Our Leadership Team:

The CCTA Board of Directors

  • Walid Farah

    President

    Walid is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years in both the cannabis and electronic music industries. A driving force in shaping Toronto’s cannabis consumption lounge regulations, he co-owns and operates the licensed retail chain Cosmic Gardens with his wife, Jane, a registered nurse and cannabis advocate. Walid’s career also spans international collaborations with touring DJs, record labels, radio stations, and large-scale music festivals. A founding board member, he became President in November 2023, bringing strategic leadership and deep community connections to the tourism sector.

  • Jeremy Smith

    Vice-President / Government Relations Chair

    Jeremey is a founding member of the CCTA and serves as Vice President, bringing a strong member-focused approach to his role. As the organization’s first Director of Government Relations, he established its advocacy framework and built relationships with government officials across Canada. With a background in security management at St. Joseph’s Hospital and a Police Foundations graduate, Jeremy also brings over 13 years of experience in the alcohol industry. He is passionate about positioning Canada as the world’s leading destination for cannabis hospitality and tourism, championing the industry’s potential to drive economic growth nationwide.

  • Reverend Kelly

    Director of Events

    Reverend Kelly is the founder of The KGL Network (Kelly’s Green Lounge) and a leading Canadian cannabis advocate dedicated to integrating cannabis into mainstream society. Through The KGL Network and its associated brands, she has created a safe, inclusive space for spirituality, education, community building, and the celebration of cannabis culture. As a founding and elected board member of the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA), Reverend Kelly serves as Co-Chair of the Events Committee and Administrative Outreach Liaison, bringing her passion for advocacy, event leadership, and community engagement to the advancement of cannabis tourism in Canada.

  • Priscilla Ren

    Priscilla Ren

    Finance Chair


    Priscilla is a dedicated Board Member and Finance Chair of the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA), bringing extensive expertise in product commercialization and category management for licensed producers. In her role with the CCTA, she goes beyond finance to foster community engagement through direct interactions on Discord and by curating impactful content for the alliance’s newsletters. Drawing on her keen business insight, Priscilla is committed to expanding cannabis tourism in the Maritimes and advancing the CCTA’s mission to strengthen and grow the industry nationwide.

  • Anisha Reindorf

    Anisha Reindorf

    HighKu.Co / Diversity Equity & Inclusions Chair

    Anisha Reindorf is a leader in Canada’s evolving cannabis industry, dedicated to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and ethical practices. As the founder of HighKu.Co, Anisha has curated innovative experiences that connect the cannabis industry with diverse communities through education, advocacy, and responsible celebration. In their role as Inclusion, Diversity & Ethics Chair for the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA), Anisha works to ensure that cannabis tourism reflects the rich diversity of Canada’s people, advocating for equitable opportunities and meaningful engagement across the sector. Passionate about community-driven initiatives and sustainable industry growth, Anisha is helping shape a future where cannabis is embraced with integrity and inclusivity at its core.

  • Karen Mariano

    Director of Tourism

    Karen brings over 30 years of tourism experience in Niagara Falls, spanning every aspect of the industry and supported by strong relationships with MPPs, MPs, and the Mayor. An equity owner of On The Ridge Cannabis Co., she also works as a tour agent and guide for a major hotel and tour company, with prior roles including VIP Concierge for Niagara Falls Tourism and Sales Manager at the IMAX Theatre, where she increased annual traffic by 15,000 through creative programming. Her background includes extensive work in winery and experiential tours, as well as six years administering food services at Niagara Parks, for which she earned a Misty Award for Hospitality Recognition. As a CCTA Board Member, Karen plays a central role in organizing the annual Cannabis Tourism Summit and Music Festival each April 20 in Niagara Falls, blending her tourism expertise with a passion for showcasing cannabis as a key driver for the region.

  • Brendon Roberts

    Chair, Research and Policy Committee

    Brendon Roberts is a celebrated agribusiness expert and award-winning cannabis consultant, recognized as one of the leading minds in the industry. As the author of the groundbreaking textbook Cannabis Development: Unveiling Cannabis, Society, and the Humanities, he has made significant contributions to both academic and horticultural research, with his work widely cited and respected in scholarly circles. Throughout his distinguished career, Brandon has earned numerous industry awards and nominations, continuing to shape the future of cannabis through innovative approaches and thought leadership.