffee. As a member of the Specialty Coffees Association and a quality judge, he has honed his sensory skills, earning accolades such as Best Espresso in Australia at the Golden Bean awards.

    In 2012, Jack co-founded The Grounds of Alexandria Group, which quickly emerged as a leading international venue, consistently ranking among the top 10 most visited and Instagrammed locations worldwide.

    Today, Jack is also a co-founder of Single Estate Cannabis, a medical cannabis company in Australia dedicated to delivering the highest quality products to the market. His unwavering commitment to quality distinguishes Single Estate from its competitors.

Christopher Tasker

Scientist and Founder
Global Cannabinoid Solutions

  • Chris is based in the UK and is the founder of Global Cannabinoid Solutions (GCS), a science-focused cannabis consulting firm that provides training for executives and investors in the science of cannabis, leveraging cannabinoid research and intelligence to create next-generation products, services, and innovations.

    Chris has a Master's degree in Cannabinoid Research and is one of the first UK scientists to investigate cannabinoids in human tissue with a focus on colorectal cancer. A public speaker, cannabis myth-buster, educator, and author of the consumer safety guide “The Cannamanual".

Heidi Whitman

Global Strategy Consultant

  • With over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, including a successful exit and a range of roles across the UK and EU, Heidi is a Global Strategist dedicated to advancing companies across North America and Europe. Her primary focus is on driving tech and innovation to elevate the industry in emerging regions, with a strong commitment to empowering female leadership in cannabis. She specializes in introducing new revenue streams through technology and innovative solutions, while ensuring a steadfast, patient- and consumer-centered approach in all initiatives. Expanding companies internationally is one of her core strengths, alongside her dedication to advancing medicinal options for both human and animal health.

Olivia Bachman

Consultant
AgCann Consultancy Ltd.

  • Olivia is a plant scientist with a passion for the cannabis industry. Olivia received her Bachelor of Science in Plant Science Horticulture and a minor in International Agriculture from Pennsylvania State University. She developed an interest in plant tissue culture and gained experience in large-scale outdoor cultivation through her work at the Russel E. Larson Agriculture Research Center.

    Olivia began working with Curaleaf, a large multi-state operator, in 2021. Starting in cultivation, Olivia gained hands-on experience with large-scale indoor hydroponic cannabis production from propagation to postharvest. In 2023, Olivia oversaw the operation of the in-house tissue culture lab, successfully initiating over 100 cultivars for genetic storage and mother stock replenishment.

Stefan Rohrl

Stefan Röhrl

CSO and Co-Founder
Luxora

  • Stefan is a key leader in the European cannabis market with 15 years of senior management experience. He owns Cannabis clubs in Spain and businesses in Germany, providing him with a deep understanding of the industry. His strong background in cultivation and product development has made him well-positioned to navigate the complex cannabis market and find new growth opportunities.

Benjamin Patock

Head of International Relations
Boveda

  • Boveda Inc (www.bovedainc.com), established in 1997, is today the leading supplier of their patented Terpene Shield technology to the biggest brands in cannabis as well as tens of thousands of cannabis consumers everywhere on the planet.  Additionally, Benjamin serves as founding member on the executive board as well as presides over the retail committee of Branchenverband der Cannabiswirtschaft (www.cannabiswirtschaft.de), Germany's leading cannabis industry association. Prior to his engagement at Boveda, Benjamin’s career included a turn as a product and marketing specialist. In 2006 he took a leap of faith and joined a friend in his freshly founded start-up and stayed in this ecosystem for over 10 years founding two companies of his own. The most recent one, Solid Taste (www.noblego.de, www.cigarmaxx.de), is today one of the leading European online retailers of cigars and premium tobacco products which ultimately lead him to his current role at Boveda where he is working on the international tobacco and cannabis markets. Benjamin lectured at University-level, wrote one of the best-selling cigar books in Germany, and acts as speaker and activist for consumer rights groups, as well as management consultant. He now takes his experiences from a highly regulated tobacco market to bring high-quality cannabis flower to anyone who needs it, no matter location. 

    Benjamin holds a Diploma (B.Sc. Hons.) in Media Management from Wiesbaden University (www.hs-rm.de ), an M.Sc. in Marketing with distinction from renowned French Business School EDHEC (www.edhec.edu), and studied Public Policy and Regulation Strategy at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (www.lse.ac.uk).

Chris Day

Co-Founder
Global Cannabis Network Collective

  • A people-driven leader, Chris Day is the co-founder of the elite multi-national cannabis industry network for C-Suite executives, the Global Cannabis Network Collective. He is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on global collaboration, trend identification, and business development through partnership for emerging markets in the cannabis industry.

    Chris brings decades of experience in business management and development, building award winning teams and championing global brands through 20+ years of running advertising and communications agencies prior to his entrance into the cannabis industry.

    He previously served as Chief Executive Officer for Gateway Proven Strategies, the multi-national cannabis consulting firm dedicated to expanding sustainable, responsible and highly profitable cannabis markets worldwide.

    Before that, MJBizDaily tapped him to run marketing and international relations for MJBizCon, the world’s largest B2B conference and trade show for cannabis. The show saw the highest-growth year over year during that time. Chris then launched the GCNC and works to drive knowledge share, deal flow and top-to-top business connectivity worldwide. Chris now uses his passion for connecting skilled and knowledgeable people into helping create profitable, high-performing companies.

    Chris is a graduate of Colorado State University. While home is "officially" Colorado, he is also a permanent resident of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Chris spends most of his time working remotely while traveling around the world to expand the global cannabis eco-system and to satisfy his wanderlust.

Organization Members

Platinum

Boveda

Platinum

Gold

Gold

Platinum

Silver

Silver

Silver

Luxora

Silver

Association Members