Women in Cannabis Creating Experiences

Co-Written By Christina Michael and Kieley Beaudry

Women continue to make extraordinary moves in the cannabis industry, blazing trails with thought leadership, innovation and courage to forever change how cannabis is perceived and consumed for years to come. Increasingly women are creating experiences with a heavy focus on health, wellness, mindfulness and self-care. Why? Because women are innately connected to their own needs and the needs of others daring to lead under any circumstance for who and what they love.

Now more than ever it’s important to celebrate women in cannabis forging ahead with absolute fire. Now more than ever women should be recognized. Now more than ever women should be respected. Now more than ever we should be promoting women in cannabis and their impactful contribution to the cannabis industry.

Starting with Serena Donovan, who opened Mary Jane Manor on April 20, 2022, Canada’s first legal cannabis-themed hotel. A formidable force in the industry, Serena sets the bar high as founder, owner and operator of Because You Cann, a licensed micro producer receiving its licence at the onset of a global pandemic. However, this did not deter Donavan. When the opportunity arose to purchase a local hotel, nothing got in the way of her vision and dream. The first order of business was to engage each level of government to ensure she did not miss a beat and checked every box needed to open a compliant hotel. With every tick of provincial boxes and a cannabis-positive municipality supporting Donavan (having also written cannabis production and consumption bylaws while on city council), she was optimistic and confident to win approval from Alberta Health Services. AHS advised her that when somebody pays to stay in the room, it becomes their private residence. Consumption could be allowed in each individual room and thus was allowed in common spaces. Mary Jane Manor provides a completely immersive experience, with cannabis education thoughtfully placed throughout the rooms and lounge.

Leveling up again, in 2022, Serena was able to licence a small space in the hotel for cannabis retail, making Mary Jane Manor a full circle hotel where you can buy your cannabis on site, with some products produced by the sister micro facility, then head off to your room for an enjoyable experience.

“In our hotel, you could purchase a bath bomb and a pack of pre-rolls, head up to your hotel room to have an infused bath while smoking your joint, which you can't do in traditional hotels. There's the opportunity of being able to have those experiences in the unique setting of the Mary Jane Manor,” explains Donavan.

A great cannabis experience is subjective and can vary greatly depending on the individual and the desired effects. Generally, a great experience is characterized by a pleasant and relaxed state of mind, an enhanced sense of well-being, and a heightened appreciation of sensory experiences such as music or food. The right strain, dosage and consumption method can also play a significant role in achieving a great cannabis experience. Additionally, using cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment, with trusted companions, can also contribute to a positive experience. These are things folks learn over time. Spaces like Mary Jane Manor, provide a safe comfortable environment with a knowledgeable host!

When it comes to self-care, women take the lead and Jill Provencal of Blunt Botanicals is undoubtedly a leader in formulation creating infused topicals that take self-care to a new level. From legacy to legal, Jill is tirelessly resurrecting each of her cannabis-infused topicals she is known for. Her newest release is Jointment; a cannabisinfused massage butter formulated to melt away your aches and sooth your joints.

“I think cannabis topicals are one of the most important products in the cannabis space because you don't feel any of the psychoactive effects of the THC and because of the number of receptors in your skin, you will actually feel and notice effects in your body.”

The skin is our body’s largest organ and therefore deserves unparcelled care.

Combining a buttery topical with self or partner massage provides a beautiful opportunity to connect and relax. Jointment doesn’t just make you feel good physically, you can also feel good knowing it’s made with a positive social impact.

“We source some of our ingredients from a women's collective in Ghana, we're intentionally choosing where our Fairtrade ingredients come from. They are organic and eco-certified when possible. We don’t use any stabilizers, preservatives, silicone, synthetics, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances and none of the ingredients are ever tested on animals, so it's cruelty free.”

Now more than ever you should visit Mary Jane Manor and treat yourself to Blunt Botanicals. Experience what a woman knows.

Follow @theentourageco for more women in cannabis features. And don’t forget to celebrate, recognize, and respect women. Mark your calendars: International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023.

Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity

Hexo’s TnT Cannabis Strains

HEXO Corp. launched its new TnT Cannabis strains under the Redecan and Original Stash Brands labels across Canada. Available on retailer shelves now, the launch includes three new products from HEXO’s popular Redecan line (Sex Panther, Violet Fog and Animal Rntz) and two new strains under the Original Stash Brand (Atomik Sour Haze and Ghost Gelato). Redecan’s hangdried and handtrimmed cannabis features a trailblazing THC range of 23 to 35% and high terpene profiles tailored for creativity, excitement and to help unwind. The new TnT cannabis strains from Redecan will feature extremely dense buds covered in trichomes: Sex Panther (flower), an Indica hybrid strain, has a powerful effervescent cake flavour. Violet Fog (flower, shown), a purple reign Indica strain, from the Grape Gasoline and Khalifa Mints Strains features robust fruity and sour notes. Animal Rntz (flower, shown), a combination of Canada’s popular Animal Cookie and California’s RNTZ strains, has a fruity tartness along with a sweet and sour aroma, highlighted by astounding levels of limonene and caryophyllene terpenes.

Solei Slims Pre-Rolls

Solei ‘Slims’, an elevated approach to pre-rolls, are available in two single-strain classics, ‘Free’ and ‘Balance’. The brand’s sungrown whole-flower pre-rolls are thoughtfully curated so you can complement your desired mood with ease. These perfectly-packed Slims are the first of its kind for Solei’s portfolio; smooth burning, and convenient.

Free - Mellow and uplifting, sativadominant ‘Free’ is formulated with high CBD and low THC content featuring 1:15 THC:CBD content. With an earthy and herbal aroma, it sets the mood for an elevated daytime experience.

Balance - Gentle and calming, Balance is harvested at just the right moment. With a lowTHC indica dominant strain and elevated CBD content (1:1 THC:CBD), it features an earthy bouquet with notes of sweet, citrus, spice, and musk.

Solei ‘Slims’ are now available in 10-packs of 0.4g pre-rolls. For more information on Solei, visit www.Solei.ca and follow along our journey @soleicanada on Instagram.

Roilty Shatter Pack

CannMart made its multi-pack entrance into Ontario with the Roilty Shatter Pack: Catacomb Kush 0.5G & The Mountain Kush 0.5G, featuring two best-selling shatters from Roilty in one package. As the first shatter product from Roilty in the province, the multipack has pushed Roilty into the seventh best-selling brand in the category and the tenth best-selling product (approx. 95 live products in the category). This penetration is especially gratifying given that the average SKU count from the well-established competitors in the category is 3.5 compared with Roilty’s launch with one single SKU (Source: Headset Data, last two months, Ontario, Canada, shatter segment). This placement in the Top 10 accounts for a quick capture of 3% market share for the single SKU, with the top two brands accounting for 63% of the market (each having five to six SKUs), leaving room for significant growth and penetration as Roilty plans to expand SKUs in the segment. Information on Lifeist and its businesses can be accessed through the links below: www.lifeist.com

Solei CBD:CBN Softgels

Solei ‘Softgels’ new innovation, the new ‘Rest’, CBD:CBN softgels are joining the family and are carefully crafted for a more natural winddown ritual.

Rest CBN Softgels - With this harmonious blend of full spectrum CBD accompanied by CBN, the Rest Softgels come in a familiar, easy-to-consume format of 2:1, CBD:CBN content that can seamlessly fit into your schedule, no matter what your rituals may be. Along with their convenience, they’re discreet and consistent and are made without the intoxicating effects of cannabinoids like THC. Clear your mind and get ready to meet your new evening sidekick.

Solei ‘Softgels’ are available in 30-capsule bottles in select markets and retailers across Canada. For more information on Solei, visit www.Solei.ca and follow along our journey @soleicanada on Instagram.