Michael is a dynamic and driven entrepreneur with a background in medicine. Graduating from Kamloops at the top of his class, he then attended the University of British Columbia on a swimming scholarship, graduating in 2002 with a BSc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Michael has obtained additional certification in Hormone Restoration, Age Management Medicine, and more recently, Cannabis Plant Production and Facility Management from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Michael also has his private pilots license from Mount Royal Aviation College and was elected to attend the Ivey School of Business for Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2017 where he received an honourary MBA.
Michael’s vision stems from wanting to provide people with a better way to be their best self through living conditions, medical access and advice, and better ways to obtain goods and services. Michael believes that employees are the backbone of any business and the value of the business is a reflection of how empowered the employees are in working to make their community better through their work. Michael is a well known philanthropist in his communities. He set up initiatives to help many patients in need, local schools, the SPCA, to name a few.
He has built over a dozen medical clinics, including 3 methadone clinics, and provides over 500 jobs. Michael’s expertise led him to being nominated to help create the procedures for methadone maintenance procedures for the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Through his pharmacy background and cannabis experience, Michael is helping protect our communities from drug diversion and help increase accessibility to medications for those in need. Michael has founded 5 cannabis medical clinics called Concord Medical Clinic and a cannabis production facility named Sitka Weed Works. He has also built and opened 14 Choom Cannabis locations across Canada.
Over the course of 16 years, Michael has created and operated a chain of pharmacies throughout BC and Alberta. Michael’s innovative nature led him to create the Ageless Living brand, which includes Ageless Living Wellness Centre. In 2014 he launched the first Ageless Living Expo and opened Canada’s first Biohacking Centre, to help people increase their workout efficiency and recover quicker from illness and injury.
Michael’s company, Forbes Group, operates a diverse group of businesses and real estate across Western Canada including: Salt Spring Island Ales, Casino Royale Rentals, Bubble Soccer, Island View Care, West Coast Super Storage, Sitka Weedworks Inc, Forbes Pharmacy, and Clarity Cannabis.
Michael Forbes is in good standing with BC College of Pharmacists. He won a prestigious Quantum Shift fellowship award. Backed by KPMG, the Ivey Institute of Entrepreneurship, TD commercial Bank and the Globe and Mail, the fellowship is awarded each year to 40 of Canada’s most promising entrepreneurs. Most importantly to Michael’s business accomplishments, is his pride in being a loving and dedicated father to his son, Ryder.