By Corey Fischer

Cannabis Growing Experts Hired

Mar 19, 2018 | 11:00 AM

A Vernon based company has hired a pair of experts in the growing of medical cannabis products.

True Leaf Medicine International says Stephen Schroeder and Christian Zofchak have joined their team, as their Chief Cannabis Industry Advisor, and Director of Horticulture Operations, respectively.

CEO Darcy Bomford says the two are Canadian leaders in selective cannabis plant development.

“True Leaf is assembling a world-class team of medical, genetics and cultivation experts,” say Bomford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of True Leaf. “Our mission is to be Canada’s leading purpose-driven cannabis company, so we are proud to announce today Stephen and Christian will be creating high-quality medical products for people and their pets here at True Leaf Campus.”

Schroeder and Zofchak will identify the best cannabis plant genetics worldwide, and, as part of True Leaf’s proprietary intellectual property, will develop unique strains capable of producing the active ingredients needed to develop a highly-effective medicinal product line to address neurological, musculoskeletal, gynaecological, and gastrointestinal conditions.

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Mr. Schroeder has overseen millions of square feet of cannabis cultivation worldwide. Now an Okanagan Valley resident, he has consulted on cannabis operations in several European Union countries, throughout the United States, and in South America helping thousands of patients. His approach to cannabis horticulture emphasizes purity and precise control of all parameters of the growth cycle.

“I’ll be leading the careful genetic selection of stronger strains that will make people feel better,” says Schroeder. “I’ve designed techniques to preserve the whole plant medicine. This means we can use the full spectrum of therapeutic benefits cannabis has to offer. I’m excited to bring this and other specialized growing techniques to True Leaf.”

Zofchak has more than 20 years of experience, will and provide the precise environmental controls necessary to eliminate the need for pesticides and fungicides during the production of cannabis products. The control of these conditions will enable the team to produce whole plant medicines and extractions.

“I am very proud to be part of a team that puts patients first with such a strong commitment to quality cannabis cultivation,” says Zofchak. “I believe that True Leaf will be one of the few licensed producers capable of providing consistent pharmaceutical grade cannabis and extractions. This is only possible with our scientific approach and dedication.”

True Leaf has received permission by Health Canada to build its True Leaf Campus cannabis cultivation facility in Lumby and broke ground on March 2.

The 25,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in late summer 2018.

True Leaf is currently in the final stages of Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations process, the license it needs to officially cultivate cannabis.

The company’s goal is to provide federally-approved cannabis products that will be sold across Canada and the United States.

File photo of True Leaf’s ground breaking ceremony in Lumby

by Corey Fischer