La Canapa Boutique

Welcome to IRCC's Retailer Spotlight, where we shine a light on the incredible independent cannabis retailers shaping the industry. 🌿✨ Each week, we celebrate the passion, dedication, and unique stories behind our valued partners. These retailers not only provide exceptional customer experiences but also contribute to the growth and innovation of the cannabis community. 💚

This week, we’re thrilled to feature Janice from La Canapa Boutique in Vancouver, BC 🙌

🌱 What inspired you to open a cannabis retail store?

We opened La Canapa because we finally had the chance to share cannabis legally with people who were already looking for it. For so long, cannabis existed in a legal gray area, and now we can create a space where people feel comfortable learning about it, exploring different products, and discovering the benefits for themselves.

🎨 Is there a story behind your store’s name and branding?

"La Canapa" is Italian for cannabis, and we chose it as a nod to the plant’s deep cultural roots. But beyond just the name, we wanted the store to reflect our creativity and personality, which is why we incorporated cannabis-inspired artwork into our space. We wanted it to feel like more than just a store—it should be an experience, like walking through an art gallery that celebrates cannabis.

🏪 How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?

Being independent allows us to actually listen to our customers and adapt to their needs. If there’s a product they want, we do our best to bring it in. We’re also able to work closely with local growers through the Direct Delivery Program, which helps us support BC’s cannabis industry while making sure our customers get access to top-quality, locally grown products.

🎭 Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere?

It’s fun, welcoming, and full of personality. The artwork adds a unique touch, making the space feel more creative and inviting rather than just another retail store. We want people to feel comfortable, whether they’re first-timers or long-time cannabis enthusiasts.

🚪 What do you want customers to feel when they walk in?

We want them to feel welcome and at ease. Cannabis can be intimidating if you’re new to it—there’s a lot of science and different products to navigate. Our goal is to make it easy to ask questions, explore options, and find what works best for each person. Whether you're a seasoned consumer or just curious, we want to guide you in a way that feels natural, not overwhelming.

🔥 How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?

It’s helped us offer more competitive pricing, which is huge for an independent store. It’s also given us the ability to feature more BC-grown brands at great prices, which our customers appreciate.

⚖️ What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province?

One of the biggest challenges is competing with the illicit market. The reality is, unlicensed sellers don’t have to deal with the same regulations or taxes, so they can offer much lower prices. We do our best to educate customers about the benefits of legal cannabis—better quality control, lab testing, and supporting local growers—but price is always a factor.

💡 Who is your favourite IRCC partner?

We appreciate all of the IRCC members, but we’re especially big fans of BC Brands—they represent some of the best quality cannabis in the province.

🚀 How have they elevated your business?

They’ve helped us offer more local, high-quality cannabis at competitive prices, which means we can showcase great BC-grown products while making them more accessible to our customers.

🏆 What brands in the market currently excite you and why?

High Quadz is a standout for us. Their products are consistent, high-quality, and always deliver—which is exactly what we look for when bringing in new brands.

🎯 What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?

The freedom to curate our menu based on what our customers actually want. We’re not stuck with generic corporate selections—we get to choose the best products for our community and build relationships with local growers and brands.

📊 How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?

We’re constantly analyzing data, tracking industry trends, and staying in touch with suppliers and reps to see what’s new. The cannabis industry changes fast, so we make sure we’re always adapting and bringing in the best options for our customers.

🔮 How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?

We think the market will mature, and more people will understand the difference between illicit and legal cannabis. Education will play a big role, and we hope to see more consumers choosing high-quality, tested products from trusted retailers.

🌸 If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?

If we were to grow a signature strain, it would be "Honey Cream Dream"—a Gelato hybrid that’s smooth, euphoric, and perfectly balanced. By crossing Gelato #33, Honey Banana, and Wedding Cake, we’d create a strain with sweet, creamy flavors and hints of honey and vanilla. It would be the perfect blend of relaxation and social uplift, making it ideal for unwinding while still feeling engaged.

With a rich terpene profile of Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Linalool, it would deliver a stress-relieving, uplifting experience—a true La Canapa classic.

Website: https://lacanapa.ca

Instagram: lacanapaboutique_