The era of “high THC, nothing else matters” is behind us. A new wave of consumer preferences is driving the premium cannabis market, where locally-grown, small-batch cannabis outshines mass-produced options.
Differentiate yourself by showcasing a selection of craft cannabis sourced from reputable growers, emphasizing unique strain characteristics and search “buy craft cannabis canada.”
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Craft cannabis is establishing new benchmarks in the cannabis industry by valuing quality over quantity.
- Craft cannabis stands apart from commercial cannabis through factors such as small-batch production, organic cultivation methods, focus on unique strains, and strict quality control.
- The emergence of craft production is transforming the cannabis industry, with consumers demonstrating loyalty to premium brands while larger companies shift toward small-batch cultivators.
High-Quality Craft Cannabis
High-quality craft cannabis has become a symbol of excellence and innovation within the industry, setting new benchmarks for potency, flavor, and variety. With careful cultivation methods and a commitment to small-batch production, craft growers provide a product free from contaminants, featuring unique strains like Miracle Alien Cookies.
In British Columbia, the heart of premium craft cannabis, a vibrant community of cultivators and enthusiasts is changing perceptions and pushing the limits of what’s achievable.
Craft Cannabis vs. Commercial Weed
| Craft | Commercial |
| Produced in small batches by local growers | Grown in larger-scale operations |
| Cultivated using organic or sustainable farming practices | Utilizes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth |
| Emphasizes unique strains with distinct flavors and effects | Focuses on popular strains for mass-market appeal |
| Quality control is a top priority with personalized care | Quality control can be less stringent due to volume production |
| Growers are more knowledgeable and passionate about their product | Operational scale may limit the personal touch and specific knowledge of the product |
| Products are tested rigorously for consistency and quality | Testing protocols may vary, with some products not undergoing the same level of scrutiny |
What is a AAAA Craft?
Quality Control
Growers closely monitor each plant, ensuring they receive exact nutrients and care throughout their growth cycle. Each bud is hand-trimmed with precision—no shortcuts or mechanical processes that could compromise the final product’s integrity.
Craft growers also concentrate on curing, allowing buds to dry in controlled environments.
Small Batch Sizes
Producers nurturing these limited quantities can closely oversee each plant’s growth. They ensure the plant receives the necessary water, nutrients, and care.
By keeping batches small, producers maintain higher cleanliness and health safety standards. They apply organic composts and natural fertilizers more effectively than larger operations can manage.
Grown by Organic Methods
Craft cannabis is cultivated using organic methods, including natural fertilizers and composts. This approach maximizes the plant’s potential while minimizing its carbon footprint.
By prioritizing sustainable farming practices, craft producers aim to promote environmental responsibility and deliver a product that aligns with eco-conscious cultivation principles.
Small-scale growers utilize certified organic techniques to ensure the purity and quality of their cannabis products. They emphasize natural inputs like worm castings and composted materials to create an optimal growing environment for their plants, enhancing their crop’s yield and potency.
Differences in Potency
Craft cannabis typically has higher potency than commercial cannabis due to the careful selection and breeding of specific strains. Growers focus on maximizing cannabinoid and terpene content, resulting in more potent and flavorful products.
This meticulous attention to detail allows craft cannabis to provide a more intense and unique experience for consumers, catering to the demand for high-quality, potent marijuana.
How Craft Cannabis is Changing the Industry
Consumers are increasingly loyal to craft and premium brands due to their perceived consistent quality. Consequently, large Canadian cannabis producers are pivoting towards small-batch cultivators to meet the rising demand for high-quality “premium” marijuana products.
Partnerships and acquisitions between large licensed producers and craft companies are becoming more prevalent. Major companies are learning how to produce premium cannabis from smaller producers. Craft producers are evaluated based on their cultivation techniques, finishing methods, 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 driven by various factors, including changing consumer preferences towards higher-quality products and the growing acceptance of cannabis in various global regions.
Market Analysis by Types
- Dry: Includes the traditional flower buds consumed by smoking or vaporizing.
- Oil: Refers to extracted oils used for various purposes, such as making edibles or concentrates.
- The other market: Includes products like topicals, capsules, tinctures, and more, which offer alternative consumption methods and cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Market Industry Research
- Recreational market: Growers focus on cultivating high-quality strains with distinct flavors, effects, and potency, catering to the preferences of many enthusiasts.
- Medical market: Craft cannabis is produced to provide therapeutic benefits to patients, 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, driving the adoption of natural cultivation practices.
- Increased 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 it for medical purposes.
- The industry is witnessing a shift towards direct-to-consumer sales and online platforms, exploring innovative extraction techniques to enhance product potency and purity.
Major Market Players
Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is one of the largest and most influential players in the craft cannabis market. Founded in 2013 and based in Ontario, Canada, it has experienced remarkable growth, becoming a global industry leader. Canopy Growth’s market size is estimated to be several billion dollars, with sales revenue of approximately $399 million in its most recent fiscal year.
Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Headquartered in Alberta, Canada, Aurora has achieved significant growth both domestically and internationally. It has become one of the world’s largest companies, with a market size in the billions and sales revenue of around $249 million in its most recent fiscal year.
Cronos Group Inc.
Founded in 2012, Cronos Group is a globally diversified cannabis company based in Ontario, Canada. It has been a key player in the craft cannabis market and has experienced substantial growth, with an estimated market size in the billions and sales revenue of approximately $108 million in its most recent fiscal year.
Why Commercial Cannabis is Losing
- Existential Pricing Challenge: The declining prices of marijuana present an existential challenge, with tight margins impacting growers, retailers, and other stakeholders.
- Market Saturation in Mature Markets: States with established cannabis programs may be reaching “peak weed,” where lower prices fail to attract new buyers, leading to tight profit margins.
- Strategic Responses: Companies in the industry are addressing pricing challenges by implementing deep merchandising and price strategies, adopting a store-by-store approach to market dynamics.
- Impact on Sales and Growth: Falling prices have led to decreased sales in some markets, despite efforts to stimulate demand through deals and promotions.
Craft Cannabis: High-Quality Products
The rise of craft production is transforming the cannabis industry landscape, emphasizing quality over quantity. This shift is prompting larger companies to pivot towards small-batch cultivators and driving partnerships and acquisitions within the industry. Despite challenges like pricing pressure and competition from the black market, the craft market demonstrates promising growth potential, fueled by evolving consumer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Craft Strains?
While the “best” strains are subjective, popular choices include those with unique terpene profiles that offer distinctive flavors and effects.
Can I Grow Craft Cannabis Myself?
Yes, with the right knowledge and resources, it’s possible to grow craft cannabis at home. Emphasizing organic practices, careful strain selection, and attentive care throughout the growth and curing processes are essential to achieving craft-quality cannabis.
What is Craft Cannabis in Ontario?
At the OCS, we define craft as dried flower that is hang-dried, hand-trimmed, hand-packaged, and grown in a small-batch facility (one that produces less than 10,000 kg of dried cannabis a year, to be precise).
Related Articles:
“`
