Awards Gala Shines a Light on the Medical Cannabis Industry
Awards night officially launches Cannabiz World Summit
The Malta Medical Cannabiz World Summit got off to a good start yesterday evening with a glamorous awards gala. The Malta Medical Cannabiz Awards shone a spotlight on businesses that are making waves in key areas of the medical cannabis industry, recognising and celebrating the achievements of some of the most innovative and creative players in this sphere.
The Hon. Deo Debattista took to the stage with a welcome speech, with the veteran of the medical profession drawing parallels between Columbus’ epic discovery of the New World and the evolution of this nascent medical cannabis industry.
He also spoke about how Malta has set up robust regulations to ensure security and reliability, saying “Setting up these regulatory systems, which apart from providing the necessary grounds to make it easy for patients to access medication, will also ensure security of the product life cycle – from seed to sale.”
Dr. Debattista also acknowledged the new technologies contributing to the growth and development of the industry, saying that while he was initially sure that emerging tech would be an asset, he now knows that it is ‘a must for the industry’.
Keith Marshall, Chief Philanthropy Officer for SiGMA Group also gave an inspiring speech about the charitable arm of the organisation, saying that ‘if it’s going to change lives it has to be something spectacular’.
The SiGMA Foundation will be supporting those in need around the world, with funds allocated to the construction of a primary school in Ethiopia. With €80,000 earmarked for the project, the school will be inaugurated in January 2020. The Philippines will also factor into the foundation’s plans with the implementation of a solar power system to benefit remote locations, the provision of €20,000 from SiGMA Foundation’s yearly target will try to improve surrounding amenities.
“The only difference between these kids and ours is that they got the unfriendly draw of the card, our job as human beings is to reinstate justice – let’s come together to do this,” he said.
Closer to home, SiGMA Foundation will look at social responsibility in Malta, with the intention of creating a social arm for the local scene, primarily addressing loneliness.
The winners
Media of the year went to the worthy CBD Sloth; Carly Barton took home Influencer of the year; Distributor of the year to Emmac; Producer of the year went to Alvit, this year’s Cannabiz magazine cover story; Executive of the year went to Melissa Sturgess; Law firm of the year was taken by Memery Crystal; Innovator of the year to Melabis; the Non Profit award to Drug Science; while Blockchain of the year award was given to Cobichain; AI of the year to G.C.A.C; and lastly, Outstanding contribution to the medical cannabis industry of the year was won by Hon. Mario Galea.
The auction also saw Reuven Schockner’s artwork go for a cool €1800, while Hannah Galea’s sculpture took home €350 and a box of premium Cuban cigars netted €800.
The evening drew to a close with a raffle and performance of smooth jazz hits by well-known singer and entertainer Desi Campbell.
The Medical Cannabiz World Summit will take place from the 4th to 5th November at the Intercontinental, St Julian’s, Malta, to be followed by the inaugural launch of the Medical Cannabiz World Asia Summit which will be held in Bangkok on the 22nd and 23rd of June 2020 at the Centara Grand Hotel.
