The era of merely prioritizing “high THC” is behind us. A new wave of preferences is driving the expanding premium cannabis market, where locally-grown, small-batch flower is outshining mass-produced options.
Differentiate yourself in the market by showcasing a selection of craft cannabis sourced from trusted growers, emphasizing unique strain characteristics and searching for “buy craft cannabis canada.”
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Craft cannabis is redefining standards in the cannabis sector by focusing on quality over quantity.
- It is set apart from commercial cannabis through small-batch production, organic practices, emphasis on unique strains, and stringent quality control.
- The growth of craft production is shifting the cannabis industry dynamics, with consumers remaining loyal to premium brands and larger companies adapting to small-batch cultivators.
High-Quality Craft Cannabis
High-quality craft cannabis has become a symbol of quality and innovation, establishing new benchmarks for potency, flavor, and variety. Through meticulous cultivation and a commitment to small-batch production, craft growers provide a product that is free from contaminants and rich with unique strains like Miracle Alien Cookies.
In British Columbia, the hub of premium craft cannabis, a vibrant community of cultivators and enthusiasts is transforming perceptions and exploring new possibilities.
Craft Cannabis vs. Commercial Weed
| Craft | Commercial |
| Produced in small batches by local growers | Grown in larger operations |
| Utilizes organic or sustainable farming practices | Employs synthetic fertilizers and pesticides |
| Focuses on unique strains with distinct flavors and effects | Prioritizes popular strains for mass-market appeal |
| Quality control is paramount with personalized care | Quality control can be less strict due to volume |
| Growers possess deep knowledge and passion for their product | Operational scale may limit personal touch and knowledge |
| Products undergo rigorous testing for consistency and quality | Testing protocols may vary, with some products lacking scrutiny |
What is a AAAA Craft?
Quality Control
Growers meticulously monitor each plant, ensuring they receive precise nutrients and care throughout their growth cycle. Each bud is hand-trimmed with precision—no shortcuts that could compromise the integrity of the final product.
Craft growers place a strong emphasis on curing, allowing buds to dry slowly in controlled environments.
Small Batch Sizes
Growers nurturing these limited quantities can closely supervise each plant’s growth, ensuring it receives necessary water, nutrients, and care.
By maintaining small batches, producers can uphold higher cleanliness and health standards, applying organic composts and natural fertilizers more effectively than larger operations.
Grown by Organic Methods
Craft cannabis is cultivated using organic methods, including natural fertilizers and composts, optimizing the plant’s potential while minimizing its carbon footprint.
Craft producers focus on sustainable practices to promote environmental responsibility and deliver products that align with eco-conscious cultivation principles.
Small-scale growers utilize certified organic techniques to ensure the purity and quality of their cannabis. They prioritize natural inputs, enhancing crop yield and potency.
Differences in Potency
Craft cannabis often exhibits higher potency than commercial varieties due to careful strain selection and breeding. Growers aim to maximize cannabinoid and terpene content, resulting in more potent and flavorful products.
This attention to detail allows craft cannabis to offer a more intense and unique experience, meeting the demand for high-quality marijuana.
How Craft Cannabis is Changing the Industry
Consumers are increasingly loyal to craft and premium brands due to perceived consistent quality. Consequently, major Canadian cannabis producers are pivoting towards small-batch cultivators to meet the rising demand for high-quality “premium” products.
Partnerships and acquisitions between large producers and craft companies are on the rise, as larger firms learn to create premium cannabis from smaller producers. Craft producers are evaluated based on their cultivation methods, finishing techniques, team expertise, and regulatory compliance.
Overall, the focus is shifting from mass production to quality, with craft cannabis gaining momentum in the Canadian market.
Market Potential
Market research predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 25% for the craft cannabis market in the coming years. This positive outlook is fueled by evolving consumer preferences for higher-quality products and the growing acceptance of cannabis globally.
Market Analysis by Types
- Dry: Includes traditional flower buds for smoking or vaporizing.
- Oil: Refers to extracted oils used for various purposes, including edibles or concentrates.
- The Other Market: Encompasses products like topicals, capsules, tinctures, and more, offering alternative consumption methods to suit diverse consumer preferences.
Market Industry Research
- Recreational Market: Growers focus on high-quality strains with distinct flavors, effects, and potency, catering to enthusiasts.
- Medical Market: Craft is produced to provide therapeutic benefits, adhering to strict quality standards and producing strains with specific medicinal properties.
Emerging Trends in Global Craft Cannabis
- Growing demand for organic and sustainably produced cannabis products is driving the adoption of natural cultivation practices.
- Increasing focus on quality and unique strain varieties, with consumers seeking differentiated and premium products.
- The market is seeing a rise in cannabis-based wellness and medicinal products as more countries embrace its medical use.
- The industry is shifting towards direct-to-consumer sales and online platforms while exploring innovative extraction techniques to enhance product potency and purity.
Major Market Players
Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is a leading player in the craft cannabis market, founded in 2013 and based in Ontario, Canada. The company has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a global industry leader with a market size in the billions. Its recent fiscal year sales revenue was approximately $399 million.
Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Headquartered in Alberta, Canada, Aurora has undergone significant expansion both domestically and internationally. It is one of the world’s largest companies, with a market size in the billions and generating approximately $249 million in its most recent fiscal year.
Cronos Group Inc.
Founded in 2012, Cronos is a globally diversified cannabis company based in Ontario, Canada. It has made substantial progress in the craft cannabis market, with a market size in the billions and generating approximately $108 million in sales revenue in its latest fiscal year.
Why Commercial Cannabis is Losing
- Existential Pricing Challenge: Declining marijuana prices present a challenge to the industry, impacting margins for growers, retailers, and other stakeholders.
- Market Saturation in Mature Markets: Established cannabis programs may be experiencing “peak weed,” leading to lower prices that fail to attract new buyers and resulting in slim profit margins.
- Strategic Responses: Companies are tackling pricing challenges through deep merchandising and pricing strategies, adopting a store-by-store approach to address market dynamics.
- Impact on Sales and Growth: Falling prices have led to reduced sales in some markets, despite efforts to stimulate demand through promotions.
Craft Cannabis: High-Quality Products
The emergence of craft production is transforming the cannabis industry, with an increasing emphasis on quality over quantity. This trend is prompting larger companies to pivot towards small-batch cultivators and driving partnerships and acquisitions. Despite challenges like pricing pressure and competition from the black market, the craft market holds significant growth potential, fueled by shifting consumer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Craft Strains?
While the “best” strains vary by preference, popular options include those with unique terpene profiles, providing distinctive flavors and effects.
Can I Grow Craft Cannabis Myself?
Yes, with the right knowledge and resources, you can grow craft cannabis at home. Emphasizing organic practices, careful strain selection, and attentive care throughout growth and curing is essential for achieving craft-quality cannabis.
What is Craft Cannabis in Ontario?
At the OCS, we define craft as dried flower that’s hang-dried, hand-trimmed, hand-packaged, and produced in a small-batch facility (specifically one that produces less than 10,000 kg of dried cannabis annually).
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