Lolly Cannabis

We’ve Moved — Just Around the Corner!

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:42:00 GMT

We’ve got some exciting news to share…

We’ve Moved — Just Around the Corner!

Our store has officially relocated to 776 Liverpool Road in Pickering — just around the corner from our previous spot!

While our address has changed, everything you love about us hasn’t. It’s the same store, same vibe, same team — just in a fresh new space that we can’t wait for you to experience.

Why the Move?

We wanted a space that was a better fit for us while staying right here in the community we love. We continue to deliver the same quality and service you’ve come to expect in a cozier space with more natural light! You will now be able to pull up right to our front door, too.

What’s Staying the Same?

The friendly faces you know and trust
The welcoming, laid-back atmosphere
The curated products you love
The personalized service we pride ourselves on

We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support and for being part of our journey. Moving just around the corner means we’re still your neighbourhood spot — just with a new set of keys.

If you’re in the area, stop by and check out the new space at 776 Liverpool Road . We’d love to see you and show you around.

Here’s to new beginnings — without changing what makes us us .

The post We’ve Moved — Just Around the Corner! appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

The Roll Call: Why Pre-Rolls Are Still the MVP of Cannabis

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:54:00 GMT

The Roll Call: Why Pre-Rolls Are Still the MVP of Cannabis

ROLL CALL! Why Pre-Rolls Are Still the MVP of Cannabis? If there’s one thing cannabis has mastered, it’s the art of convenience — and nothing says easy, breezy enjoyment quite like the pre-roll. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or still finding your flow, pre-rolls keep it simple: premium flower, expertly rolled, and ready when you are.

At Lolly Cannabis , we get it — sometimes you want to skip the grind (literally). So, here’s why pre-rolls deserve a permanent spot in your stash.

1. Perfect for Any Moment

Pre-rolls are the ultimate grab-and-go option. Headed to the park, your buddies', or about to hit the couch? They’re ready to spark without any prep work. No grinder, no rolling tray, no sticky fingers — just chill.

And because they come in singles, multipacks, and infused options, there’s a pre-roll for every mood and moment.

2. Crafted by the Pros

Forget the uneven rolls and canoeing joints of the past — today’s pre-rolls are precision-packed by pros. Brands use top-tier rolling tech for a consistent, smooth burn.

Many pre-rolls at Lolly feature whole flower (not shake) strain-specific or infused options — like hash or live resin for that extra kick — so you can tailor your high just how you like it.

3. Try Before You Commit

Pre-rolls are also the perfect way to sample new strains without committing. Curious about a new sativa that just dropped? Grab a single and see how it hits. It’s like a tasting flight for cannabis — minus the hangover.

4. Small Format, Big Variety

You’ll find classic singles , multipacks , mini joints (aka dogwalkers) , and infused pre-rolls on our shelves. Some favorites among Lolly regulars include:

General Admission Cherry Watermelon Infused Pre-Rolls – smooth, potent, and full of flavour.
Dime Bag Pocket Puffs – cheap and cheerful, sweet and savoury with an explosive gassy aroma
Carmel Peanut Butter Breath – premium craft pre-rolls for the connoisseurs.

5. Shop Smarter, Not Harder

At Lolly Cannabis, we curate our pre-rolls with care — focusing on freshness, quality, and brands that actually deliver. Whether you’re looking for high THC , balanced CBD , or solventless options, we’ve got something for every kind of roller (even if you never roll your own).

Final Puff

Pre-rolls are more than just convenient — they’re proof that great cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated. Stop by Lolly Cannabis in Caledonia, Pickering or Brantford or browse our online menu to find your new go-to pre-roll.

�� Shop Now

The post The Roll Call: Why Pre-Rolls Are Still the MVP of Cannabis appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Live Resin vs. Distillate Vapes

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:49:00 GMT

Vape cartridges are one of the easiest ways to enjoy cannabis — discreet, convenient, and available in all kinds of flavours and potencies. But when you browse the menu at Lolly , you’ll notice a few key terms: live resin, cured resin, distillate, and sometimes solventless.

They might sound similar, but each offers a distinct experience. Let’s break down what each means — and how to choose the right one for your vibe.

Live Resin vs. Cured Resin vs. Distillate vs. Solventless Vapes: What’s the Difference?

Live Resin: Fresh, Terpene-Rich, and Full of Flavour

Live resin is all about preserving the true flavour of the plant . It’s made from freshly harvested cannabis that’s flash-frozen immediately , before drying or curing. This process locks in the natural terpenes — the aromatic oils that give cannabis its scent and taste — and results in a full-spectrum extract that captures the strain’s character.

Expect from live resin carts:

Bold, strain-specific flavour (think citrus, pine, or gas)
Balanced effects from the full mix of cannabinoids and terpenes
Moderate THC , but a richer, more natural experience

Shop Lolly favourites: Check out 1964, Carmel, Lune Rise Farms, Lofi, and Woody Nelson live resin carts for that fresh, terp-forward hit.

Cured Resin: Balanced and Powerful

Cured resin is made from dried and cured cannabis flower , rather than fresh frozen material. The curing process allows deeper, more resinous flavours to develop — think earthy, sweet, and complex — while still retaining much of the strain’s terpene content.

It’s the perfect middle ground between live resin and distillate: strong, flavourful, and consistent.

Expect from cured resin carts:

Smooth, rich taste with deeper flavour notes
Higher THC levels than live resin
Balanced mix of potency and authenticity

Distillate: Pure, Potent, and Consistent

Distillate is the most refined type of extract. The oil goes through multiple rounds of distillation until nearly everything except the desired cannabinoid (usually THC ) is removed. The result is a clear, potent extract — sometimes reaching over 90% THC.

Because the natural terpenes are stripped away, producers often add flavouring or botanical terpenes back in for taste.

Expect from distillate carts:

High THC and a strong, predictable effect
Clean, consistent draws
Simple or sweet flavours (often fruit or dessert-inspired)

Shop Distillate Vapes: Explore General Admission, Weed Me Max, BoxHot, XPlor and Happy & Stoned for high-THC distillate vapes that deliver smooth, no-fuss power.

Solventless Extracts: Pure Craft, No Chemicals

Solventless extracts take purity to the next level. Unlike live resin or distillate — which use solvents like butane or CO₂ to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant — solventless products are made entirely without chemical solvents .

Instead, producers use heat, pressure, and ice water to extract cannabinoids naturally, preserving delicate terpenes and maintaining a “cleaner” chemical profile. Common types include rosin and hash rosin .

Expect from solventless carts:

Completely solvent-free — made using only mechanical methods
Authentic, natural flavour true to the original strain
Full-spectrum effects similar to live resin, but with an even “cleaner” feel
Usually higher-end — handcrafted in smaller batches

So, Which One Is Right for You?

It depends on what you’re after:

�� Live Resin — For fresh flavour and a strain-specific experience.
�� Cured Resin — For balance between flavour and potency.
�� Distillate — For maximum THC and consistency.
�� Solventless — For chemical-free purity and the cleanest possible high.

Find Your Perfect Vape at Lolly

Whether you’re chasing flavour, potency, or purity, Lolly carries an incredible range of live resin , cured resin , distillate , and solventless vape cartridges from Canada’s best producers. The biggest takeaway? Full spectrum extracts, hands down, provide the best experience.

Shop online for pickup or delivery , or visit us in-store for expert recommendations from our friendly team.

�� Browse our vape collection here and discover your perfect cart today.

Bottom of Form

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Why Clean Cultivation Matters to You

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:48:00 GMT

The saying "you get what you pay for," really is a thing.

With the increase in availability of unregulated weed, we have been asked many times from customers who have dabbled (we get it), that they've bought some cheap pre-rolls or flower and it tasted like chemicals, why is that?

There are many possible explanations including, chemicals used to control mold, mites and budrot, insufficient curing, residual fertilizer and chemicals used to add visual appeal, weight and prolong shelf life. Long story short, clean cultivation matters!

Here is an article about the different cannabis contaminants and how to detect them. In short, when in doubt, toss it out.

Cannabis Contaminants and How to Tell if Cannabis is Laced

If you missed our earlier blog post on Health Canada's first results of data from legal and illegal markets, here's the coles notes.

Health Canada's recent Cannabis Data Gathering Program has shed light on the significant differences between legal and illegal cannabis products. The study found that illegal cannabis often contains harmful contaminants, including:

Pesticides: 94% of illegal samples contained multiple pesticides, averaging 3.4 different types per sample.
Mycotoxins: Detected in several illegal samples, these toxins are produced by certain molds and can pose serious health risks.
Microbial Contaminants: Illegal products showed significantly higher levels of harmful bacteria, some associated with respiratory infections.

Legal cannabis products undergo rigorous testing, to ensure they meet strict safety standards, resulting in significantly lower levels of these contaminants. Again, clean cultivation matters!

However, the results are not exactly flattering to the legal market and emphasizes how hard clean cultivation really is. We hope Health Canada publishes the names of the producers that failed these test.

We are very passionate about clean cultivation practices and do our best to ensure the products we carry meet our expectations.

Thank you for trusting us. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are here to help.

Read the full article here.

The post Why Clean Cultivation Matters to You appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Catch us at Grow Up Conference & Expo

Fri, 23 May 2025 19:51:00 GMT

Lolly's menu master is hitting the main stage at the Grow Up Conference & Expo Tuesday May 27th at 11:45 to chat about weed delivery in Ontario.

Retail Delivery Strategies: Tech, Logistics, and Profitable Growth in Ontario

Tuesday May 27th

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM - High North Main Stage

Speakers: Brendan Schlosser , Brooke Silversides , Nathan Turner , Riel Roussopoulos , Sameer Padamsey

Panel Description:
This session is to learn practical strategies for successful retail weed delivery programs. Listen to industry professionals experienced in implementing profitable cannabis delivery services on how to serve your customers. Hear Lolly's weed delivery success story. Leave with proven tactics to enhance customer satisfaction, and scale business revenue through cannabis retail delivery.

Meet Nathan :

I’ve spent the last 4.5 years partnered with the family at Lolly Cannabis overseeing operations, purchasing, marketing and development. Our 3 locations in Caledonia, Pickering and Brantford have pleasant in store atmospheres and convenient weed delivery options. We offer a selection of in demand and catered to taste options with a focus on an intimate sales culture.

I have been involved in cannabis retail since 2016 where I helped manage the medical operations at MMJ Canada until closing in 2019. This ”pre-legal” retail experience granted me a sneak preview of consumer insights and sales trends that have aided in my successful transition to the recreational government model. My medical cultivation and breeding experience enriches my understanding and appreciation for those who bring quality products to market consistently. The relationships that have been fostered and the seed to smoke conversations I’ve had continue to drive my passion for this plant and the wonderful people who are dawn to it just as strongly as I am.

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Why Legal Cannabis is the Safer Choice: Health Canada Reports

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:20:00 GMT

Health Canada releases first results from cannabis data gathering program from legal and illegal markets

Pesticides: 94% of illegal samples contained multiple pesticides, averaging 3.4 different types per sample.
Mycotoxins: Detected in several illegal samples, these toxins are produced by certain molds and can pose serious health risks.
Microbial Contaminants: Illegal products showed significantly higher levels of harmful bacteria, some associated with respiratory infections.

Legal cannabis products undergo rigorous testing, to ensure they meet strict safety standards, resulting in significantly lower levels of these contaminants.

However, the results are not exactly flattering to the legal market either and emphasizes how hard clean cultivation really is. We demand Health Canada to publish the names of the producers that failed these tests.

Here at Lolly, we are very passionate about clean cultivation practices and do our best to ensure the products we carry meet our expectations.

Thank you for trusting us. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are here to help. Read the full article here.

The post Why Legal Cannabis is the Safer Choice: Health Canada Reports appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Product Highlight - Tuck Shop ZIP by Carmel

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Introducing the Tuck Shop ZIP by Carmel. The team saw a hole in the regulated market and Tuck Shop filled it with the ZIP. Starting with the Elite Ghost OG and rolling out sought after genetics in a responsibly priced rotating OZ bag, Tuck Shop grabbed our immediate attention and we know they’ve got yours now too! Believe what you’ve heard. Now Available at Lolly.

The post Product Highlight - Tuck Shop ZIP by Carmel appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Solar Eclipse 2024 Watch Party

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:37:00 GMT

Lolly is giving away ISO certified glasses at our Caledonia location while supplies last to watch the Solar Eclipse. Join us on Monday April 8th at 2:30pm for a BBQ and watch party.

On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be taking place. This eclipse will be visible from Southern Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador, with the rest of Canada having the partial eclipse visible. Depending on where you are located in Ontario, the solar eclipse is expected to take place approximately between 2:00 pm-4:30 pm EST.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely or partially covers the Sun.

Are there any risks in watching the solar eclipse?

Yes! It is never safe to look directly at the sun without eye protection and that remains true during an eclipse. Even though the moon ends up mostly covering the Sun, the Sun's radiation can still cause damage to the eyes. By directly looking at the solar eclipse, even a brief look, can cause harm to the eye's light-sensitive cells. Unfortunately this damage will not be felt until well after it is too late.

When the eclipse begins, the moon will slowly begin to cover the sun. This will occur gradually over a period of about an hour. Light levels during this period will remain fairly normal and if you didn’t know it was eclipse day, you likely would not notice anything out of the ordinary.

Then in a span of 15 minutes, the light will dim slightly as the moon mostly covers the sun and begins to move away again. This is the period that people are most tempted to directly view the eclipse. If you don’t have specialized eye protection that is specifically designed for eclipse viewing and is ISO 12312-2 certified, then you must not look directly at the eclipse.

It is not safe to directly view the eclipse using any of the following;

Sunglasses, smoked glasses
space blankets
binoculars
telescopes
cameras, phone cameras,
welding shields, auto-dimming welding helmets, etc.

Only ISO 12312-2 certified eye protection specifically designed for eclipse viewing is safe.

If you do not have ISO 12312-2 certified eye protection, DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE ECLIPSE.

The post Solar Eclipse 2024 Watch Party appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Breaking the Stigma Around Parenting and Cannabis Use

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:26:00 GMT

Breaking the stigma around parenting and cannabis use has been my personal mission statement for a long time, says Carmela, Store Manager at Lolly Pickering. One of my favorite things about cannabis is the way that it allows me to see humor in almost everything. Being able to laugh at things taught me that most things are not that serious. It humbles me. I laugh for long periods of time and it feels great. I am not a social smoker at all. I prefer to smoke in the comfort of my home and with close friends. My current experience with cannabis is very different from when I first started smoking weed twenty-five years ago. I find that I enjoy it more now than when I was younger. Trying to keep it a secret from family had me feeling extremely paranoid, although I never gave up on it.

I stopped smoking weed for almost two years when I found out I was expecting my daughter. Once my daughter got on a regular routine I was able to sneak a pinner or two throughout the day.

Questioning my relationship with cannabis as a mother.

As a first time mom I had a lot of moments where I questioned my way of mothering. I felt a tremendous amount of guilt every time I smoked. This was due to the stigma around cannabis at the time which provided me a false sense of what a good mother is. In a world that celebrates, and even encourages “mommy juice” across social media through funny memes, shouldn't mothers who enjoy lighting up here and there feel just as celebrated? We are all just trying to unwind after a long day and find our own peace, why does booze tend to be the only choice for that? A lot of people think cannabis is very bad, because that is what they have been told for many years. Looking back to the 1930’s Reefer Madness propaganda, up to the1960’s public enemy #1 ads to the outrageous statement that smoking weed causes devil worshiping. Breaking the stigma around parenting and cannabis use requires re-education and the dissemination of scientific information.

I have found that the only way to break the stigma around parenting and cannabis use is to be vocal.

The only way to change this programming is to be vocal about how helpful cannabis is to so many people. Once we start opening up the conversation and begin sharing our experiences, we can show the people in our lives and communities how cannabis has helped us and therefore changing conversations to involve a wide range of benefits when it comes to cannabis and daily life. I do believe that we will eventually get to the point where 4:20 is just as casual as “wine o'clock.” I’m in for the ride!

Join the conversation on the Yes We Cann Parent Facebook Group here.

Read @JohnOldschool's story on cannabis and parenting here.

The post Breaking the Stigma Around Parenting and Cannabis Use appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

@JohnOldschool's Puff, Puff, Pass

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:55:00 GMT

Puff

DISTINKT CANNABIS – Monaco Octane 3.5g (Paris OG x The Menthol)

31.1% THC – 4.2% Terps – Total Cannabinoids 37.01%

Harvest Date: Dec 6 2022

You already know how we feel about Carmel’s Animal Face here at Lolly! To get to have an equally gassy limonene forward indica leaner that packs the same cerebral punch is a real treat for us. The Distinkt Monaco Octane label is about as transparent as you’ll find. From the Breeder to total Cannabinoids and most importantly the harvest date! This marriage between the recent harvest date and the healthy THC/Terpene profile is a great introduction before you open the sleek black bag to be met with a sweet menthol and fuel aroma that points to a real winner!

Puff

DUNN CANNABIS – Platinum Kush Breath 3.5g (Platinum (UW Hashplant x Permafrost) x OGKB)

29.3% THC – 2.89% Terps

Package Date: Jan 23 2023 (Harvest date guesstimate late Nov 2022)

As soon as you crack the seal on the glass jar your senses will be greeted by a warm, dank greeting that lets you know this is a slow thumper. There’s enough Limonene (0.81%) to give us kush lovers that nice active head up front before the Beta Caryophyllene tosses a warm blanket out of the dryer on us and lulls us into an easy relaxed state. A nice addition to the “Indica” space by Logan and the sluggers at Dunn Cannabis.

Pass

(REPS THIS ONES FOR YOU)

This week I’m taking a pass on educational samples that have been sitting in your car for extended periods of time. It’s cold this time of year and although there is almost nothing worse than giggle bush that has been stored in a warm place losing its terps and potency. Having it freeze dry in your car overnight is a close second! Let’s save the temperature extremes for the hash makers ��

The post @JohnOldschool's Puff, Puff, Pass appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Fatherhood: Breaking the Stigmas Associated with Cannabis Use

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:53:00 GMT

@JohnOldschool shares his experience of fatherhood and breaking the stigmas associated with cannabis use. In his words, Sizing up the little things that matter most is easier when you can focus on what’s actually important. Parenting and some of the overwhelming challenges that come with the role can have us easily side tracked at times. Remaining peaceful and connected in times of stress while under the watchful eye of our littles is a whole vibe that requires intent, focus and consistency. After all ‘weed’ do anything for our kids right? Parenting struggles and cannabis use doesn't get the same support as other alternatives.

Maybe you sleep better when you’ve had a few gummies before bed. Perhaps black coffee and hash changes your internal dialogue in the early morning and relieves your body aches before another day begins its assault on you. Maybe that’s nobody’s business but yours and maybe you should think about keeping it that way. WTF really??? Did I just say that???

I openly managed dispensaries pre-legalization and have made a point of using a significant portion of my personal platform to breaking the stigmas associated with cannabis use by performing at a high level professionally and most importantly as a dad

It’s legal now so who cares, why should you feel like you have to hide it anymore? Believe it or not plenty of people still look down their nose at cannabis consumers, especially parents! Sure, you can handle your smoke and can list the endless ways it helps you go about your business day to day but being naïve to this fact might not come without some less than feel good circumstances. I openly managed dispensaries pre-legalization and have made a point of using a significant portion of my personal platform to breaking the stigmas associated with cannabis use by performing at a high level professionally and most importantly as a dad, but I can’t try and pretend like that has me included in some special feel-good club for canna-parents . Sure, there are a few other cannabis friendly parents and teachers and they’ve been super sweet and kind to me and my little beans. But I’ve also been snarled at in the grocery store, ignored while volunteering at the school and have had to hear my kids repeat some really hurtful things about me that they don’t understand from grownups who clearly don’t understand either. Opening my life up to a CAS enquiry about my medical cannabis use and spending needless time and resources in court to keep equal access to my kids although with a deserved and just outcome was a stress that we as a family unit could have easily gone without.

Thankfully I haven’t had to worry about cannabis use and my employment status but don’t think for a second that a majority of potential employers are going to be pumped to know that you smoke a 3.5 of White Death before breakfast and heading out to tackle your day. If you’ve got kids to care for, you’re going to need a significant income to help you do so. Is being open about cannabis worth interrupting your ability to do that without prejudice and professional consequence? Talk about playing with ‘fire’.

I’ve long said that the stigmas around cannabis have been more harmful than the plant itself and though I haven’t had a pleasant social experience as a parent I can say with 110% certainty that my personal relationship with my children and my ability to relate and engage with them has been greatly enhanced.

Using cannabis mainly for pain comes with some other really positive aspects for me. My brain is always busy tasking, planning and analyzing and although this doesn’t bother me much It definitely makes me slightly unavailable at times. The short-term effects of smoking cannabis help me take a step back from my autonomic dad state and grants me access to a softer and less black and white version of myself that craves connection and a more purposeful interaction on their level. I know I’m not alone on this as I’ve long lost track of the number of highly competent parents I’ve known, spoken with and admired for their low-key cannabis consumption.

There are days that I question whether or not I should have been so open about it. There are people that I care for that think I’m full of shit and don’t have much to do with me over it and though it comes with some significant pains I wouldn’t ever trade the bond I have with ‘Willie and Bobbie’ for a clean slate of opinions with people who aren’t growing inside. Knowing me (and I do) I’m going to keep on being the same dude I’ve always been when it comes to cannabis stigma breaking especially as a parent. A little louder than some, a little softer too.

Join the conversation on the Yes We Cann Parent Facebook Group here.

Read Carmela's story on cannabis and parenting here.

The post Fatherhood: Breaking the Stigmas Associated with Cannabis Use appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Lolly Brings A Unique Cannabis Shopping Experience To Caledonia

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:48:00 GMT

AN INDEPENDANT CANNABIS RETAIL STORE PROVIDING A CURATED SELECTION OF SUPERIOR PRODUCTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALEDONIA, ON – November 17, 2020 – Lolly—Grand Opening November 21, 2020—is an independent cannabis retail store based out of Caledonia, ON, selling a range or premium products and accessories.

Lolly is a modern and personal approach to cannabis. Our hand-picked assortment brings together the very best products, while our experiential retail space provides a relaxed yet refined environment to browse, learn, and explore.

We believe every cannabis experience is unique and personal. From first-timers to expert consumers, our open-minded and knowledgeable team offers an informative experience, catered to each client’s individual needs.

Lolly was founded by a family. “We are spontaneous, shamelessly indulgent and believe in discovery, living life to the fullest and embracing every moment,” said Danielle Braemer, CEO and Co-Founder.

We seek genuine connections—with our producers, growers, and community—and take the time to find the products that industry experts are excited about, always looking forward to what’s coming next. From the cultivation teams to our clients in-store, our passion for the life-changing power of cannabis is what unites us.

We value premium products and have made it our mission to curate a select assortment of superior cannabis goods at a variety of price points, for both experienced consumers and first-time buyers. Our distinct curation includes Broken Coast, Ace Valley, Msiku as well as Auxly’s sought-after brands—Kolab and Foray—as well as local brands like Gage, Redecan and Color Cannabis, whose dried products are now offered in flavour-saving, nitrogen-infused packaging.

“We’re proud to support new retail initiatives and send kudos to the Lolly team on their grand opening,” said Stephen Ng, Chief Commercial Officer of WeedMD, parent company of the Color Cannabis brand. “We’re delighted that their customers will be greeted by Color Cannabis products from day one, and we commend Lolly for their commitment to quality, the customer experience and a thriving Ontario cannabis landscape.”

We also look forward to offering the highly-anticipated Robes’ BLLRDR and Flint and Embers’ Sensi Star- rumours have it we should be expecting to see terpenes coming in at > 2%. “We are thrilled at the quality of the product coming to market by the end of this year and are so excited to launch Flint and Embers. “We would like to extend our best wishes and congratulations to the Lolly team who have done an excellent job at staying in the loop on new, premium products hitting the buy sheet,” said Pat Witcher, Chief Commercial Officer at MJardin.

“Congratulations to the team at Lolly on this fantastic opening,” said Jeff (“J.J.”) O’Neill, Chief Commercial Officer, Auxly. “We share Lolly’s commitment to quality and are thrilled that Caledonia consumers will be offered Auxly’s products from our popular brands Kolab Project, Foray, and Dosecann.”

Lolly’s striking interior was designed by the husband-and-wife duo behind MaNa Works. The couple has been instrumental in the design of a number of high-profile projects, including OCAD University’s Rosalie Sharp Pavilion while working for Bortolotto Design. They brought Lolly’s vision to life, creating a refined boutique that is unparalleled in Caledonia—and all of Southern Ontario.

“Ace Valley is thrilled to be working with the awesome team at Lolly. The store design is inviting, fun, and creative but most important is their friendly and educated team that welcomes you into the Lolly experience and offers a wealth of information to their patrons. Good luck with this awesome new venture and know that Ace Valley will be here to support the Lolly team in any way we can!" - Matthew Sananes, Ace Valley Ontario Sales Director.

Wherever you are on your cannabis journey, Lolly is here to bring you something better.

Here’s to Better High. We hope you’ll join us!

Better things are blooming at Lolly.

Visit www.lollycannabis.com and follow us at @lolly_cannabis on Instagram.

ABOUT LOLLY:

Lolly is an independent cannabis retail store located in southern Ontario. We value premium products and have made it our mission to curate a selective assortment of superior cannabis goods at a variety of price points, for both experienced consumers and first-time buyers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor Relations
investorrelations@lollycannabis.com

Media Relations
hello@lollycannabis.com
647-920-7447

The post Lolly Brings A Unique Cannabis Shopping Experience To Caledonia appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Max Zavet: Industry pioneer

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:46:00 GMT

Getting high is an affair that begins well before you consume and extends far beyond that last euphoric minute. With every intention and purpose, the added element of understanding the nuances of the flower provides that extra layer of perspective, enriching your experience.

In our first Find Your Flower edition, we had the pleasure of chatting with industry pioneer, Max Zavet. A lawyer by trade and Canadian cannabis connoisseur by nature, Max is the co-founder of Emblem Corp and CEO of Robes Cannabis, a company dedicated to curating luxury pot products and bringing exotic strains to consumers.

"I have always believed in cannabis as an alternative for both medical and recreational uses. My vision from the start has been to grow the highest quality, unique strains that are not common in the marketplace, but are extremely effective and enjoyable."

Describe your career path?

I was always entrepreneurial, but I cut my teeth first as a lawyer specializing in real estate and started my own firm called Levy Zavet PC where I built a reputable practice for over 5 years. I transitioned into the legal Cannabis industry officially in 2015 and launched Emblem Cannabis, Canada’s 15th licensed producer. Emblem went public in 2016 and I left Emblem in 2018 to begin exploring new opportunities.

What brought you into the cannabis industry?

I have been passionate about Cannabis since university. I always preferred consuming Cannabis instead of drinking at social events and I’ve used it medically for chronic neck pain due to degenerative discs – therefore as a consumer I wished there were more products that I like to consume available in the legal market.

Describe the inspiration around crafting a brand like Robes. Was there a light bulb moment?

After my experience at Emblem, the biggest opportunity I saw in the market was premium quality flower products based on reputable genetics and strains that were high in cannabinoids and terpenes. I spent a lot of time touring many grow operations and dispensaries all over Canada and the United States discovering amazing strains, breeders and companies that were leaders in this emerging industry and I took what I learned and applied it to Robes and sought to make these wonderful products to everyone.

How would your children talk about your career?

I am very open and up front with my children, they know exactly what I do. Daddy sells cannabis flowers! On Valentine’s Day my 6-year-old painted a cannabis flag for me at school instead of hearts. Surprisingly his teacher was super cool with it – its encouraging to see that the stigma associated with cannabis is definitely shifting in a positive direction.

What’s next?

Conquer the Canadian cannabis market with amazing award-winning cannabis.

Who speaks to your other senses, what are you looking at and listening to?

Just like cannabis strains, my tastes are varied, but I do really like Drake, and not only because his producer, 40 is one of my partners. A couple of my favorite artists are Birdo and Kaws.

Anything else you would like to say?

There has been a lot negative news lately with respect to the legal cannabis market – from unscrupulous corporate actors to old and dry products – legal cannabis has a long way to go to earn back consumers’ trust and ensure a steady transition from legacy markets to the legal market. Companies like Robes and others that care about product quality and customer satisfaction will emerge as winners and shape this industry for the future.

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James Lowe: Evolution of the cannabis industry

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:45:00 GMT

James Lowe was instrumental in the evolution of the cannabis industry from its early years in Colorado. We caught up with the co-founder of MJardin—from his home in Charleston, South Carolina—to chat about where the industry started, and where it’s heading. From what strains are hitting the shelves, to an age-old growing debate (for the record, Lowe firmly believes cultivation is a science, not an art, we’re always curious to hear what’s coming next for this growing guru.

James Lowe co-founded and served as President of Cultivation for MJardin from 2014 to 2017, while scaling it be one of the largest advisory cannabis cultivators in the world. Today MJardin operates in three provinces across Canada, cultivating some amazing strains including BLLRDR, which will be available in Ontario this fall! Check out Forbes article “5 Probing Questions For BLLRDR Cannabis And Jef Tek” here .

James founded and operates Cloud 9 Support, LLC, a horticulture supply firm. In 2015, he co-founded and still serves as managing partner for Potco, LLC, a medical marijuana dispensary and cultivation brand, and in 2016 founded Next1 Labs, currently the largest provider of high terpene/live resin oils in the state of Colorado. In addition, James has been employed as head of cultivation for Cannabis for Health and as a cultivation advisor to LightShade Labs.

Can you tell us about your career path? Why cannabis?

I went to school at Appalachian State University for solar technology with a business minor. As a course requirement I took an internship position at a renewable energy company in Colorado. I spent six years at that company where I eventually became VP. My day to day was doing design oversight for solar projects working closely with the architects and engineers. 2008/ 2009 cannabis started popping off in Colorado. Dispensaries and grows were forced to merge and have shotgun marriages, and Colorado very quickly had to vertically integrate. This put everyone in the position of having 15-18 months to be in a properly zoned facility, permitted, inspected and licensed. I remember walking into some warehouses and there were bunches of extension cords, 2 feet thick, long cables across the warehouse- not compliant at all. So I took the same architects and engineers I was working with and had them start designing grow facilities. At the time, people were terrified to have their grows put on paper and have inspectors come through- they said it was legal but was it really? We led these people through the process with lots of hand holding. In the following two years we built and licensed 45 grow facilities. After we managed the licensing and design and construction process, it naturally evolved into the opportunity to operate. Quickly we were managing 15 different grow facilities around Denver. It still wasn’t very sophisticated- mostly mom and pop situations. We were actually employees of 15 different spots getting 15 different W2s- it was a fucking nightmare but it was worth it. In 2014, one of the owners of the grows I was working at saw what I was doing and thought it was a good business. So we partnered and raised a couple million dollars and created MJardin. My previous contracts kind of rolled into MJardin and we quickly grew to be national- managing 35 facilities from Hawaii to Vermont.

Please tell me about your company? What do you do that’s different, therefore better than your competition?

I have a hard time saying it is better but we always knew the bubble was going to burst in Canada so we didn’t adopt any horticulture practices that didn’t already exist. We never did rotary gardens or vertical walls. We always took a slower pragmatic approach to cultivation- we don’t pay attention to hippy voodoo. At the time and still to this day, the cultivation side is riddled with crazy products, 22 part nutrient products, the latest and greatest liquids and gadgets, all this bullshit that plays on the black market. We have always tried to stay away and only utilize sound practices and scientifically backed products. We keep it boring- tried and true.

How did you discover your green thumb?

I have just been doing it a lot longer than most. On a commercial level we have been doing it a long time and had plenty of time to make mistakes. My thumb grew to become green. A big problem with people in this industry- they don’t learn from their mistakes. Or, worse yet, mistakes were made that they can’t undo- they were made in the design and construction of the facility which could be impossible financially to redesign.

How has your opinion/ view/ use/ understanding of cannabis changed over the years?

I don’t think it has changed- just came to fruition. The cannabis industry has grown into a very normal business- compared to what it was. It is on the steady march towards normalcy. A lot more suits these days as to be expected.

What is your passion?

My kids – my two girls.

Do you have any volunteer initiatives you support/ participate in?

I am working on something that is still in the early stages- an organization to fund harbour initiatives in South Carolina to pull sunken boats out of the water. The waterways around Charleston are full of sunken boats which causes a lot of problems from pollution to causing other boats to sink from hitting them- we have seen this too often and some accidents have resulted in death- it is a big problem and a real shame.

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Curtis Wallace: Professional cannabis growing consultant

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:43:00 GMT

Hanging out with Curtis Wallace (virtually, of course) gave us a new perspective to the term pioneer. With over 15 years of experience growing cannabis under Health Canada's various legislative frameworks, Curtis, modestly, prides himself on building a career out of what once was a passion project. He now consults for several licensed producers, offering advice on everything from licensing and expansions to cultivation planning for greenhouse, indoor and outdoor environments. Currently, he acts as the Director of Cultivation at WeedMD, the producer behind some of our favourite brands, including Color Cannabis and Saturday.

" It is so awesome that I could go to work everyday and call my mom on my way home and remind her I grow cannabis for a living.”

Describe your career path?

16 years ago I started learning about hemp and started growing a few plants as a hobby. This hobby started to take up more of my time and I continued to study and experiment with different growing practices. I was originally licensed to cultivate (for personal use and patients) under Health Canada’s first legislative framework called the MMAR (Marihuana for Medical Access Regulations). In 2014 this changed to the MMPR (Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations) which allowed for companies (known as Licensed Producers, or LP’s) to cultivate and sell cannabis flower and oil to medical patients. It was under this framework I began my experience to learn and develop processes under strict government guidelines while managing cultivation operations in greenhouses. In 2013 I had the pleasure to help establish Marrican, one of the first LPs and in 2016 I started Cannabis Solutions Canada, and consulted for various LPs.

Tell me about the most satisfying memory you have of your career?

Hands down my most memorable experience was living in a tent on a farm a stones throw away from Lake Erie, surrounded by dogs and farm animals back in the MMAR days.

Building Marricann, one of the first 15 LPs was also a life defining moment, it was the transition that took me from being known as a “legacy grower” to adapting to the current regulations and SOPs and following Health Canada guidelines, evolving into the fancy title, “Director of Cultivation.”

What is your cannabis growing style?

I am usually the guy growing under certain parameters that most people would say “holy shit you’re crazy,” but so far, 16 years and counting, it has worked out very well. Currently, with WeedMD we are growing in a commercial hydroponic greenhouse.

How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good crop?

It is not just one moment in the crops lifecycle,- its several moments. Obviously at the very end you know but healthy clones that turn into a healthy vegetative state and then in weeks 4 and 5 in flower if you have things dialed in by that time you can be very confident you’ll end up with a good crop.

What is one of your favorite strains to work with and why?

Easy answer- Super Lemon Haze, Mango Haze, Juicy Fruit, God Bud. These unique strains, when grown right, really do look amazing.

What are you consuming? Strains, brands, ect..

I consume a little bit of everything, even the product that doesn’t have good reviews, just to taste. After working in the industry for so long it has turned into a bit of the shoemakers’ shoes situation- I don’t consume as much as I did in the past.

Any tips for those just getting into growing their own flower or those interested in studying the cannabis plant?

Practice and learn, be patient when growing. Don’t try to do too much and don’t try to be perfect. Research and gather as much knowledge as you can. Remember, cannabis is a living organism and not everything is going to go right. Be empowered to try new things and techniques for yourself.

What are some of the most rewarding things about your job?

Navigating a career in an industry where before LPs existed a lot of friends and family said that I couldn’t or shouldn’t continue on the cannabis path that I was going down and now years later being able to have my own company and work across Canada- something that is incredibly rewarding and I am grateful for.

I love the challenges of the large scale producing; its challenging but also rewarding to to be overseeing and directing 200+ employees in our cultivation department. Seeing success that comes from working as a team; when everyone works together towards a common goal and knowing that not one person is responsible for its success.

Anything else you would like to say?

Hats off and my sincere appreciation for all the visionaries, cannabis advocates, pioneers, patients, doctors, Quality Assurance and leadership teams and those who support the recreational market by being the soldiers on the ground waving the “I just want to get high” flag. Kudos for chasing passion.

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Julia Mercanti: Finding inspiration and strong sativas

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:41:00 GMT

We knew exactly who to call to bring our #findyourflower mantra to life. Toronto-based artist Julia Mercanti’s cheeky illustrations are bursting with colour and hilarious observations about life. As an artist, she crafts thoughtful commentary on current events, and isn’t shy about advocating for change. We caught up with the modern-day muse to chat strong sativas, finding inspiration, and how she’s staying grounded this year.

“It’s no secret that I enjoy the sweet joys of Mary Jane. Lately, my stoned walks alone (six feet safely away from everyone!!) are the happiest parts of my week. If you need to take three bubble baths a day or talk to your lamp for a minute, that’s okay boo. Be extra kind to yourself through this. – Julia Mercanti

Do you keep certain routines or rituals to set the mood for inspiration?

Working from home has been a journey in finding a routine that works for me. What helped me get into the studio rhythm the most was getting dressed in something I felt good in or made me feel like I was going out for the day. I’m at a point where I can’t concentrate properly if I don’t feel comfortable with what I’m wearing, which sounds crazy, but it works. I have MANY rituals to keep me inspired including afternoon dance parties (with myself), listening to true crime podcasts, going for long walks in the city, and having quick creative chats with other artists.

What kind of cannabis gets your creative wheels spinning (if any)?

I can’t physically paint if I’m under the influence, but strong sativa at night, while I brainstorm new concepts and ideas, is my favourite thing.

What are you consuming?

Anything with a high THC percentage. I’m certainly not picky though and will consume pretty much anything.

You’ve worked with some amazing brands. What’s it like to have companies feel like they have to collaborate with you?

It’s the best feeling! The goal is to insert my personality into my work and to have anyone recognize that as something “they need” is ultimately a success. It also makes the work easier to complete since I am being trusted to be myself!

Who is your mentor?

My aunt, Grace Short. She is a painter and made it possible for me to imagine a career in fine art at an early age.

2020 has thrown us some unprecedented curveballs, what are you doing to stay sane?

This year has been extremely introspective for me. I’ve been taking extra steps in making sure I get enough self-care so that I can be a better and more productive ally to BIPOC groups and individuals. I’m not talking about taking bubble baths or doing face masks. I’m reading, I’m listening, I’m taking breaks when I need to. I’ve always felt illustrators have a responsibility for commenting on current events, but I can’t do that if I’m not actively taking in the news and what’s going on around me—and it can be exhausting and depressing. I feel lucky to be painting during this time, but a lot of my practice has changed and needs to grow.

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Antuanette Gomez: Sex and cannabis are the reason I am in the industry today

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:38:00 GMT

Cannabis and sex expert, Antuanette Gomez is the founder and CEO of the cannabis luxury jewellery brand Acapulco Gold, the founder and CEO of Pleasure Peaks, a cannabis women’s sexual health company, a part time cannabis consultant at the Green Rush Program and a proud public speaker on cannabis and its cross-section with sexual, women and minority issues.

“Sex and cannabis are the reason I am in the industry today. I never would have thought my career in holistic nutrition would lead me to talk about vaginas and orgasms to thousands of people worldwide.”

What is the meaning behind the name of the company?

We chose to name the company Acapulco Gold because of its affinity to the legacy market. Acapulco Gold is a well known legacy strain name and plays homage to the industry’s roots. The strain comes from Mexico and me being south American, seemed fitting. Acapulco Gold is a strain my grandfather used to grow in our backyard when I was a child. With a reputation for being one of the best cannabis strains and becoming increasingly more difficult to find- kind of like quality affordable cannabis jewellery- the name appropriately suited our mission and values.

Facing stigmas head on- can you speak to this?

Acapulco Gold emphasizes that there is way more to cannabis culture than pot leafs and Bob Marley. We know that cannabis consumers aren’t just the stereotypical stoners and therefore we want to provide elevated, elegant pieces for everyone to enjoy. We want to be apart of change and to us this means creating more opportunities for everyone- from the goldsmiths to the consumers.

What is so special about your company?

What makes Acapulco Gold special and unique is that we are really the first affordable cannabis luxury jewellery brand. We focus on creating elegant pieces at affordable prices. In the industry we laugh at the realness of “cannabis tax” for business owners but the worst part about it is that it extends to the consumer as well. We want to change that by offering affordable jewelry with stunning elegant designs that you can wear to birthday parties, conferences and special events that aren’t a thc molecule necklace I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. Our pieces range in price from $20 - $88. Elegant luxury for the sophisticated stoners- we know they exist.

Another important part of our business is that we donate 5% of each sale to Cannabis Amnesty. Since its creation, the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty has been fighting to persuade the federal government that legalization of cannabis is not enough. Justice requires that legislation be passed to undo the harms caused by the criminalization of cannabis possession and its enforcement, which disproportionately targeted Black, Indigenous, and vulnerable members of society. Shedding light on the lack of diversity in the industry is an issue close to our heart, which is why we also love to hire BIPOC cannabis jewelers and goldsmiths to make a more diverse cannabis and fashion industry.

Where are you based out of?

We are based out of Toronto, Canada- a proud Canadian Company- all of our pricing is in Canadian dollars so our American friends get great deals.

Tell us about yourself and what led you to where you are today?

I have been in the industry for eight year now. I began my career as a holistic nutritionist which brought my attention to the potential of cannabis for varied uses. While working at a chronic pain clinic I began to question the notion of quality of life and was shocked at how many people were suffering in silence. I became painfully aware of how many women suffered from sexual related discomfort but lack access to quality products. Women have been suffering in silence for too long due to the stigma surrounding women’s sexual health and pleasure.

I created Pleasure Peaks as a safe space for women to address issues that don’t get talked about. We offer Elevated Love Retreat in Hawaii and Jamaica and host a monthly podcast on cannabis and sexual health-related topics, Pleasure Talks. There’s also a private Facebook group of pleasure lovers curious about cannabis.

From here, I started Pleasure Peaks- a women’s sexual health product line sold in the United States. I also host retreats and the Pleasure Talks Podcast, where I talk about cannabis and sexuality. I started the Green Rush Program , a consultancy company that helps entrepreneurs start their own legal compliant cannabis business and founded the International Cannabis Built by Blacks Expo which will be held February 26th – 28th 2021 virtually. www.cbbbexpo.org .

You consider yourself a sex expert, how do cannabis and sex work together?

Sex and cannabis is the reason I am in the industry today. I never would have thought my career in holistic nutrition would lead me to talk about vaginas and orgasms to thousands of people worldwide. There are so many sexual health ailments that cannabis can be used to treat but also innumerable ways that cannabis can be used to improve sexual health and pleasure. Cannabis is a vasodilator for women – like Viagra is for men. Cannabis can be used topically to achieve similar effects, like increased blood flow to the vulva and greater sensitivity, and these benefits are unique to women. CBD and THC both play important roles for pleasure. CBD can help relax the pelvic muscles where a lot of women hold stress, which could help a woman orgasm. If it’s an oil based lube you could actually use the lube as massage oil- you gotta love our endocannabinoid system.

Talking about sex and cannabis is not new to me. I had my own sex and cannabis column in High Canada Magazine in 2016. I absolutely love to see the dramatic transformation and healing people get from using cannabis mindfully in the bedroom. And this isn’t just for recreational lovers but also for medical patients like assault survivors dealing with sexual anxiety or endo warriors wanting to boost their libido.

Tell us your favourite story

When we were in the R + D phase for Pleasure Peaks, I was dating a doctor at the time and we had a lot of fun testing out the different cannabis lubes. There is something very spiritual about getting your pussy high for the first time. What I love about topicals is that they provide a localized effect so you can get your pussy high without any psychoactive effects. We did a lot of research through trial and error on dosing– we learned a little goes a long way but that doesn’t mean you can’t double it up.

What are you excited about?

I am super pumped for our Celebrity Inspired Collections. First to hit the market is the Rihanna line, studded with pearls and gemstones- it is so over the top bougee but also elegant- I can’t wait. And our CBD Pleasure Line launching in the United States this coming Christmas!

What is your #FindYourFlower advice?

When I first started smoking, I would eat everything in the fridge or pass out. It wasn’t until later that I learned there is a strain for everything. I grew to appreciate the many different strains and their varying effects and started keeping a Cannabis Journal that I encourage everyone to do. There is a correlation between the terpenes, genetics and our cannabinoid system, that we should notice and make note of.

What is your favourite strain for the bedroom?

Super Silver Haze ��

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Ryan VandenBussche: Founder and President of New Leaf Canada

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:36:00 GMT

Former NHL enforcer, Ryan VandenBussche, sheds light on his fourteen year career as a professional hockey player. Ryan was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992 and was later traded to and played for the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins. Best known for being pound for pound one of the toughest enforcers in the NHL, and the man who ended the career of Nick Kypreos in a pre-season game in 1997. Ryan played alongside some of the game’s greats including Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux. He played 310 games in the NHL, fought over 100 times, and registered more than 700 penalty minutes.

Ryan left the game after numerous concussions and injuries suffered during his hockey years reliant on prescription drugs to treat the chronic pain that plagued him well after his retirement from the NHL. Today he is the Founder and President of New Leaf Canada , a cannabis growth and research facility that will educate the community on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis an alternative to opioids.

Tell us about your career?

I played 14 years of professional hockey (9 NHL season) from 1993-2007. I was first drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992, played for the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

What brought you into the industry?

I left the game with 12 surgeries, north of 20 concussions and many broken bones. Throughout the course of my career we were given opioids to ease pain, inflammation & sleeplessness while traveling between cities and dealing with the time changes. When I retired from hockey in January 2007, I was still dependent on opioids until I was introduced to cannabis for medical purposes in the summer of 2009. By 2010 I had a designated grower grow my cannabis for me and by 2012 I was able to get 100% off the synthetic opioids. In 2013 I submitted my application to become an LP and after a few amendments to our original application, finally in April 2020 (4/20) the company I founded received the approval to become a LP where we could cultivate, process and sell for medical purposes.

You are considered a cannabis advocate, why?

I give credit to cannabis for getting me off all the synthetic opioids I was prescribed throughout my hockey career and post hockey life. I feel it is my job now to help advocate, by educating people through sharing my experiences that I had, and still have with cannabis in hopes to destigmatize the plant and let the world know there are alternative plant-based medicines versus synthetic opioids.

Have you been a lone wolf in this journey?

My wife Lisa has been by my side this entire journey, my immediate family and of course my brothers who I have played with, against and even fought on the ice. There is a good handful of us that share our stories to whomever wants to listen in hopes of normalizing the long-term benefits of plant-based meds.

What are your plans for the future?

Now that our 32,000sf facility is licensed that we now call an innovation centre, we are working with other like-minded individuals to bring products and technologies to market. To avoid the long, stringent, and costly expense of going through Health Canada’s licensing process to become an LP, we are offering an opportunity to utilize our innovation centre. We are also licensed in Jamaica to cultivate process, transport, and sell Cannabis/CBD orchard style hemp.

Do you have a favourite strain? consumption method?

Cali OG, Blue Dream. I am mostly into the good old-fashioned way of smoking the herb, however, I am liking the convenience of having gel caps for the precise dosing they provide making it easier to track progress.

How has cannabis affected your life?

As mentioned earlier, I credit cannabis in aiding me in getting completely off of all my synthetic opioids I was prescribed throughout my 14 year pro hockey career. This plant has opened my eyes to other alternative plant-based meds and has given me a deep understanding of the importance of knowing what you’re putting into your body. This plant also brought out the entrepreneurial spirit in me to start my own company in Canada and Jamaica.

What is your favourite hockey memory?

Oh I would say it would have to be my first game in the NHL at the then “Marine Midland” arena in Buffalo Dec 13, 1996. I was 6 or 7 years old when Wayne Gretzky & Mark Messier started playing in the NHL, fast forward almost 20 years later, I will never forget being on the bench looking to my one side and seeing Messier and then on the other side sitting beside Gretz and now I’m teammates with them, very dreamlike - I felt like a kid in a candy shop.

A close 2nd would be when I was playing my 2nd year pro in St Johns Newfoundland under Tom Watt, first game of the year when we were being introduced he wanted us to skate out as fast as we could onto the ice from where the Zamboni comes out and stop at the blueline making a snow show. Well, when I went to stop, my blade caught an edge, I slid into the red carpet that was laid across the red line with our mascot “Buddy the Puffin” bird standing on it, taking him out as well. I got a standing ovation and as I made my way back to the blueline I did a bow to the crowd.

Advice for the aspiring athlete?

Have a clear vison of what you want to accomplish, create milestones to reach them and don’t look back, just do it!

General advice?

The serenity prayer has helped me many times. “Control what you can, don’t worry about what you can’t control and most importantly, know the difference between the two.”

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Billy Hillier a.k.a. Top Shelf

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:35:00 GMT

Billy Hillier, a.k.a. “Top Shelf,” both for his obsession with AAAA flower and for being the only person on the team that can reach the top shelves in the locker room, shares his passion for collecting cannabis genetics. Aside from having the best title at Carmel, Billy moonlights as their in-house copywriter #phenofridays, Director of Competitive Insights “I’d smoke that in a pinch,” and during the company’s pheno-hunts, a fierce advocate for more sweet and fruit forward strains against Drew’s relentless pursuit of gas.

The highly anticipated wait is almost over- dropping this week- Drew’s Dark Helmet, Animal Face and Garlic Breath. Carmel’s insistence that only product that meets their high standards will bear the Carmel name- has us as excited as they are during harvest. Stay tuned.

Can you tell us about your career?

Right after highschool I worked at and eventually managed a tree farm and garden center as my summer job during University, that's where my interest in plants began. In 2005 I bought my first pack of cannabis seeds from a coffee shop in Kensington Market, I had no idea at the time that 10 years later, collecting cannabis genetics would become my passion. By the time I came onboard to join the Carmel team in 2018 I had collected hundreds of different genetics from all over the world. Carmel offered me the opportunity to do what I love and bring my genetics with me, it’s really been the perfect fit.

What is your growing style?

I love hunting through new genetics, even if we don't find any keepers its always a good time. It keeps everyone stimulated and excited about what we do at work. No matter when you come by the facility there is always a pheno hunt going on somewhere.

What is one of your favorite strains to work with and why?

Animal Face for sure. We have been running it for almost a year now, Animal Face checks all the boxes. The plant is vigorous, beautiful to look at and the smell is intoxicating. It's also been very consistent, all of our lots have fallen between 25-27% THC and we’ve seen the terps hit crazy numbers, with the latest lot coming down at 4.7% terps.

How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good crop?

You can just tell by looking at it. All of the strains we grow have been pheno hunted with multiple COAs for potency and terps before we run full rooms, so we know the genetics are good from the start. To be honest the crops just get better the more times we run them and we get those strains dialed in. Drew and I say to each other all the time "this is the best room yet.”

In the world of cannabis, who do you most admire and why?

Other than my boss Drew for constantly answering all of my many questions. I really admire my favourite breeder Gromer of Thug Pug Genetics. He is recently retired but put out some of the best and most popular strains of the last decade. He’s very engaged in social media, comments on my photos and stories and is willing to answer people's questions- that is not very common among his peers and for that I'm grateful.

What are your favourite strains?

For me it's a tie between Peanut Butter Breath and Meat Breath both by Thug Pug- same father, different mother genetics. I get just as much pleasure from looking at and smelling a bud as I do from smoking it. The bag appeal on these buds are insane and the flavours are so unique.

What was the most satisfying moment of your career?

I’ve had a lot of highs and lows but seeing our product ship from our facility this week has been incredible. A lot of us have worked in the industry for a while now, but we haven’t really been able to brand anything or overtly take credit for our work. Seeing those Carmel pouches making their way to market means a lot to me.

What is one of the hardest things about growing year in and year out?

Every room is a little bit different. As much as we are able to get these genetics dialed in, parameters are constantly changing. As the seasons change so does everything inside the grow room. Temperatures, humidity, irrigation schedules are constantly being tweaked because the plants behave differently from season to season, strain to strain.

What is most rewarding about your job?

Being able to do what I love. Work doesn't feel like work when you find the right career and you work with great people. I appreciate all of my staff and coworkers; they all do such an amazing job.

Anything else you would like to say?

Right now there’s such a big focus on THC. You see consumers coming into retail stores and asking “what’s your highest THC” without understanding who grew it, how it was grown etc.

Don't get me wrong, I am a high THC lover but there’s a lot more to consider than just potency. Bag appeal, smell, structure, trim, cure and flavour are all part of the experience. With the genetics available today it's not hard to find potent bud but how you grow and process still matters, at Carmel we’re going to build our reputation on phenos that check all the boxes.

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It's been some canna' life: A Cannabiography by Nathan Turner

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:34:00 GMT

I’ll try not to show the amber in my trichomes but it was the first day of school well before my mother stopped making my lunch. My best friend Ken showed up at my house that morning to make the short trek to school together like we had done for a few years now. On this morning however, between his house and mine, someone had given him a clone! Neither of us had any clue just yet what that little plant was for; my Mom however knew exactly what it was after watching us plug it in her garden and water it before we were off down the street chanting something childish about growing dope. I had a better idea when I got home that day by the tone in Mom’s voice that there was definitely something about Mary!

Cannabis is something I always knew was around and not just with kids my age. There had already been a culture growing that I couldn’t help but fall in love with and it wasn’t the one we saw the likes of Cheech and Chong play into for laughs. I didn’t use cannabis with much regularity until my early 30’s but even before that I knew the stigmas about using cannabis were actually far more harmful than the plant itself. All the people I knew who were growing or smoking cannabis were pretty tight lipped about it, but they weren’t “criminal” types by any stretch of the imagination. The overwhelming majority of them being musicians, doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and mostly importantly, sick people.

After some exposure to cannabis cultivation and production as well as personal experience using cannabis successfully for medical purposes, I began seeing the legal push for low barrier access to medical cannabis continue to move forward locally in Hamilton, I couldn’t help but become more involved.

In June 2016 I set foot inside the first MMJ Canada store in Hamilton to check things out. After speaking briefly with the people involved, I knew I had found a calling I could not turn away from. I began working at the store on Ottawa Street about a year later. All the sudden I was speaking to hundreds of local Hamilton people about medical cannabis consumption. They were saying things I’ve only ever said to myself about cannabis. The culture I’d fallen in love with was a web of interconnected human consciousness that was healing and bringing people together.

We laughed and cried together while serving cannabis to some of the kindest people who were enduring extended suffering due to lack of access to medical cannabis. We sat through police actions looking into one another’s eyes afraid but more importantly together. I have literally worked alongside the most beautiful people being in the cannabis space, but with the Government set to steal the show and ignore the sick what was next for me after the final Police raids of 2019 put our battle out of the stores and into the courts?

Flash forward to January 2019. I never would have thought it would happen but it did. Myself and a few of the closest people to me from MMJ Canada all got hired to open Stoney Creek’s first Government regulated dispensary. We quickly identified the faults in this new system and aggressively pushed the change from within with great success, which felt way better than complaining about it from the sidelines. Sure, we couldn’t talk about pain or anxiety anymore but with so many former MMJ Canada patients coming in we had already built a level of trust where we could guide people to regulated cannabis that they wouldn’t be pissed off about paying for once they got it home. This initially was the biggest challenge as there was an overwhelming amount of very low standard bud in those oversized plastic containers! It didn’t take long for us to pinpoint the necessary changes to improve this mess and for me personally to outgrow the challenges that were offered at the Stoney Creek shop.

Enter Lolly Cannabis…

Another cannabis dream come true. I checked the AGCO website for License holders to prep my resume for in search of creating better opportunities for my little family and there she was! Less then a 10 minute walk from where I live in Caledonia. I immediately reached out to the Lolly Ownership to sell myself to them before anyone else could. What was even more appealing than the location was that this was a small family operation with local ties. No more shilling boof for a corporate giant that doesn’t fit the culture! I take a lot of pride in the day-to-day operations here especially in the weekly menu I put together and the ‘cannalytics’ we compile to bring the very best to market at completive prices. Here we are a few months in, excited for what’s to come and looking forward to growing in Caledonia and throughout Ontario.

You could say the cannabis space has evolved a little since that walk to school so many years ago. Ken graduated to become an Angel nine years ago today (April 6th), but not without receiving relief from his cancer and subsequent treatments utilizing cannabis. The stigmas and misconceptions about my involvement with cannabis especially pre-“legalization” hasn’t come without a price, but I take great comfort in knowing that people from all walks of life obtained relief as a result of my civil disobedience. If you were lucky enough to be there before it happened you’ll know the challenges we’ve faced. If you missed it my heart goes out to you, but the best is still yet to come at Lolly!

The post It's been some canna' life: A Cannabiography by Nathan Turner appeared first on Lolly Cannabis .

Caledonia's first cannabis shop set to open Nov. 21

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:32:00 GMT

Tara Lindemann

The Sachem

Friday, November 6, 2020

It’s no longer a niche market, but Lolly is set to become Caledonia’s first cannabis shop — and it’s a family affair.

Co-founders Danielle Braemer and her uncle, Dan Marazzato were originally set to go once the building inspection was approved earlier this summer, only to be informed they needed further retail store authorization from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario before they could open.

Read full story here .

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Women-Owned Retailers on the Importance of an Inclusive Cannabis Culture

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:31:00 GMT

www.ocs.ca

Women who own authorized cannabis retail stores share their unique approach to business and what it’s like to seek gender parity in an emerging industry.

From investors to store founders, the cannabis industry has long been a male-dominated space. This month, we’re highlighting eight women who own licensed stores and offer fresh perspectives on Ontario’s cannabis industry and the promise of a more diverse future.

Danielle Braemer, CEO and Founder
Lolly Cannabis

Danielle Braemer is honoured to be part of a strong cohort of early female owners and operators in Ontario’s burgeoning cannabis industry. She is optimistic that the benefits of diversity in the workplace are becoming more apparent, and she is working with other women to lay a foundation for the future.

“Female representation in every industry is important. It may take decades of unlearning, readjusting, educating and empowering, but I am optimistic we are moving in the right direction. Being first to market in Caledonia and an early participant in the recreational cannabis retail game, it was incredibly important to me to create an experience. I felt responsible for defining what walking into a store to buy cannabis felt and looked like.”

Read full story here .

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Pickering's first cannabis shop aims to be like LCBO Vintages section

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

At least two more cannabis stores set to open in Pickering in June

Jillian Follert , Pickering News Advertiser

Pickering ON — Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Pickering’s first cannabis retail store is open — and several more are following close behind.

Lolly Cannabis opened June 4 at 776 Liverpool Road and the owners say their business isn’t your average marijuana shop.

Lolly Cannabis CEO and co-founder Danielle Braemer describes the space as “bold, bright and beautiful” and staffed by people who are well-versed on cannabis products.

Read full story here.

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Doors open at Pickering’s first cannabis retailer

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

By Brittany Rosen Global News

Pickering ON — Tuesday, June 18, 2021. Pickering now has its very first cannabis store. The municipality is the last in the region to allow pot retailers, having originally opted out in 2018. Brittany Rosen has more on the launch and its impact

Watch now here.

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How many cannabis stores does Durham have? What to know as the number grows

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:27:00 GMT

Expert says brands will have to differentiate themselves to succeed

Jillian Follert

DurhamRegion.com

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Pickering ON — August 25, 2021. Durham is seeing rapid growth in the number of cannabis retail stores opening or applying to open — a trend that is also occurring across the province.

At Lolly Cannabis in Pickering, which was the first cannabis store to open in that city, co-owner Danielle Braemer said there is still room for growth with an “untapped” market of cannabis customers who have yet to make the move from the illicit market, to legal channels.

Read full story here and see Braemer’s full response below.

“I don’t think the issue is that there are too many stores. I think the diversity of shops creates an enjoyable experience for customers. Similar to other industries, finding your go-to- the place where the vibe resonates with you or you jive with a particular sales associate- establishing a market place that fosters pleasurable shopping I think is important.

We know the cannabis consumer market is still growing and the majority of that rests in the untapped consumer base who haven’t converted from the legacy to the legal market. Accessibility of legal cannabis is certainly on our side in combating the illegal market. The majority of our team came from the legacy market, managing and/or working for one of Canada’s first and largest medical retail cannabis shops, MMJ Canada. We are no stranger to what is currently available on the legacy market and how it compares to regulated cannabis. There was a point in time where the quality and prices in comparison to the legal market made legal weed a tough sell. That is rapidly changing as more "craft" quality flower comes to market at more traditional price points as well as iconic legacy brands including Ghost Drops which we anticipate will be available in Ontario at the end of October.

I think the attention needs to be directed towards the consumer conversion from the illegal to legal market. (I use the word "illegal vs legal" as a figure of speech to differentiate the cannabis you buy from Ontario authorized dealers versus not, just to be clear.) The government has set up a robust and costly legal framework for authorized retailers and practically taken no notable steps to eradicate unregulated Cannabis distribution.

From a health and safety perspective, we are aware that Health Canada’s regulations for legal cannabis are quite stringent; monitoring and restricting the contained levels of microorganisms and levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead as well as limiting pesticide residues to either undetectable or negligible in terms of health risk. – see article from Stratcann: "BC tests illicit cannabis and finds 24 different pesticides in 20 samples." Whether or not people care about pesticides in their cannabis, they should be aware that it is a real possibility in unregulated products and what the health risks are. Perhaps it is up to the government to focus on marketing initiatives aimed at educating the public on purchasing unregulated cannabis similar to illegal cigarette campaigns and calling out harmful ingredients. Pesticides or no pesticides, in terms of quality, what is available on the legal market as of late has definitely proved itself as a serious competitor, and in recent cases, superior on a cost/quality basis.

In addition to the legacy market still thriving, there are definitely disadvantages to having our supplier, the OCS, as a competitor of ours. This seems counterproductive in establishing a flourishing legal marketplace especially if the government cares to eradicate the illegal market- which they claim to.

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Jenn Abbatiello: Parenting and the stigma surrounding cannabis

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:50:00 GMT

Dr. Gabor Maté said it best, “It is not so much what happens to us but how we make sense of it. ” Parenting Coach Jenn Abbatiello believes that helping our kids make sense of their feelings and what’s going on is one of the best strategies to deal with anxious emotions. Parenting and the stigma surrounding cannabis is a topic she addresses.

We had the pleasure of meeting with Jenn from Your Transformed Family to discuss the stigma surrounding cannabis use, which is especially acute for mothers who admit using cannabis.

"Cannabis is misunderstood. The perception is if you use it, you’re a stoner. But the same doesn’t hold true if you drink alcohol. No one calls you an alcoholic, even if you say, “man I need a drink right now.” Acknowledging through education the benefits of using cannabis and comparing it to other alternatives for managing stress and anxiety and how that contributes to your performance as a parent has been helpful for me."

What is the most important message you try to convey to parents?

It’s not about being a perfect parent, no one is a perfect parent, it is about doing the best we can and getting support along the way when we are having a hard time. With awareness and support, change is possible.

How do you think parental anxiety effects children?

I feel a bit anxious answering this question because parents carry enough guilt. That said, I do notice, even in our home, when we are going through a particularly stressful time, the kid’s behaviour is impacted. If, for example, you are anxious about your child getting hurt and are following them around constantly saying “be careful,” some kids internalize those feelings and start to be cautious kids. They see the world through the lens of the parents.

How we talk to our kids about what is going on in the world right now, we can unintentionally pass on our own anxiousness. For example, I work with some families who say their kids are very anxious and worry about dying and their parents dying, etc. We are living in a time where the media is full of stories of COVID deaths, daily counts on cases, war – some kids have had first hand experience with someone close to them dying from COVID. Though I am not a trained psychologist and its important to seek medical help if needed, I do help families talk to their kids about their anxious feelings. If we just suppress them and don’t work through them or make sense of them, they can escalate. I love the quote by Gabor Mate “It’s not so much what happens to us but how we make sense of it.” Helping our kids make sense of their feelings and what’s going on is one of the best strategies to deal with anxious emotions.

In our home, we do our best not to expose our kids to the news, especially around COVID, we talk to them a lot about what is going on and explain what mommy and daddy are doing to help keep them stay safe. We ask them what is worrying them, we empathize and validate those feelings and help them work through them.

In what ways you do think cannabis compliments parenting?

Gosh, parenting is one of the hardest jobs we will ever have, and it can be extremely stressful. I think cannabis can help manage some of that stress. Parenting and the stigma surrounding cannabis is something I talk a lot about.

We need to be careful with projecting extremes. For example, I remember when I was nursing – and you always read that you shouldn’t drink while nursing – I was talking to my doctor about it and she said “they share that for the minority of mothers who will be completely wasted and pass out and can drop their child or be unsafe.” I feel it is the same with cannabis, I’m not suggesting parents get stoned. The reason education is needed is to better understand the right dosing and options for consumption for what you are trying to achieve. How to consume responsibly. I personally am not comfortable smoking weed in front of my kids but am fine having a cannabis cocktail or other edible. We don’t judge people that drink wine. It’s the same thing. Except without the hangover.

What is the number one question parents come to you with?

How can I stop yelling and get my kids to listen!

“Stigma stalks every discussion about cannabis use, and it is especially acute for mothers who admit using cannabis.” – What are your thoughts on this topic?

Cannabis is misunderstood. The perception is if you use it, you’re a stoner. But the same doesn’t hold true if you drink alcohol. No one calls you an alcoholic, even if you say, “man I need a drink right now.” Acknowledging through education the benefits of using cannabis and comparing it to other alternatives for managing stress and anxiety and how that contributes to your performance as a parent has been helpful for me. I feel that now that there are more options for consuming cannabis, like capsules, beverages, edibles for example that it will become more mainstream. Cannabis cocktails are a great example. What I always explain to the parents I work with is if your cup isn’t full and you aren’t in a good place, it is really hard to parent the way you want. Becoming the parent we want to be starts with taking care of ourselves so if cannabis is part of that self-care there is no judgement.

Parenting is so scrutinized on its own. From breastfeeding to diet to curfews, exposure to certain tv shows, sleep overs, ect. What is your advice for dealing with this? Could this be applied in dealing with parenting and the stigma surrounding cannabis ?

What we need to remember is that EVERYONE has an opinion. Ultimately some of those people’s opinions we value and others we don’t. We need to learn to trust ourselves and when we are faced with differing opinions, go inside instead of out to figure out what makes sense for you. We are all different, our kids are all different. There is no one size fits all. Cannabis might be a good choice for me, maybe it isn’t for another mom or dad and that’s ok. Learning to respect one another despite our differences is so important and this is something we try to instill in our children.

Join the conversation on the Yes We Cann Parent Facebook Group here.

Read @JohnOldschool's story on cannabis and parenting here.

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@JohnOldschool on THC Testing

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:56:00 GMT

For what it’s worth?

I’ve religiously trampled all over these test results to people in pursuit of a good cannabis experience. It is the most common question we get now. What used to be requested with a generic “what’s the best stuff you have” has been replaced by “the highest THC stuff.” And this folks, is one of the ways getting “custied” happens in these shops.

A few points before I begin. From being told by a representative of a large LP that the company “rounds up” their year-old THC tests to seeing legal flower waiting to go to market curing in garbage bags and plastic totes — this was plenty of ammunition for me to do my best to inform people and steer them away from buying based solely on these test results. But I’m a curious individual so to further reinforce my convictions on these tests I dug a little deeper – and although I still don’t do my purchasing based on these tests, I do understand what makes them so important especially in these “Ontarislow” market conditions.

So... here’s the thing... just like the fruits and veggies you buy weekly and put in special humidity-controlled compartments in your fridge, cannabis has a shelf life that can be optimized or completely ruined by its storage conditions. In my hunt for specific answers, I found two studies that looked at THC degradation at 20 degrees celsius for a period of 100 days and 4 months. The mean avg was 2-5% loss in THC per month. Let’s put some context to that for a second – let’s say your favorite bag or jar takes 3 months (being generous here unfortunately) to get into your excited wee hands. Assuming it’s not mid-summer or winter and the transportation/storage conditions are less likely to be in flux. It potentially has lost anywhere from 6-15% of its THC. It tested 30%THC a week or so after harvest and is now more likely to be sitting at 15-24%. I should also mention that the whole lot may have been tested multiple times looking for high outlier numbers and not representative of the whole lot avg THC at all!

So, WTF are they good for??? Now that we have a better idea that what we may actually be getting isn’t necessarily what’s advertised, we can minimize the risk of spending money on weed we still can’t smell or see before buying.

As someone who grows, the genetic potential of a plant’s ability to produce THC is important to me for cultivars I want to keep to grow again or breed with. As a retailer/consumer these numbers are important because one of the costs of regulation is the time it takes for these products to survive getting to consumers. Let’s take the same generous 3-month scenario and apply it to a 20% Lot that could now be sitting at 5-14% THC and you’ll notice I haven’t even touched on terpenes! Saving that for another day ��

What can a consumer do to get the best experience when faced with decoding these numbers?

A) Find a retailer who works with brands like Maricann who have harvest dates on their flower or LP’s like Carmel Cannabis who don’t fish for THC tests and are moving through product quickly enough that THC and terpene degradation is less of an issue.

B) If your retailer of choice can’t find a harvest date, ask them about the terpene test results. There are some similar challenges with these results as well but its super important as the terpenes shape the effect of your experience.

A safe rule of thumb here can be when you get high THC and terpene results on a pack you can’t see or smell before buying, you’re more likely to be slipping into a favorable cannabis experience.

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