Welcome to the world of craft cannabis, where passion, expertise, and a vibrant cannabis culture converge. In this article, we are joining cannabis industry Cody Hicks and Colin Bambury at Lift Expo 23, and embark on a journey alongside micro growers who are elevating the cannabis experience and receiving a well-deserved grant from the OCS because of it.
Drawing inspiration from the insights shared by Bob from Bob’s Better Buds, David from The Cultivarium, Ben from Treez Botanical, and Wallace from Primeau Cannabis, we explore the unique challenges they face and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of cannabis culture. Get ready to ignite your senses and discover recommendations that will ignite your own cannabis journey.
Cultivating with Care: Bob’s Better Buds
Step into the world of Bob’s Better Buds, where cultivation is an art form. Robert Richie, Founder of Bob’s Better Buds, puts an emphasis on craftsmanship and building relationships. According to Bob, “Stand tall behind your product, focus on quality, and cultivate solid relationships with your toking tribe. Let the love and care you put into your craft shine through, and watch as your buds become a testament to the cannabis culture you embody. We’re super local and independent. We are just launching with OCS on Monday. It’s been like five years coming into the making. We want to be able to bring all that extra information that growers have to consumers. There’s a big disconnect, and we want to bridge that gap.”
Growing Wisdom: The Cultivarium
At The Cultivarium, knowledge is power and cannabis culture is the driving force. David Weaver, the Master Grower for The Cultivarium, believes a commitment to education embodies the spirit of the cannabis community. According to David, “Bridging the gap between theory and practice is crucial, ensuring that the next generation of cannabis cultivators is well-equipped for success. Immerse yourself in the cannabis culture by seeking out educational opportunities and let the wisdom you gain shape your cultivation journey.
We teach the cannabis production course for the University of Guelph agriculture college. Students can get a two-year horticulture diploma and specialize in cannabis. This helps to ensure that the next generation of cannabis cultivators is well-equipped for success. We’ve been doing a lot of cannabis myth-busting, combining grassroots grower knowledge with real science. I’d like to see an increase in cannabis education. There’s a lot of good information out there, but also a lot of misinformation.”
Scaling Up with Integrity: Treez Botanical
Treez Botanical is a testament to the power of growth while staying true to cannabis culture. Benjamin Padovani, the President of Treez Botanical, has some advice for fellow growers, “Maintain integrity and never sacrifice the soul of your craft. Authenticity is the heartbeat of cannabis culture, and as you scale up, it’s crucial to remember your roots and the values that guide you. Let your passion and commitment shine through, creating a cannabis culture that celebrates the essence of micro-cultivation. We’re family-run. I’m happy to be here, shake everybody’s hand. We’re all about building relationships with our customers. We believe in sharing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of cannabis understanding.”
Nurturing Craft Cannabis: Primeau Cannabis
Enter the world of Primeau Cannabis, where CEO Wallace McDonald-Rogers shed some light on the challenges and triumphs of micro-cultivation. Wallace expressed his thoughts on navigating the regulatory landscape and the need for a healthy division between large growers and micros. According to Wallace, “There needs to be room for craft cannabis. It’s bad for us as craft producers if consumers think our product is inferior just because it doesn’t have an inflated THC percentage. Let us advocate for the recognition of craft cannabis within the cannabis culture, promoting diversity and quality over mere numbers. I really think there has to be an overhaul of how the standardized testing for laboratories is done. It’s not fair to the craft producers. We want to secure a place for micros in the cannabis industry, and clearing up the designation between micro and craft is crucial.”
Overcoming Challenges and Navigating the Green Jungle
Micro growers face a unique set of challenges as they navigate the green jungle of the cannabis industry. Limited resources, compliance requirements, and fierce competition can be daunting. However, within cannabis culture, resilience and resourcefulness are celebrated. The micro growers recommend focusing on craft cultivation, building strong relationships with consumers, and staying informed about evolving regulations. By embracing the cannabis culture of adaptability and innovation, you can overcome these obstacles and emerge victorious.
Advocacy for education is essential to overcome the challenges faced by micro growers. By sharing accurate information and debunking myths, we can pave the way for a more informed cannabis community. Building strong relationships with consumers and staying informed about regulations are key strategies to navigate the challenges of the cannabis industry. It’s important to adapt and evolve while staying true to our craft.
The Future of Craft Cannabis
The micro growers at Lift Toronto embody the future of craft cannabis and the spirit of cannabis culture. They advocate for genetic diversity, sustainability, and collaboration as key pillars of the industry’s evolution. Cannabis culture thrives on diversity, whether it’s preserving and reintroducing legacy strains or implementing eco-friendly growing practices. Collaboration and knowledge sharing further fuel the growth of craft cannabis, creating a community that celebrates innovation and creativity.
At ADCANN, we are thrilled and honored to have been a part of the ceremony and to share this immersive journey through the world of micro cultivation and cannabis culture. The insights and recommendations from Bob, David, Ben, and Wallace have shed light on the path forward for craft cannabis. Embrace the values of craftsmanship, education, authenticity, and resilience as you embark on your own cannabis journey. Let the beats of cannabis culture guide you, igniting your passion, and fueling your love for the art of craft cannabis. Together, we will shape a future where craft cannabis thrives and cannabis culture continues to evolve, keeping the spirit alive for generations to come.
