Ontario Dispensaries and Head Shops are finally catching up to the rest of Canada in terms of market presence, with Cannabis Stores popping up in Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, and all across the province!

With some of the lowest numbers for retail dispensaries and the highest population, Ontario was struggling to provide appropriate access to individuals seeking cannabis products across the vast province. Roughly 24 approved cannabis dispensaries were open at the beginning of February, meaning Canada’s biggest province started off 2020 with lots to be desired in terms of Cannabis and accessory industry market presence. And we all know what March 2020 had in store for the world’s economy… 

But despite the torch that COVID-19 has put to the Canadian retail landscape, the Bud Business is proving to be as resilient as the hemp plant itself – with Cannabis sales skyrocketing due to increased lock-down demand and reduced societal stigma. While the future of small-scale operations across most industries remains uncertain, the Cannabis Industry seems to be just sparking up.

Budding Bud Business Across Ontario

Ottawa Dispensaries

Canada’s Capital seems to have caught the Cannabis fever, with plenty of big-time cannabis brands opening up shop in the metro area. As we progress towards the second anniversary of legalized retail cannabis in Canada, it’s no surprise that the birthplace of legalization is being populated by dispensaries for all the Mindful Smokers out there in Ottawa.

Tokyo Smoke opened new locations in Ottawa, along with a retail store called One Plant which opened in the Barrhaven area! There are also three new Dutch Love (formerly known as Hobo) dispensary and accessory shops, including one in the famous Byward Market. Stash & Co.,  Superette, and Spiritleaf  round out Ottawa’s roster of reputable cannabis and accessory product retailers. 

Toronto Dispensaries

According to long time Cannabis industry tracker Leafly Canada, The Greater Toronto Area has around  63 dispensaries in operation. Big-time growers and corporate-backed businesses like Dutch Love, SpiritLeaf, and Tokyo Smoke continue to expand across the nation, meaning these cannabis franchises will continue popping up across large metropolitan areas in Ontario. 

In addition to these larger dispensaries, Toronto proper is also  home to some growing recreational dispensary brands and awesome smaller scale budtenders. Canyon Cannabis, Canna Cabana, and Friendly Stranger are all taking advantage of the huge cannabis market reflected in the Greater Toronto Area’s diverse population. Meta Growth has also made some big moves and will be focused on quickly expanding in Ontario, with a store already open in Toronto. (It’s their grand opening today!)

These days, it seems like every neighbourhood and borough of the city has its own collection of Cannabis and accessory product retailers – be it Kensington Market, Queen West, the Entertainment district, Trinity Bellwoods, and even out in the ‘burbs!

Southwestern Ontario Dispensaries

In addition to the successes of major Ontario Cannabis Markets growing over the last year, it seems that regions of Southwestern Ontario – mainly Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, and London, among others – are hopping aboard the Cannabis train as well. Large dispensary chains like Fire & Flower  and SpiritLeaf are cropping up across these cities as demand for recreational cannabis in Ontario continues to rise. 

Bolstered by the presence of post-secondary students from schools like the University of Western Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University, McMaster University, and the University of Guelph, Southwester Ontario is primed to drastically improve the province’s underwhelming status within the industry. 

As Canadians continue to embrace the responsible use of recreational cannabis, we at the Canadian Lumber team are excited to see how the nation’s largest province handles the rising consumer demand. 

If you’re a Mindful Smoker and responsible cannabis consumer in Ontario who’s interested in some quality, natural rolling papers or smoker accessory products, check out the Canadian Lumber Shop page! 

Happy Rolling, Canadian Lumber