Moving to a new country without friends or family is never easy

Moving to a new country without friends or family is never easy. I grew up without parental structure, no mum or dad in my life. Despite these challenges, I moved from a tiny island village of just 300 people to Canada, a country with millions. Navigating this new environment as a foreigner with no support system was tough.

I landed at Toronto Airport with one thing in mind: to pursue my passion for plant agriculture at Canada’s 150-year-old agricultural University of Guelph. I committed myself entirely, doubling my course load, graduating in less than half the usual time, and studying advanced plant development as both a student and a lecturer.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to chart a journey full of purpose and innovation. I’ve been headhunted for executive roles in cannabis cultivation, quality assurance, facility management, and economic development across Canada. Industry recognition includes being named Best Cannabis Consultant of 2024 and now the recipient of Canada’s Choice in Cannabis Consulting 2025.

Alongside my achievements, I’ve nurtured my entrepreneurial vision:

1. GanjaPapa Solutions – Enriching cannabis businesses globally with consulting, resources, and advocacy.

2. UPMA: Universal Plant Medicine Association – A registered charity championing plant medicine research and uplifting students.

Through GanjaPapa, I’ve expanded scientific resources, such as fresh flower testing methods that cut costs by up to 50%, and real-time nutrient analysis to improve cultivation practices. I’ve created cannabis courses on social sciences and humanities to break down stigma and drive meaningful change. Most notably, I’ve supported entrepreneurs in securing financing to build and scale their cannabis community ventures.

I also authored “Cannabis Development: Unveiling Cannabis, Society, and Self-Enlightenment”, sharing insights and empowering individuals to create positive ripples in the cannabis industry.
Personalized signed copies are available if you’d like one!

Reflecting on this milestone, my gratitude goes to those who uplifted me, encouraged me, and reminded me never to give up. Coming from a challenging childhood, a father imprisoned for cannabis smuggling and a mother tragically taken from me, I stand here today as a testament to resilience and the spirit of a community that refused to let me fail.

We won’t quit. We’ll keep dreaming, innovating, and growing together.

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Who else here believes in smart hard work, perseverance, and never giving up?