June 16, 2014, marked the official launch of the Tweed medicinal marijuana production facility in Smith Falls, Ontario. Hugo Alves and Mike Lickver were honoured to be invited and attend the official launch alongside politicians, community leaders, members of the activist community, business leaders (some of whom made a grand entrance via helicopter) and media. Hugo and Mike had the pleasure of touring the Tweed facility and learning more about the operational processes that Tweed has put in place to meet Health Canada standards and promote the efficient and consistent production of medical marijuana. After taking the tour and listening to Tweed chairman Bruce Linton preside over the ribbon cutting ceremony, Hugo and Mike spoke with many members of the Tweed team and a broad cross section of the stakeholders in attendance and their views of Tweed were universal – tremendous optimism for the future and gratitude for the much needed economic stimulus that Tweed has provided to the Smith Falls economy.
Despite the appearance of a full-scale operation, the Tweed facility remains a work in progress. There was ample evidence that expansion is well under way, with production capacity expected to double by August and then double again by September to meet increasing demand. Tweed's renovation of the Hershey chocolate factory (which closed in 2008) has been impressive and has provided hope to a community that lost 1,700 jobs within a few years of Hersey shutting down operations. The rapid progression of Tweed has been well publicized and it was eye-opening to be able to witness it first-hand. It is clear that Tweed is a frontrunner in the hotly anticipated "Green Rush" as they are well capitalized, have an excellent facility, their marketing and branding are strong and they have the unmitigated support of the community in which they reside.
Bennett Jones would like to thank the Tweed team and all of those in attendance at the official launch for a memorable day.
