I still remember my first experience with craft weed Canada. The aroma was unlike any buds I had smoked before, and the high was unforgettable—something I wanted to experience again and again.
I was surprised to learn that even in the cannabis industry, there are craft strains. In Canada, this weed sector has seen significant growth similar to global trends in the food and beverage industries. Statistics Canada projects that the market could exceed CAD 6 billion by 2025, driven by rising consumer demand for small-batch products.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Premium cultivators use organic soil, avoid pesticides, and hand-trim to enhance quality and preserve trichomes.
- The Canadian Craft Cannabis Association defines artisanal flower by its small scale, meticulous care, and sustainable methods.
- With my first puff, I instantly noticed the rich, distinct flavours, far better than any generic strain.
What is Craft Weed?
It refers to small-batch production emphasizing quality, taste, and an understanding of plant characteristics.
According to the Cannabis Act of Canada, licensed growers can cultivate in limited quantities—no more than 200-300 kilograms of dried flower per year.
Small-Batch Production
Imagine a craft beer brewery where every batch is lovingly brewed and carefully monitored. The scene operates on the same principles—cultivating fewer than 10,000 plants annually.
- Unlike massive commercial facilities that produce marijuana by the hectare, growers operate on a much smaller scale—think of it like growing tomatoes in your backyard versus a factory farm.
- The production cultivates these cannabis strains in a controlled environment to foster ideal conditions for each plant to thrive.
- Growers can experiment with soil composition to nutrient ratios and create distinctive flavours and effects that commercial brands simply can’t replicate.
Mass-produced buds, on the other hand, resemble an assembly line at a car factory—efficient, yes, but lacking the soul. Large producers may rely on monocropping, where a single strain dominates a vast area.
In contrast, premium weed growers use polyculture farming techniques to allow multiple strains to coexist. This process creates a veritable cornucopia of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Artisanal Methods
They aren’t just thrown in the dirt, watered, or forgotten until harvest. In many cases, the growing methods are closer to horticultural artistry than industrial farming.
- Paying attention to the curing process (where buds are dried and aged for maximum flavour)
- and the phenotype selection (choosing plants based on traits like aroma, colour, and potency)
Cultivators use organic soil, steer clear of pesticides, and rely on hand-trimming techniques instead of automated machinery used in mass production. This enhances the final product’s appeal and preserves the trichomes—tiny resin glands that house cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
“Lose those trichomes, and you’re sacrificing the potency and flavour of the plant.”
According to a report by Market Research Future, around 57% of consumers prefer organic weed. People care about what goes into their bodies as much as how it affects them.
The Small Batch-Scene
The scene is like a revolution wrapped in a pre-roll.
Over the past few years, the industry has been witnessing a shift—one that’s all about quality, unique strains, and sustainability. With over 9,000 licensed producers as of 2023, many small-scale growers are rising to challenge corporate giants.
The Canadian Craft Cannabis Association (CCCA) defines it by its small scale, meticulous care, and sustainable methods. Most growers produce under 200 square meters of hemp, which keeps things manageable and ensures every plant gets the attention it needs.
Buying artisanal weed enables farmers to focus on producing higher-quality products. It also empowers you to support local businesses using sustainable practices, benefiting the community and the environment. This way, you not only enjoy a superior product but also make a positive impact with your purchase.
My Personal Discoveries
I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, how different could they really be from the mass-produced stuff? Weed is a weed, right? Wrong.
Over the last few months, I’ve had the pleasure (and I mean pleasure) of sampling some of Canada’s finest craft cannabis strains. I remember the first time I tried this cannabis. A friend had raved about a strain they got online. Intrigued, I decided to buy one myself.
After a friendly conversation, I picked out a strain called “Pink Gas.” It was a beautifully cured flower, with a sweet, floral aroma. That evening, I rolled a joint.
As I took my first puff, I could immediately taste the distinct flavours—much richer than the generic options I had tried before. I felt the tension of the day melting away, replaced by a gentle wave of relaxation. The effects were smooth and well-balanced.
As I took a few more hits, I felt a heaviness settle in. I sank into the couch, and before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep. It turned out to be one of the best nights of rest I’d had in a long time. That strain really kicked in, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Here are the buds I have already sampled since trying to use premium strains.
Pink Gas
| Effects | Sedative, couch-locking, and the definition of “nightcap” flower. |
| Aromas | Diesel, floral, earthy sweetness. |
| Flavours | A rich blend of fuel with a sweet finish. |
If you’re into Indicas that glue you to the couch, this is your MVP. After a couple of puffs, my muscles felt like they were melting into the sofa, and my mind was empty—perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Sour Jack
| Effects | Uplifting, energizing, creativity-boosting. |
| Aromas | Citrus, pine, with an undercurrent of spice. |
| Flavours | Tangy, zesty lemon with earthy undertones. |
Sour Jack, a Sativa-dominant hybrid, became my go-to for daytime activities. It’s like someone took a shot of espresso, turned it into marijuana, and sprinkled it with lemon zest.
- The high hits almost immediately, perfect for working on creative projects or diving into a Netflix marathon.
- The citrusy terpenes—especially limonene—hit hard on both the nose and palate.
Wedding Cake
| Effects | Euphoric, mellow, and body-soothing. |
| Aromas | Vanilla, pepper, with a bit of tangy earthiness. |
| Flavours | Sweet vanilla with spicy, earthy undertones. |
The moment I opened the container, it felt like I had stepped into a bakery. The sweet vanilla aroma, mixed with a subtle spiciness, is something I’ll never forget. As for the high, it’s euphoric and mellow, perfect for soothing with friends or watching a movie.
After diving headfirst into the scene, I can confidently say I’ve been spoiled. There’s a level of care, craftsmanship, and love that goes into these small batches. Each strain is a journey—one that I’m now fully committed to exploring.
What are the Benefits?
Quality buds exhibit distinct features that are noticeable as soon as you hold them. You can easily see how they differ from commercialized ones.
How Potent Are They
First things first: potency. If you’ve ever felt your usual hit wasn’t hitting as hard as you hoped, you’re not getting the best that you need. Growers have the luxury of focusing on quality over quantity.
For example, Death Bubba consistently tests above 25% THC—a heavy hitter compared to mass-produced options that struggle to break 20%.
Note: Buds lower than 25% are not considered potent.
The Terpene Treasure Trove
Now, let’s talk flavour. If you’ve ever wondered why some have a smell of generic “skunk” while others smell like a tropical paradise, the answer is terpenes.
Growers prioritize terpene preservation because they know it’s not just about THC—it’s about the entire experience.
A Strain for Every Occasion
Mass-produced ones stick to the basics: big names, such as OG Kush, Blue Dream, and Sour Diesel. With premium buds, you’ll find an array of unique and experimental selections.
Take the strain White Lightning, for example—a rare cross of Northern Lights #5 and White Widow that delivers a powerful, almost psychedelic high while still providing the grounding body effects Northern Lights is known for.
Let’s start with the first step—finding a place that actually sells the best craft cannabis.
How to Spot a Dispensary
- You have two options: an online dispensary and a physical shop. Online dispensaries offer a larger selection and cheaper options.
- Read reviews from customers to know if your dispensary of choice is excellent.
- Read the shipping policy to learn more about how you can receive your order safely.
- Send them a message to see if they respond to customers promptly.
Packaging Tells the Story
You wouldn’t buy a bottle of wine that came in a plastic jug with a cartoon logo, right? The same goes for the packaging.
| Glass Jars | Helps preserve the freshness, terpenes, and integrity of the plant, especially if vacuum-sealed to preserve the dense nugs. |
| UV Protection | Prevents light from degrading the cannabinoids and terpenes. |
| Detailed Labeling | Look for labels that give you a full breakdown, including THC/CBD levels, terpene profiles, and even harvest dates. |
Don’t Skip the Science
Lab results give you a clear picture of what you’re smoking, and if a brand doesn’t offer this info, that’s a red flag.
- Higher THC isn’t always better, but knowing exactly what you’re getting into is good. If the packaging indicates 25% THC, you can trust that a lab tested result confirmed that level.
- Results that list terpene percentages are gold, as they give you a clear idea of the flavour, aroma, and effects.
- A good report will show that the product has no pesticides, mould, and other contaminants.
Cannabis Strain Information
Producers have a deep love for genetics and are not shy about it.
- Look for lesser-known varieties. Different strains, such as Sunset Mac (a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Mac), are hard to find in the mass market but readily available in the scene.
- Check the lineage. If a strain is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Lemon Haze, for example, you know you’re in for a sweet, lemony flavour with a potent, heady high.
- Know your terpenes. If you’re into fruity, uplifting buds, look for terpenes, such as pinene (pine aroma) or limonene (citrus aroma). If you prefer something more sedating, seek out flower with high myrcene or caryophyllene (spicy, peppery aroma).
My Artisanal Weed Journey – Ready to Dive In?
After sampling many types, I have one lingering question: Why didn’t I try it sooner?
Once you’ve experienced the artisanal feels, there’s no going back. If you’re ready to up your marijuana game, explore the world of greenery with GrassLife.
We feature top Canadian producers who go the extra mile to deliver high-quality, unique strains. Buy craft cannabis online and discover your new favourite—made passionately and smoked with pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are artisanal buds organic?
Artisanal flower is not necessarily certified organic. Organic marijuana grows outdoors, utilizing natural pesticides and cultivation methods that comply with the regulations set by third-party certifiers in Canada. As of now, Canada does not have an official federal certification system for premium and organic flower.
Hand trimming is a meticulous, labour-intensive process that requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. This method enhances the buds’ quality and visual appeal by carefully removing excess plant material, like leaves and stems. It also helps protect trichomes—delicate resin glands rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
How do breeders cultivate this flower?
Breeding techniques involve crossing two different parent lines to create a hybrid option that carries desired traits from each parent while eliminating undesirable ones. This process, known as “line-breeding” or “hybridization,” allows growers to carefully select specific phenotypes from each line to achieve increased potency or improved flavour. Through careful selection over multiple generations, growers can develop new varieties tailored to their specific needs.
