The era of “high THC, nothing else matters” is over. A new preference trend is emerging, driving the premium cannabis market, where locally-grown, small-batch flower outshines mass-produced options.
Differentiate yourself by showcasing a curated selection of craft cannabis sourced from trusted growers, emphasizing unique strain characteristics and search for “buy craft cannabis canada.”
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Craft cannabis is redefining industry standards by focusing on quality over quantity.
- Craft cannabis is distinct from commercial cannabis through small-batch production, organic cultivation, emphasis on unique strains, and stringent quality control.
- The rise of craft production is transforming the cannabis landscape, with consumers loyal to premium brands and larger companies adapting to small-batch cultivators.
High-Quality Craft Cannabis
High-quality craft cannabis stands as a hallmark of innovation in the industry, setting new benchmarks for potency, flavor, and variety. With dedicated cultivation techniques and a commitment to small-batch production, craft growers provide products free from contaminants, showcasing unique strains like Miracle Alien Cookies.
In British Columbia, the heart of top-tier craft cannabis, a vibrant community of cultivators and enthusiasts is changing perceptions and expanding the possibilities.
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 personal touch and specific product knowledge |
| Products are rigorously tested for consistency and quality | Testing protocols may vary, with some products not undergoing the same scrutiny |
What is a AAAA Craft?
Quality Control
Growers meticulously monitor each plant, ensuring they receive precise nutrients and care throughout their growth cycle. Every bud is hand-trimmed with attention—no shortcuts or mechanical processes that might compromise the final product’s integrity.
Craft growers also prioritize curing, allowing buds to dry slowly in controlled conditions.
Small Batch Sizes
By nurturing limited quantities, growers can closely observe each plant’s development, ensuring it receives the necessary care.
Maintaining small batches helps producers uphold higher cleanliness and health safety 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. This approach maximizes the plant’s potential while minimizing its carbon footprint.
Through sustainable practices, craft producers promote environmental responsibility and deliver products that align with eco-conscious cultivation principles.
Small-scale growers employ certified organic techniques to ensure the purity and quality of their cannabis, emphasizing natural inputs like worm castings and composted materials to optimize the growing environment.
Differences in Potency
Craft cannabis often possesses higher potency than commercial varieties 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 and genetic manipulation allows craft cannabis to offer a more intense and unique experience, meeting 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 perceived quality consistency. Consequently, large Canadian cannabis producers are shifting towards small-batch cultivators to meet the rising demand for high-quality “premium” marijuana.
Partnerships and acquisitions between large licensed producers and craft companies are becoming commonplace. Big companies are learning from smaller ones how to produce premium cannabis. 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 anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 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 expanding approval of cannabis in various global regions.
Market Analysis by Types
- Dry: Traditional flower buds consumed by smoking or vaporizing.
- Oil: Extracted oils used for diverse purposes, including edibles and concentrates.
- Other Market: Products like topicals, capsules, tinctures, and more, catering to alternative consumption methods and diverse consumer preferences.
Market Industry Research
- Recreational Market: Growers focus on cultivating high-quality strains with distinct flavors, effects, and potency, appealing to many enthusiasts.
- Medical Market: Craft cannabis is produced to provide therapeutic benefits to patients, adhering to strict quality standards and specific medicinal properties.
Emerging Trends in Global Craft Cannabis
- Growing demand for organic and sustainably produced cannabis products, promoting natural cultivation practices.
- Increasing focus on quality and unique strain varieties, with consumers seeking differentiated and premium products.
- The market sees a rise in cannabis-based wellness and medicinal products as more countries embrace it for medical purposes.
- There is 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 a leading player in the craft cannabis market, founded in 2013 in Ontario, Canada.
The company has seen exponential growth, establishing itself as a global industry leader. Canopy Growth’s market size is estimated in the billions, with sales revenue of approximately $399 million in its most recent fiscal year.
Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Based in Alberta, Canada, Aurora has experienced significant growth both domestically and internationally.
As one of the world’s largest cannabis companies, Aurora’s market size is also in the billions, generating around $249 million in sales revenue in its latest fiscal year.
Cronos Group Inc.
Cronos, established in 2012, is a globally diversified cannabis company located in Ontario, Canada.
It has been a significant player in the craft cannabis market, witnessing 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: Declining marijuana prices pose significant challenges, affecting growers, retailers, and other stakeholders.
- Market Saturation in Mature Markets: States with established cannabis programs may be reaching “peak weed,” as lower prices fail to attract new buyers, leading to tight profit margins.
- Strategic Responses: Companies in the industry are addressing pricing challenges with deep merchandising and store-specific strategies.
- Impact on Sales and Growth: Falling prices have resulted in reduced sales in some markets, despite efforts to stimulate demand through deals and promotions.
Craft Cannabis: High-Quality Products
The rise of craft production is reshaping the cannabis industry landscape, emphasizing quality over quantity. This trend prompts larger companies to pivot towards small-batch cultivators, driving partnerships and acquisitions. Despite challenges like pricing pressures and competition from the black market, the craft market displays promising growth potential fueled by changing consumer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Craft Strains?
While subjective, popular strains often feature unique terpene profiles that provide distinctive flavors and effects.
Can I Grow Craft Cannabis Myself?
Yes, with the right knowledge and resources, growing craft cannabis at home is possible. Emphasizing organic practices, careful strain selection, and attentive growth and curing processes are key to achieving craft-quality cannabis.
What is Craft Cannabis in Ontario?
At the OCS, craft is defined as dried flower that is hang-dried, hand-trimmed, hand-packaged, and grown in small-batch facilities producing less than 10,000 kg of dried cannabis annually.
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