CannaCanada's Guide to Canadian Craft Weed Producers
As the craft cannabis scene continues to evolve in Canada, there are a handful of brands that stand out as true cultivators of high-quality, unique products. While some brands have really impressed us with their commitment to excellence and community engagement, others have left us scratching our heads. Let’s dive into some of our top picks, as well as a few we think could use some work. We’ll also highlight some brands that have captured our attention for their innovative approaches and strong market presence.
The Best of the Best: Craft Cannabis We Can't Get Enough Of
67 Sins
When it comes to great craft cannabis, it’s hard to top 67 Sins. Their grower, Steve, isn’t just passionate about cannabis—he’s deeply embedded in the community, always looking for ways to elevate the culture and connect with consumers on a personal level. Steve’s commitment to quality shows in their stunning strains, like Gary Satan and Fishy Fingers. These unique offerings showcase not only great genetics but also the care and attention that goes into every harvest. The deep flavor profiles and potent effects make these strains memorable, and they’re quickly becoming some of our favorites at CannaCanada. If you’re looking for a brand that’s both innovative and connected to the community, 67 Sins is where it’s at.
Ono
Another brand that deserves a special mention is Ono, a sleeper pick that’s already achieved top 5 rankings in multiple categories in Quebec, but hasn’t quite reached that level in Ontario just yet. That just means you can get your hands on some of their fantastic strains before they go mainstream. Their Ono Kush is a personal favorite, known for its smooth, relaxing high and rich flavor. Recently, we got a sneak peek of their Rainbow Pie, and let’s just say—it had us drooling. Though, a little birdie told me they had to buy some of that product from Woody Nelson for their next rotational drop. Still, the quality Ono consistently delivers is top-notch.
Woody Nelson
Speaking of Woody Nelson, this brand is a must-mention for craft cannabis lovers. What sets them apart is their ability to deliver excellent quality at a reasonable price point, which is a rarity in today’s market. Their consistency in producing fantastic weed, coupled with their commitment to sustainable growing practices, makes them a standout. If you want high-quality craft cannabis without breaking the bank, Woody Nelson should be on your radar.
Seaweed Cannabis
Now, let’s talk about Seaweed Cannabis, a brand with a heartfelt backstory. Head grower James’ rotational series is a tribute to their recently passed head grower, a testament to the love and dedication that goes into every harvest. While we respect the emotional connection behind the brand, we can’t help but sing the praises of Red Velvet Ice Cream, which we believe is the pinnacle of their offerings. The smooth, velvety smoke, combined with its rich, dessert-like flavor, makes it a standout in their lineup.
Northern Canna & High Xotic
For those willing to splurge a little more for consistently top-tier products, Northern Canna and High Xotic are two brands that consistently impress. While their prices may be on the higher end, the quality of their flower is undeniable. Northern Canna’s meticulous approach to cultivation ensures that each strain hits the mark, while High Xotic has developed a reputation for exotic, terpene-rich buds that are sure to please even the most discerning cannabis connoisseurs.
Unit 16
We can’t forget to give a shoutout to Unit 16, especially for their Purple Octane. This strain is an absolute gem, boasting a deep purple hue and an intense aroma that stands out in the crowd. The effects are potent, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day. Here’s hoping the quality remains at this level—Purple Octane is one of those rare strains that leaves a lasting impression.
Koots Canna
Last but definitely not least, anything Koots Canna gets their hands on is always a banger. Whether it’s their unique cultivars or their approach to cultivation, they’ve consistently earned their place at the top of our list. If you see a Koots product on the shelves, you know it’s going to be good.
The Not-So-Great: Craft Cannabis Brands That Miss the Mark
While the craft cannabis industry has come a long way, not every brand has made the cut in our eyes. Here are a few we believe are lacking in certain areas:
The Loud Plug
This one is at the top of our “avoid” list. From the get-go, The Loud Plug has garnered a lot of attention, but not for the right reasons. Their notoriously overestimated THC counts make them a brand we can’t trust. Even worse, a recent exchange between a company representative and a customer on the r/TheOCS subreddit left us cringing. It’s hard to take a brand seriously when their customer service is that unprofessional. And when it comes to the product itself? Well, let’s just say it doesn’t live up to the hype. If you’re in the market for top-tier cannabis, look elsewhere.
BlkMkt
This might be an unpopular opinion, but we’re just not sold on BlkMkt. Yes, they’ve got the branding down pat and their cultivars seem promising, but the reality is that all their strains end up smelling and tasting pretty much the same. There’s nothing unique about them, and that’s a big letdown for those who are looking for something more distinct. In an industry full of variety, BlkMkt’s lack of differentiation makes it a tough sell for us.
Broken Coast
Once regarded as a holy grail in the cannabis community, Broken Coast has sadly fallen off the map. Known for their celebrity British grower (whose name escapes us at the moment), they were making waves in the market. However, after they sold the company, the quality took a serious nosedive. Their once-consistently impressive strains are now lackluster at best. We can’t imagine they’ll be sticking around much longer.
Pistols and Paris
Pistols and Paris is another brand that has caught our attention, but for all the wrong reasons. The word on the street is that they’ve made deals to get their products into stores, which seems to be the only reason they’re as widely available as they are. While not terrible, their weed doesn’t justify the hefty price tag. It’s just overpriced and underwhelming.
Wink Cannabis
Another brand we have to mention is Wink Cannabis. To put it simply—bad quality, bad price. It's not a brand we’d recommend if you’re looking for a solid cannabis experience. There’s not much more to say here, except that we just haven’t found anything to justify their place in the market.
Honorable Mentions
There are so many great craft cannabis brands to explore, and the industry continues to grow and diversify. Some honorable mentions include Carmel, 1964, Dom Jackson, Volo, EastCann, Truro, Herba Farms—the list goes on. With such a wide array of choices, it’s clear that the Canadian cannabis market has matured, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Conclusion
The Canadian craft cannabis scene has come a long way, and while there are a few brands that still have room for improvement, there’s no shortage of high-quality options out there. From community-focused growers like 67 Sins to up-and-coming brands like Ono, the future looks bright for craft cannabis. So next time you’re browsing your local dispensary, keep an eye out for the brands we’ve highlighted—these are the ones to watch!
Happy smoking, and may your cannabis journey be full of great discoveries!
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