In addition, 102016483 Saskatchewan Ltd., a micro cultivator in Saskatchewan received their micro-processing licence on Feb 12 and Budding Gardens Inc. a micro cultivator in Alberta is now listed as having their licence revoked (more on this here).
This brings the total number of micros in Canada as of Feb 12 to 168. At least ten of these micros currently have products on shelves in some provinces, as well as through medical sales platforms.
Some noteworthy milestones; Willow Weed, an outdoor micro producer in Ontario is the first outdoor micro to get a product to market. One of the first micros licensed, Hearst Organics, a greenhouse grower in Ontario released some of their first product on the market as well.
BC’s indoor micro grower Dunn Cannabis released one of their new cultivars into the Alberta market and has plans for releasing an “Açai Berry Gelato” and “Secret Head” soon, as well. WKCC, the West Kootenay Cannabis Corp, the first micro cannabis producer in BC’s Kootenay region, also has products on shelves through BC micro processor Joint Ventures.
Alberta’s Because You Cann released their Cherry Punch through their partner Delta 9’s retail stores in Manitoba. Cypress Craft, a micro cultivator in Manitoba who is also partnered with Delta 9, has their KMintz in several Manitoba stores.
Manitoba’s Grump Weed released their first batch, an Ice Cream Cake, into the legal market in Saskatchewan through Joint Ventures. BC’s OrganniCraft released their newest batch of Cherry Punch.
As more of the nearly 200 micros already licensed begin to sort themselves out, growing out crops and navigating the supply chain, consumers should expect to see a lot more of these kinds of products on shelves in their province or territory soon.
The increasing amount of processors and sales-licence holders in the supply chain will mean even more options for micros to make it to those markets. This will not only help consumers, but will mean micros are less beholden to only a handful of processors, and able to potentially negotiate more favourable supply arrangements.
In addition, although there are still many challenges for growers of all sizes—including micros—in getting their products on retail or medical shelves, provinces have become increasingly accommodating to the types of unique, small batch products micros and bringing to market. Ontario recently announced their plans for a new craft category and other provincial distributors are reportedly actively seeking products from smaller, local growers.
The Canadian cannabis space continues to transform from large batch, low terpene, over dried product to the kind of flavourful and odouriffic, unique varieties consumers have are used to, and micros are leading the way.
