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Montreal’s Parc de Dieppe played host to CannabisFest this week, offering a snapshot of the creative potential surrounding Canada’s burgeoning cannabis industry. Part of a five-day StartupFest, this collection of speakers, investors, media and other interested participants highlighted the infinite opportunities for disruptive businesses to enter emerging markets in Quebec and across Canada.

A new class of risk-takers flooded the city, ready to connect and uncover how cannabis entrepreneurs can participate and thrive in a legal market. As a panellist who spoke on products and perspectives in the cannabis space, I was floored by the enthusiasm and exchange of ideas. As a U.S. citizen working with dosist, a cannabis-based wellness company launched in the U.S., I could feel the contagious excitement for Canada’s impending legalization.

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The buzz and depth of opportunities I saw steeply contrasts with the environment in my home country, which continues to be constrained by prohibition. Legalization gives Quebec and all of Canada the potential to grow as a tech hub and CannabisFest was a shining example.