About The Author

Born into a family deeply entrenched in the Rastafarian cannabis cartel, my upbringing was anything but ordinary. I witnessed the spectrum of experiences within the illicit cannabis trade, from its benefits to its dangers.

As a child, cannabis roots treated my asthma, thanks to my father brewing tea with the male roots of the plant. Our family gatherings were marked by the pervasive aroma of weed, and we even hosted quarterly cannabis cultivation competitions.

However, the illegal nature of our activities caught up with my father, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence in French jurisdiction. Determined not to follow in my parents’ footsteps, I pursued education, ultimately becoming a high school agriculture science teacher.

Driven by passion and ambition, I financed my education through various means, including mortgaging my grandmother’s property and taking on significant student loans. Graduating from Canada’s premier agricultural institution, I swiftly rose through the ranks in the burgeoning cannabis industry, paying off my debts in quick time.

Since then, I’ve founded two successful cannabis organizations to continue in aiding the developing cannabis landscape.

1. GPS: GanjaPapa Solutions; Our mission is clear – to enrich every cannabis cultivation clientele business by fostering sustainability, increasing efficiency, and elevating returns.
2. UPMA: Universal Plant Medicine Association; To support and empower individuals committed to the study, research, and application of plant-based medicines. Through scholarships, we aim to facilitate access to education, training, and resources, enabling aspiring scholars to explore, preserve, and advance the field of plant medicine.

Stumbling upon a photo while studying for my final exams, I felt compelled to share my journey, hoping to inspire others. My story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for success when one invests in education and collaborates with esteemed institutions.

Never abandon your dreams; winners persist, while quitters falter. May my testimony encourage students, growers, and plant enthusiasts alike to pursue their aspirations and leverage the resources available to them for transformative growth.

Brendon Roberts stands as a visionary leader in the realms of horticulture, cannabis cultivation, and advocacy, with a career marked by groundbreaking initiatives and impactful contributions. With a portfolio boasting of spearheading various significant projects across Canada, Brendon’s influence extends from the vast landscapes of British Columbia to the emerging cannabis industry hubs in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Roberts has been instrumental in the development of multiple pioneering cultivation facilities, including a remarkable 480,000-square-foot indoor facility in New Brunswick, a 250,000-square-foot facility in Nova Scotia, and a 350,000-square-foot software greenhouse in Ontario. Notably, his expertise extends beyond traditional indoor setups, as evidenced by his management of a 290-acre outdoor cultivation space in British Columbia. Through these endeavors, Roberts has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of cannabis cultivation, both domestically and globally.

As the head of cultivation leadership at British Columbia’s first farm-to-table operations, Brendon Roberts has not only showcased his proficiency in cannabis cultivation but also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable and locally sourced agricultural practices. British Columbia, renowned for its BC Bud, has benefited greatly from Roberts’ expertise, setting a benchmark for responsible and high-quality cannabis production.

Beyond his direct involvement in cultivation, Brendon Roberts has been actively engaged in advocacy efforts and served on numerous cannabis operations’ boards of directors. His strategic insights and industry knowledge have contributed to the advancement of cannabis policy, research, and economic development initiatives across Canada.

As a board member and director at the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance, Roberts plays a pivotal role in fostering agri-tourism research, economic development, and agri-communications. Additionally, he has leveraged his expertise to support Native start-ups in the development of plant medicine, furthering innovation and diversity within the industry.

As the founder of UPMA, Brendon Roberts has established a platform dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals committed to the study, research, and application of plant-based medicines. Through scholarships and educational programs, UPMA aims to democratize access to botanical healing knowledge, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability within the field.

Learn more about UPMA:

Brendon Roberts’ multifaceted career embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and advocacy within the horticulture and cannabis cultivation sectors. His leadership in pioneering cultivation facilities, commitment to sustainable practices, and dedication to advancing plant medicine research exemplify a holistic approach to industry development. As Canada continues to shape the global cannabis landscape, Brendon Roberts stands as a driving force behind its evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the future of horticulture and plant medicine.

The results are in, and I’m humbled to announce that Brendon Roberts and GanjaPapa Solutions have been named Canadian Choice for Cannabis Consulting for 2025!

 

Words cannot fully express how much this recognition means to me. To stand among the best in the industry is an honor, but what truly fills my heart is being able to contribute to the growth and evolution of cannabis development.

 

I still remember the encouraging words of my co-teacher, Dr. Rene Van Acker, PhD; the former Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, now the interim president of the university, who once said:

 

“Brendon is a great example of the growth journey we hope for, for our students and he is a great example to our prospective and current students of what is possible when you are a Guelph alumni.”

 

These words have stayed with me and continue to inspire me to lead with purpose and integrity in every project.

The strategies that have fueled my success are outlined in my scientific cannabis development book, a testament to years of learning, innovation, and collaboration. If you’d like a personalized signed copy, it would be my honor to share it with you.

 

This achievement would not have been possible without the 150 years of international plant development research from the University of Guelph, which provided me with the foundation to grow, explore, and innovate.

 

To everyone who has supported me along this journey, thank you and I am sincerely grateful. I believe in a brighter and greener future for cannabis where no one is left behind.

Growing up was anything but easy. My mother was tragically murdered, and my father spent 20 years in prison for cannabis trafficking. These challenges shaped my resilience and determination.

 

Against the odds, I mortgaged my grandmother’s house to attend Canada’s #1 Agricultural University, the University of Guelph. There, I harnessed my passion for plants and agriculture, translating that knowledge into the cannabis industry.

 

Today, I stand as a proud recipient of Canada’s Top Consultant award, recognized for my work in cannabis horticulture and sustainable practices. The path has not been without hurdles, I’ve even faced “LinkedIn jail” three times, taking a six-month break to complete writing and sharing my perspectives in the Cannabis Development book.

 

 

Now, I am thrilled to offer signed copies to supporters, industry professionals, the cannabis curious, students, dispensaries, and community members. It’s my way of giving back to a plant family that has been my source of passion and purpose.

 

Here’s what academic experts have shared about my journey:

 

“Brendon has gone on to translate his education into success and has become a known authority in Canada and beyond on cannabis horticulture.” – Dr. Rene Van Acker, PhD, Interim President, University of Guelph

 

“Brendon has a strong skill set for knowledge transfer, enhancing strategic learning and development outcomes for cultivation teams.” – Dr. Natasha Ryz, PhD, Owner, Dry Skin Love Skincare

 

“Brendon is a distinguished authority in plant science and a proud alumnus of Canada’s prestigious Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. His specialization in international plant agricultural development has led him to excel in horticulture, cannabis crop production, and facility operations.” – Dr. Susan Dupej, PhD, Cannabis Tourism & Hospitality, University of Guelph

“Brendon’s dedication to collaboration and Canada’s sustainable cannabis industry is truly commendable, underscoring his expertise and influence in this evolving field.” – Dr. AV Singh, PhD, Executive Director, Scotian Cannabis  Alliance

 

The cannabis journey isn’t easy, it’s a labor of love, commitment, and resilience. But tough cannabis people and businesses outlast tough times. If we remain dedicated, failure will not overcome our will to succeed.

 

Who else believes in smart hard work and a strong track record?

 

Thank you for supporting my journey and the Cannabis Development book. Contact me for a signed copy, I’d love to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts!

In 2015, I made the move from a small Caribbean island (Dominica 🇩🇲) to North America, driven by the fact that cannabis wasn’t legal back home, and still largely isn’t.

 

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of being named Canada’s #1 Cannabis Consultant of the Year 2024.

 

Winners never quit, and quitters never win. Never give up on your passions and dreams, even when no one else believes in you.

 

A good friend once told me, sometimes you must migrate to be great.

 

This award is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the cannabis industry, and to the entire cannabis community!

Who else believes in the power of hard work, done smartly?

In 2015, I made the move from a small Caribbean island (Dominica 🇩🇲) to North America, driven by the fact that cannabis wasn’t legal back home, and still largely isn’t.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of being named Canada’s #1 Cannabis Consultant of the Year 2024.

Winners never quit, and quitters never win. Never give up on your passions and dreams, even when no one else believes in you.

A good friend once told me, sometimes you must migrate to be great.

This award is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the cannabis industry, and to the entire cannabis community!

Who else believes in the power of hard work, done smartly?