Robin Hewitt

Background

About Robin Hewitt

My education at UVIC focused on topics in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, many of which contributed to the development of a unique skillset over the course of my career. While I gained some early experience in the Plant Protection division of the CFIA, I found myself working in private industry immediately after graduation. This helped me gain valuable work experience in various roles related to manufacturing various commodities such as cosmetics, foods, natural health products, and cleaning agents. I became versed in regulatory affairs and quality assurance over time as my position evolved. Several notable projects included successful licensing applications for NHP manufacturing, PMRA-compliant products with novel active ingredients, and Standard Cultivation, Standard Processing, and Medical Sales under the Cannabis Regulations. As QAP at A Better Way Herbals Ltd, I maintained Health Canada security clearance status from 2019 to present. In addition to overseeing the licensing application, this role required me to source building materials, security devices, cultivation and processing equipment, and other supplies. This required me to gain a functional understanding of every item that comprised the facility, further expanding my knowledge base to include a variety of things to which previously I had never given a second thought. Upon completion of the licensing process, we found ourselves in the precarious position of not knowing anything about growing cannabis. I dedicated countless hours to learning everything I could from different growers, books, online resources, suppliers, and scientific journals. Our relative lack of experience created an environment of radical experimentation to resolve questions that arose almost daily. While I had prior experience with the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR & ED) program, this is where I learned to apply it most effectively. After 5 years of experience as a QAP in the commercial cannabis industry, I moved on to a consulting role with Infinity SRED. Here I spend my time helping companies achieve funding for R&D objectives by identifying and guiding efforts in experimentation and technological advancement.