Quebec has always been known for its hash, but over the past few years we have seen Quebec producers soar across Canada delivering some of the best products on the market.
Dany Lefebvre embodies the essence of a Quebecois legal cannabis pioneer. With twelve years of experience in the industry, the founder of Bleuh remains as passionate as ever. “The constant evolution of the industry and the challenges it presents inspire me to keep learning and growing,” says Lefebvre. “Collaborating with the passionate team at Bleuh makes the journey incredibly rewarding. We’re not just offering products, we’re cultivating trust and building meaningful connections with the consumers who choose us.”
Jennifer Clément comes from a family of farmers in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and also takes pride in the strong connections she has with her customers. Clem & Co, created by members of the company Ferme Clémentale Inc., has been operating for nearly a century and Jennifer is the fourth generation of her family to run her business. “Beyond cultivation techniques, what really makes the difference is the love we put into every step of the process,” she told KIND. “Clem&Co is committed to producing exceptional artisanal products, combining traditional know-how and innovation, to offer an experience that is both recreational and therapeutic, sustainable and made with love. From arable farming, to poultry production and now cannabis, our desire for performance persists.”
Cannabis is experiencing a moment and it’s producers from Quebec that seem to be running the show. Nicholas Sosiak, the CFO at Cannara and one of the most recognizable faces in weed, says it’s not surprising that Quebecois cannabis is finding so many new fans. Reached at his headquarters in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, he says that the job for him and many of his provincial neighbours is personal, every time.
“Our products are crafted with LOVE at every step, from the initial concept and genetics to the meticulous processes and packaging,” Sosiak says. “We’re dedicated to investing in the science of the plant to unlock its full potential, flavours, and effects.”
Sosiak is famous for his dedication and his work ethic is transferable to his entire Cannara staff, same as Jublee. Alexandre Poulin, who runs the show at Jublee, located 100 kilometres from Montreal, is a former legacy weed guy who learned the ropes in Morocco. Poulin says Quebecois producers give props to the old school while using techniques that are also cutting edge. “Jublee is an amalgamation of ancient wisdom intertwined with modern scientific insights and intentional design,” says Poulin, who oversees a line that includes edibles, hash and concentrates while practising the green environmental standards he learned in the agro-industry. “We aim to innovate new products that support the wellbeing of Canadians while contributing positively to the cannabis industry through innovation, advocacy and education.”
At Greentone, based in Montreal, Kane Tchir, manager of Brand Operations, says cannabis was a gift from the earth to human beings. Like his colleagues, the products he produces bears his personal imprimatur.
“It’s our job to cultivate not only great products, but a deep relationship with the herb itself,” he says, echoing the soulfulness of his Quebecois colleagues. “Sure we could rattle off a list of things that we do to help ensure the plant’s needs are met and the end product shines, but from the heart we believe this plant was put here for a reason. Whether it’s to heal or elevate the mind, our commitment is to find the best ways for the plant to live in your life.”
Nicolas Hébert is a friend and we sampled his product together at the KIND Summer Fair. For Hébert, who grows all his products in hybrid greenhouses which can be viewed 24-hours-a-day on a livestream at 5Points.ca, the job is about connecting with the consumer.
“We’re a bunch of passionate weed enthusiasts,” Hebert says. “Over the past year, we’ve made a ton of changes to get to where we are today and our latest launches in different markets show the hard work and dedication we’ve put in. We’ve listened closely to consumer feedback and used it to take our products to the next level.” The 5 Point products, strains like Permanent Marker and Strawberry Kush, are aromatic, pungent and consistent. “All our products are grown in hybrid greenhouses. It’s not without its challenges, especially with Quebec’s climate, but the natural sunlight gives us a big edge when it comes to THC levels and terpene profiles compared to indoor grows.”
Petra Shim works at Rose LifeScience, pictured above and at the very top, which is part of Village Farms International and the Quebec arm of Pure Sunfarms, out in Delta, BC. Shim, the senior brand manager of Rose LifeScience, says her company is proud to carry on the Quebec tradition through the expertise and passion of their growers. “Our team consists of extraordinarily talented individuals who combine their deep respect and knowledge of the cannabis plant with cutting-edge indoor growing techniques,” she says. “This fusion of art and science ensures that every product we develop meets the highest standards of quality and consistency. Our ROSE Tam Tams brand is a perfect example of that commitment where we put the emphasis on our proud roots with our tagline “From Quebec with love.”
Dany Lefebvre is also actively shaping the love and evolution of the industry, with Bleuh established as a leading brand in Quebec. The company is now embarking on its expansion into Ontario.
“Quebec is renowned for its premium cannabis and hash, often historically referred to as ‘Quebec Gold.’ This legacy is deeply rooted in our unique northern climate and an unwavering passion for cannabis craftsmanship,” says Lefebvre, Bleuh’s founder. “In February, Bleuh’s original collection will launch in Ontario, marking the start of an exciting journey as we explore and adapt to the preferences of Ontario consumers. We are committed to the long term, dedicated to creating a meaningful and consistent experience that resonates with our customers.”
