Cannabis Farmgates – Introduction and Explanation!

A “cannabis farm gate” sounds like a cannabis farm scandal. Like Watergate or “Pizzagate”. In reality, a cannabis farmgate refers to a cannabis farm that is licensed to sell its produce on-site. This type of production and sale is growing in popularity, and three Ontario farms are now taking this approach. New Brunswick also has three farms under this type of license. British Columbia has only approved one First Nation farmgate to date. Still, they say they plan to open up licensing to everyone.

This approach to producing and consuming cannabis is popular with consumers for a variety of reasons. This allows them to see where their cannabis is grown and meet the people who produce it. This means less turnaround time from seed to harvest to the shelves. And a lower carbon footprint as the products are not sent to government distribution centers.

How to get a cannabis farmgate

In Ontario, there is a two-step process to getting your farm approved for direct sale. First, you need to apply for an ROL (Retail Operator License), which can cost up to $10,000. Second, you must submit an RSA (Retail Store Authorization).

Many licensed producers have taken the first step. Yet only three in Ontario have received their RSA and are in business. They are:

1. Thrive cannabis
2. Medz Cannabis (under Royal Cannabis Supply Company)
3. Sensi Brands (operating as Station House Cannabis Co.)

There are two cannabis yard gates in New Brunswick:

1. ECO Canadian Organic in Rexton
2. Crystal Healing in Shediac Cape

Sana’a Craft Cannabis, New Brunswick’s newest cannabis farm shop, opened its doors on 4/20. opened. CEO Veronica Flores says: “We are very excited about this. It took a while to get here. We’re starting small, but I think later on we’ll be able to offer a full retail experience to give New Brunswickers more choice,” he added. “People feel like they’re getting a fresher product get if they buy it from the producer.”

“When they come into our shop, we have people on hand who know how the product was grown and who can speak specifically to the tribes. Our guys are familiar with everything we sell. They know how it was grown, what the terpene profiles are, what the smells are, and what the known effects are.”

What the future brings

Cannabis Farmgates are the latest innovation in the Canadian cannabis industry. While not a new idea, cannabis yard gates were not part of the original legalization plan, despite stakeholder requests. As regulations relax and cannabis acceptance becomes more mainstream, the prospect of more farmgates in the future looks promising.

And why not? Canada has many wineries that host tours and offer tastings. While on-site consumption is still illegal for these farmgates (whether in New Brunswick or Ontario), there is hope for the future. As British Columbia launches its Farmgate program this year, they’re also talking about legalizing consumption sites. With consumption sites and farmgates, all you need is a bed and breakfast and a vibrant Canadian cannabis tourism industry is within easy reach.