The era of prioritizing “high THC, nothing else matters” is over. A new wave of consumer preferences is driving the growth of the premium cannabis market, where locally-grown, small-batch flower outshines mass-produced options.
Differentiate yourself by showcasing a selection of craft cannabis sourced from reputable growers, emphasizing unique strain characteristics, and searching for “buy craft cannabis canada.”
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Craft cannabis is establishing new benchmarks in the cannabis industry by focusing on quality over quantity.
- Distinct from commercial cannabis, craft cannabis is characterized by small-batch production, organic cultivation practices, unique strains, and strict quality control.
- The emergence of craft production is altering the dynamics of the cannabis industry, with consumers showing loyalty to premium brands while larger companies adapt to the small-batch trend.
High-Quality Craft Cannabis
High-quality craft cannabis has become a symbol of quality and innovation within the industry, setting fresh standards for potency, flavor, and diversity. Through meticulous cultivation methods and a commitment to small-batch production, craft growers provide products that are free from contaminants and rich in unique strains like Miracle Alien Cookies.
In British Columbia, the heart of the best craft cannabis, a vibrant community of cultivators and enthusiasts is transforming 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 practices | Utilizes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides |
| Emphasizes unique strains with distinct flavors and effects | Focuses on popular strains for mass-market appeal |
| Quality control is prioritized with personalized care | Quality control may be less stringent due to volume production |
| Growers possess extensive knowledge and passion for their product | Operational scale may limit personal connection and product knowledge |
| Products undergo rigorous testing for consistency and quality | Testing protocols may vary, leading to inconsistent 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 care—no shortcuts or mechanical processes that could jeopardize the final product’s integrity.
Craft growers also place a strong emphasis on curing, allowing buds to dry slowly under controlled conditions.
Small Batch Sizes
By nurturing limited quantities, growers can closely observe each plant’s development, ensuring they receive the necessary water, nutrients, and care.
Maintaining smaller batches also helps producers uphold higher cleanliness and health safety standards, applying 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 optimizes the plant’s potential while minimizing its carbon footprint.
By emphasizing sustainable farming practices, craft producers aim to promote environmental responsibility and deliver products that align with eco-conscious values.
Small-scale growers utilize certified organic techniques to ensure the purity and quality of their cannabis products, prioritizing natural inputs like worm castings to create an optimal growing environment that enhances yield and potency.
Differences in Potency
Craft cannabis generally exhibits 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, meeting the demand for high-quality, potent marijuana.
The differences in potency between craft and commercial cannabis are also influenced by the growing techniques employed by craft growers that enhance the psychoactive effects of the final product.
How Craft Cannabis is Changing the Industry
Consumers are increasingly loyal to craft and premium brands, driven by perceived consistent quality. As a result, large Canadian cannabis producers are pivoting towards small-batch cultivators to meet the growing demand for high-quality “premium” marijuana products.
Partnerships and acquisitions between major licensed producers and craft companies are becoming more prevalent, with larger companies learning from the expertise of smaller operations. Craft producers are evaluated based on their cultivation techniques, finishing methods, team expertise, and regulatory compliance.
The overall focus is shifting from mass production to quality, with craft cannabis gaining traction 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 optimistic outlook is driven by factors such as evolving consumer preferences towards higher-quality products and the expanding legalization of cannabis in various regions globally.
Market Analysis by Types
- Dry: Includes traditional flower buds consumed by smoking or vaporizing.
- Oil: Refers to extracted oils used for various purposes, including edibles or concentrates.
- Other Market: Includes products like topicals, capsules, tinctures, and more, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Market Industry Research
- Recreational Market: Growers focus on cultivating high-quality strains with unique flavors, effects, and potency for 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, leading to 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 it for medical purposes.
- The industry is shifting towards direct-to-consumer sales and online platforms, along with 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 significant players in the craft cannabis market. Established in 2013, the company is based in Ontario, Canada.
It has experienced remarkable growth, becoming a global industry leader, with its market size estimated to be in the billions. In its most recent fiscal year, Canopy Growth reported sales revenue of approximately $399 million.
Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Headquartered in Alberta, Canada, Aurora has seen substantial expansion both domestically and internationally.
Aurora is now one of the world’s largest cannabis companies, with a market size also estimated in the billions. In its most recent fiscal year, the company generated approximately $249 million in sales revenue.
Cronos Group Inc.
Founded in 2012, Cronos is a globally diversified cannabis company based in Ontario, Canada.
Cronos has been a key player in the craft cannabis market, witnessing significant growth. The market size for Cronos Group is estimated to be in the billions, with their most recent fiscal year generating approximately $108 million in sales revenue.
Why Commercial Cannabis is Losing
- Existential Pricing Challenge: The declining prices of marijuana present an existential challenge to the industry, impacting growers, retailers, and other stakeholders.
- Market Saturation in Mature Markets: States with established cannabis programs may be nearing “peak weed”, where lower prices fail to attract new buyers, resulting in tight profit margins.
- Strategic Responses: Industry companies are responding to pricing challenges with deep merchandising and price strategies, adopting store-specific approaches to navigate market dynamics.
- Impact on Sales and Growth: Falling prices have led to decreased sales in some markets, despite efforts to stimulate demand through promotions.
Craft Cannabis: High Quality Products
The rise of craft production is significantly reshaping the cannabis industry landscape, emphasizing quality over quantity. This shift is prompting larger companies to turn to small-batch cultivators and driving partnerships and acquisitions within the sector. Despite challenges such as pricing pressures and competition from the black market, the craft market exhibits promising growth potential fueled by changing consumer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Craft Strains?
While the definition of “best” strains varies, popular choices often include those with unique terpene profiles that provide distinctive flavors and effects.
Can I Grow Craft Cannabis Myself?
Yes, with the right knowledge and resources, it is indeed possible to grow craft cannabis at home. Emphasizing organic practices, careful strain selection, and attentive care throughout growth and curing are key to achieving craft-quality cannabis.
What is Craft Cannabis in Ontario?
What Is Craft? At the OCS, we define craft as dried flower that is hang-dried, hand-trimmed, hand-packaged, and grown in a small-batch facility (producing less than 10,000 kg of dried cannabis a year).
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