Product Showcase

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25209 Hydra Unlimited - TetraBase Hydroponic Media

TetraBase™ from Hydra Unlimited® is the last hydroponic media growers will ever need. Clean and reusable, the new professional-grade product is engineered for exceptional highyield performance in deep water culture systems such as Hydra Unlimited’s pioneering HydraMax™. And now, the innovative media is offered in a smaller, more affordable one-litre bag. Unlike traditional clay media, advanced TetraBase won’t introduce dust and debris into a system that can clog fittings and jam pumps. Non-porous and pHneutral, it doesn’t attract and harbor pests or promote bacterial growth. Non-abrasive, it can be handled without gloves and is far easier to move than water-soaked clay media. The clay used in traditional hydroponic culture is typically mined. Eco-friendly TetraBase is made from 100% recycled materials. Ideal for a trial run of a single 5-1/2″ to 6″ net pot, a one-liter bag of Hydra Unlimited TetraBase costs $15.99 US; a six-litre bag covers six net pots and is $89. Canapa announced its innovative 8-channel JuanaRoll pre-roll machine produces up to 4,000 joints per hour, an industry-high in the field. Available in 4, 6 and 8-channel configurations, the JuanaRoll has been installed in many facilities where licensed producers (LPs) have invested in automation to significantly reduce manual labour. Featuring an easyto-load cone magazine, integrated PreCheQTM check weigher and stations for compacting, tamping and twisting, this high performance machine also includes no cone-no fill detection, cone open camera vision system and free online support as standard features. This automated pre-roll solution is perfect for LPs who are expending valuable time and resources using a manual process. As non-automated processes can require up 18 workers to load, weigh, compact, twist and trim pre-rolls in order to produce 50,000 pre-rolls per week, with annual labour costs approaching $1M.

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JuanaRoll from Canapa

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Widespread Water Detection

The Sensaphone Zone Water Detection Sensor detects the widespread presence of water in areas like floors or drop ceilings. Users receive an alert when the sensor comes into contact with water. The sensor includes ten feet of water rope to cover a large area. Operators can connect up to 10 water ropes to a single sensor for up to 100 feet of coverage. This sensor operates on two AA batteries. When the batteries become depleted, the sensor will automatically send out an alert, so users can replace the batteries when no water is present.

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3MTM Environmental Scrub Sampler

3M Food Safety introduces the 3MTM Environmental Scrub Sampler with 10mL Wide Spectrum Neutralizer, an innovative solution for environmental microbial sampling applications. Designed for use with downstream detection methods such as 3MTM PetrifilmTM Plates and the 3MTM Molecular Detection System, this new technology provides the food manufacturing industry a broad solution for proactive, integrated environmental monitoring and food microbiological testing. The product is designed with acrylic scrub dot technology to quickly and effectively disrupt biofilm and enhance sample collection, comes with or without a stick to easily access hard-to-reach spaces and is hydrated with proprietary 3MTM Wide Spectrum Neutralizer for effective neutralization of sanitizers commonly used in the food industry.

Don’t Call It A Comeback

For decades the tumbler trimmer has widely been regarded as the standard in automated trimming. Now, one of the main pioneers of this technology, CenturionPro, is poised to regain its top position in the trimming category this year. Their rallying cry of witness the rise, represents an acronym that describes their machines – Reliable, Industrial, Simple and Efficient. Operating out of their new expanded facility, they have ramped up their product offering four-fold and are setting themselves up to corner and dominate certain segments of trimming. With 2021 being a breakout year for CenturionPro, this article provides a breakdown of everything going on at CenturionPro.

Rail Systems, Speed Control and Converyors

To enhance the already industry leading performance of their hybrid wet & dry trimmers, CenturionPro has developed rail systems, speed control and conveyors. With the addition of these innovations to the CenturionPro line-up, growers can now enhance the performance, consistency, and versatility of their trimming systems.

Strain versatility is vital to a successful harvesting process and Speed Control empowers growers to better trim a wider variety of strains, regardless of flower size, shape, or density. Increase velocity for a higher feed rate with wet or heavy resin coated flower or slow it down to be extra gentle on delicate dried flower. Speed Control will come standard on the new CenturionPro Dry Batch Trimmers with the exception of the DBT Model 1, which is designed to be a cost-effective solution for home growers. Additionally, Variable Speed Control will now be available as an upgrade option on all CenturionPro hybrid wet & dry trimmers.

Rail Systems enable growers to connect CenturionPro trimmers end-to-end, for a souped-up cannabis and hemp harvesting solution. Connecting machines delivers exponentially greater power and precision, with growers empowered to better match throughput to grow size and increase capacity as they expand. With the continued trend towards larger harvests, CenturionPro is allowing customers to expand without having to replace existing machines. Additionally, customers will now have the option to purchase single, double, or triple machine hybrid wet & dry trimming systems.

Enhance your elite harvesting solution with both infeed and quality control (outfeed) conveyors. Infeed conveyors ensure steady product delivery, for consistent movement through the system resulting in consistently superior results. Quality control conveyors afford growers greater opportunity to inspect results, to ensure every single flower, regardless of shape, size or density, is trimmed perfectly.

Dry Batch Trimmers

The debate has raged for years on whether to trim your harvest wet or dry, but the emerging trend of dry batch trimming is undeniable. To cater to this shift in the industry, CenturionPro has released 5 models of Dry Batch Trimmer to cater to any harvest size, DBT Model 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The trim capacity of the DBT Trimmers ranges from 8 to 208 lbs per hour dry weight. Whisper quiet and featuring soft tumble technology along with innovations such as their speed control and optional kief filter screen, give this new entrant to the dry trimming category the edge on the competition. Backed by an industry leading 3-year warranty, CenturionPro is making a bid to become the global standard in dry batch trimming.

SS Trimmers

Expanding on their existing 6 machine line of hybrid wet & dry trimmers, CenturionPro has introduced an SS version of their TableTop, Mini, Original, Gladiator and 3.0 trimmers. Constructed in 304 stainless steel and nickel-plated aluminum the SS Trimmers are built to meet industry compliance and look incredible. Featuring a food-grade hopper, speed control, nitrided cutting blades, double sealed bearing chamber, and maintenance free food-grade stainless steel bearings.

Now in their second year in the field, the CenturionPro XL Trimmers have made a name for themselves as the world’s highest capacity hybrid wet & dry trimmers on the planet. Fall 2021, will see a new machine added to their line of industrial scale trimming solutions. The XL 5.0 SS is set to debut in September and is sure to impress with the same industry compliant features as the SS Trimmers and some additional enhancements you will have to see to believe.

A Bucket for Every Size Harvest

A core value at CenturionPro is to enhance their product offering to provide a solution for every size of harvest. In 2021, CenturionPro has added 3 new bucker models to their already expansive line of destemming solutions. Late in the Spring, we saw the introduction of the Mini Buckers. Inspired by the best selling GC1 and HP1 Bucking Machines, the GCM and HPM benefait from the same brand-name parts and exceptional construction as the highly sought-after de-stemmers, but scaled down for enhanced portability and affordability.

Also, new this year, is the TableTop Bucker, which falls under the HP line of CenturionPro bucking solutions. Designed with portability in mind, this machine weighs in at under 50 lbs and features sturdy stainless-steel carrying handles, so it is easy to move around. The industry’s first elite de-stemming solution designed specifically for home-growers, the HPTT pairs beautifully with any home-grower trimming system such as the CenturionPro TableTop or Twister T6.

Canvas Cannabis: A Cut Above the Rest

BY DAVID HALPERT

In this our September issue Retailer Profile, we speak with Helene Vassos, owner and founder of CANVAS Cannabis, with retail locations in the Danforth, Mount Dennis, Liberty Village and Harbord Village areas of Toronto. After a rewarding 30-year career in the non-profit healthcare sector, Vassos is on a mission to help shape Ontario’s corporate-dominated cannabis industry as the first independent retail cannabis store with a solo female owner.

What inspired you to enter this industry?

I was considering retirement when the idea to enter the lottery for an opportunity to open a retail cannabis store sprouted. I had gone into cannabis stores in the past and felt that they weren’t very warm or inviting. As a woman I felt I could capture a casual elegance in a very zen retail space that other stores were lacking. So when the opportunity to enter the lottery opened up, I realized I couldn’t pass up the chance. There was this amazing new industry unfolding in front of me and I very much wanted to be part of it. I decided that this was a chance for me to help lead the way as both a woman and a business owner.

Can you speak to your experience prior to entering the cannabis industry?

Upon graduating from the University of Toronto in 1985, I began my career in the not-for-profit sector holding positions including as National Director of Programs and Services, Director of Development, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director and CEO with organizations such as the Lung Association, Children’s Aid Society, ALS Canada and Prostate Cancer Canada

I retired from the sector in 2015 and have since dedicated my time to my family and caring for my aging parents, volunteering with local community organizations and causes, travelling somewhere distant and warm and investing in real estate.

Tell me about the company culture, what it is like to work with your team and the kind of team you have corralled?

We cater to a varied clientele with wide-ranging life experiences and perspectives, so it was always important for us that the demographics of our team follow suit. As it stands, there are approximately 36 employees positioned across our four CANVAS locations, varying in age from their early 20s to their late 50s. Truth be told, it still amazes me just how quickly we shifted from a company to a family. In some cases, I mean that literally. We have staff members who are siblings and some who are cousins. There are staff members who are long-time friends and others who went to high school with my sons. On any given day, you might come across my husband in the front of the store, chatting with our neighbours. We don’t exaggerate when we say that we’re a family business. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In a lot of ways, this has allowed me to take on the role of a mentor, which is something that I relish. I’m a mother of two, so it’s very important to me that we take care of our young employees and create an environment where they feel their voice matters. So often, young em-

ployees go unheard or underappreciated. But the truth of the matter is that this industry is being built up for them. The cannabis retail market is still in its infancy. One day, it will be inherited by my young employees so it’s important to me that I give them the tools they need in order to be industry leaders. And I can’t wait to watch them grow with it.

What’s it like being the first female independent owner in an industry dominated by large corporations?

I feel privileged to help lead the way in this ever-evolving industry, as both a woman and as a small-business owner. Like in all industries, women certainly bring a different kind of perspective or creativity into their work and I would like to think that this has been reflected in the look and feel of our store. But really, I think it’s the perspective that I offer as a small business owner that’s most important to the success of Canvas. There is a prevailing concern in the industry that cannabis store ownership in Ontario is being overtaken by a few big corporate players whose focus is on the bottom line.

I am not part of a big business conglomerate where decisions are made by people who sit behind their desk. At Canvas, I have my boots on the ground and the decisions are made by me at the store level. I don’t have to go to a board of directors to get approval before I make a decision and this allows me to bring fresh ideas and a new image to the retail cannabis world that is grounded in a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration. You realize quickly that the only that is calm, sophisticated, and relatable. In a lot of ways, the store is a love letter to the neighbourhood that I called home for decades.And our other locations in Liberty Village and Harbord Village are cut from the same cloth. The Mount Dennis location for example has been built in the center of a beautiful, bourgeoning neighbourhood with a growing community and a strong cultural heritage. It’s a community that we’re proud to have planted our roots in.

How would you define success, in terms of what you are doing with your stores?

A question that we ask ourselves very often in this burgeoning industry. The cannabis retail market is ever changing and growing, so our definition of what “success” means is always shifting with it. For me, success will have meant that we are fully embraced by our neighbours as members of these communities, that we have been able to live up to our mandate of providing unparalleled customer care and service, high-quality cannabis products at an affordable price, and that we have done what we can in order to help pave the way for the continued growth of Canada’s legal cannabis industry. I think that the corporate ethos we’re creating at CANVAS is something special, and I hope we get the chance to share our vision with as many people as we can.

To learn more about CANVAS and its curated line of cannabis products and accessories, now available for online or in store purchase visit www.canvascannabis.ca.

“I was considering retirement when the idea to enter the lottery for an opportunity to open a retail cannabis store sprouted.

I had gone into cannabis stores in the past and felt that they weren’t very warm or inviting. As a woman I felt I could capture a casual elegance in a very zen retail space that other stores were lacking. So when the opportunity to enter the

“lottery opened up, I realized

I couldn’t pass up the chance.

bottom line that matters at all is the responsibility you owe to your staff and your customers and your neighbours.

Why did you choose the Danforth area for your first store?

I grew up in the Danforth area, so I have a deep connection to the neighbourhood. Because of that, I took great care and attention to build a store that fits with the existing culture. Respecting each community we represent is very important to our vision and our philosophy. Danforth is a cozy urban neighbourhood shop