The race is on for Manitoba Cannabis Retailers and producers wanting to rapidly establish a reputable and recognizable brand. While new stores open and others expand or relocate, new and returning customers hardly seem phased by lack of high-energy promotions. Appropriate branding and marketing strategies remain a growing concern for most Cannabis Industry entities. Navigating strict labeling, packaging, branding, and marketing regulations could bare risks.
Stepping out from the box is Darrell Barr of Sandy Lake, Manitoba. His mom-n-pop shop has been echoing the phrase “local-nostalgic to the core” since opening his door at the Lyon’s Roar. Once an old bank, this fortress can stack top Canadian product. The Lyon’s Roar employs knowledgeable bud-tenders who familiarize themselves with available product. Educational resources like “Be Wise – Cannabis and Older Adults” (a publication by Active Aging Canada) are provided for customers.
Darrell recently agreed to meet for an exclusive #decolonizecannabis interview; a chance to share more of his personal and professional drive in Cannabis industry. Darrell is not only adverse in Cannabis culture but boasts a respectable reputation as an OG member of NORML. He proudly disclosed he has rooted Canada’s 10th PM, Lyon McKenzie King, deep in the name and legacy of his small popular store.
Relieving King’s Suppression
In 1923 Lyon McKenzie King, without medical or legal justification, added cannabis to the Opium and Narcotic Drug Act. This designated cannabis Illegal in Canada. It remained outlawed and stigmatized until legalization and the passing of Bill C-45 in October 2018. Naming a Cannabis retail store after Lyon is noteworthy and memorable, creating character, comfort, and mutual ground while reaffirming old legacies that can be recreated. Established in 2021, the Lyon’s Roar cannabis shop is a brand with rich history.
Darrell and I discussed potentials of increased Indigenous owned and operated cannabis facilities, retail stores, and auxiliary industry businesses such as Fleurysh Ventures Ltd. Recent provincial news coverage indicated possible product non-compliance authorizing a temporary store closure of Indigenous Bloom’s Portage La Prairie location. In partnership with Long Plains First Nation, Indigenous Bloom reputably offer a primo selection of high-end Indigenous owned cannabis products.
Honor UNDRIP and TRC Recommendations for Manitoba cannabis retailers
Interestingly, Lyon’s Roar is within proximity to three First Nations Communities and several Metis local in the valley region. Darrell is no stranger to success stories of Indigenous economic and Agri-Development opportunities, especially when stakeholders are provided fair ease of access and appropriate resources.
Darrell took on cannabis retail after 20+ years experience in Indigenous-specific consult. In fact, he worked closely with Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of Prince Albert Grand Council. He helped them develop several Indigenous owned retail stores. Darrell is even a culturally appropriate voyageur in the Canadian fur business.
“The provincial government has an opportunity to work with Indigenous people in the cannabis industry, and where you might anticipate plentiful and accessible resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs as per UNDRIP and TRCR, instead there’s accusation of non-compliance followed by finger-pointing…” moreover notably Darrell reiterates in short “…Indigenous Bloom location at Portage La Prairie, MB, straight off the #1 Hwy could easily advance to become an Indigenous Cannabis education and cultural resource hub likely benefiting an entire country…this is the level of relationship and partnership building required for healthy reconciliation.”
Retail Licensing Requirements
Drawing out conclusions, I picked Darrell’s brain about some of rapidly expanding corporate cannabis affiliated retail stores; especially those presently planning grand openings of their 5th, 6th, or 7th store locations in the province. Retail licensing requirements such as hours of operation, remaining open seven days a week, operating all seasons of the year, and having to renew licensing every year, can weigh heavily on startup when selecting a location. Deeper corporate pockets begin to streamline chain expansion for some MB retailers into the summer market of lake life.
I asked Darrell, “How will this affect stores that operate high volume now but will have no regular seasonal customers during winter?” He analogizes a squeaky wheel can quickly become over-greased, then overwhelmed, with new performance expectations. Questioning product accessibility and authorization, wait times for example, can inadvertently appear to result with the increased or uncharacteristic inspection. Darrell shared insight on product availability, shipment, process, inspection, delays, as well other potential setbacks when communicating his own product and licensing concerns comparatively against some of the heavy hitters.
When asked if #decolonizecannabis can offer an appropriate Cannabis Industry DM Platform with purposeful intent and meaningful outcomes, Darrell shared his thoughts. “The business idea and platform you’ve created won’t be so new next year. Retailers and producers still struggling to market a brand since 2018 can begin looking forward to professional-regulated brand marketing with you moving forward.”
