Store Highlight: Burlington Cannabis Co.

So when a unit became available for lease in 2020, he and his business partner didn’t hesitate. They signed on the dotted line and dove in headfirst, working 18-hour days and sleepless nights to bring Burlington Cannabis Co. to life.

Four years later, Burlington Cannabis Co. has become exactly what they hoped it would be: a place where people don’t just shop but stop in to say hello.

Walk into the store on any given day, and you’ll likely find Toyota himself behind the counter or restocking shelves. It’s not a corporate strategy, it’s just how he and his partner, also named Ryan (Vidan), believe a local business should run.

Their approach seems to be working. Customers have turned into friends, and regulars know the owners will order in something special if they ask. The two Ryans know what their customers like and when to recommend something new.

But don’t mistake the friendly atmosphere for casual business practices. Toyota and his team are meticulous about what goes on their shelves. With so many products available in the legal market, curation isn’t optional. The team spends hours each week researching new strains, visiting Licensed Producers and yes, trying products themselves.

The payoff is a staff that can answer questions, not just read product labels. When customers come in chasing the highest THC percentage — a common impulse — budtenders slow them down.

“Everyone assumes the higher the THC, the better the product,” Toyota says. Instead, staff talk about characteristics such as how something was grown, what the terpene profile looks like and whether it is craft cultivated. 
 
Local Licensed Producers get special attention at Burlington Cannabis Co. Frost Cannabis products are grown in Burlington, and Sixty Seven Sins comes from nearby Brantford, Ont. Toyota and his team have toured both facilities, met the growers and trust what they’re putting out.

SHOP ONTARIO CRAFT

“Historically, the best cannabis has been known to come out of B.C.,” he says. “However, those times have changed, and it’s nice to see that you can actually get quality weed grown around the corner from where you live.”

This time of year, the shop takes on a festive energy. Red and green pre-rolls appear. Advent calendars sell fast. Holiday-themed edibles and beverages like hot chocolate make their way onto the shelves. When first-time gifters come in looking overwhelmed, Toyota’s advice never changes: Talk to your budtender.

“Our budtenders are very well-trained, so you can just ask, ‘Hey, what’s new for Christmas?’ and they’ll bring out all the latest items to show you.”

Pre-rolls and edibles are the most popular choices for gifting. They’re easy to wrap, universally enjoyed and festive enough to feel thoughtful.

From stocking stuffers to host gifts — get holiday cannabis shopping tips from budtenders.

Burlington Cannabis Co. has also made accessibility a priority. There‘s a wheelchair ramp at the entrance, staff open doors for customers and parking is plentiful. And if you can‘t make it in at all, the store offers curbside pickup and delivery, with no minimum order required, covering everywhere from Aldershot to Oakville in under an hour.

Every December, Burlington Cannabis Co. runs a large food and toy drive. It’s a small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but that’s also the point. The community showed up for the owners four years ago when they were just two guys with a dream and a lease. Now they show up in return.

“We want people to know they’re supporting a local business,” Toyota says, “and they can expect friendly, top-notch service from experienced budtenders, as well as a carefully selected craft menu.”

It’s a promise the two Ryans have made to customers. And after four years of showing up every day, it’s one they’ve kept.

Don’t live near Burlington Cannabis Co.? Use the OCS Store Locator to find an Authorized Cannabis Store near you.

Store Highlight features Authorized Cannabis Stores that apply to participate as part of the quarterly OCS Content Call process. If you are interested in having your store featured, find out how on OCS Wholesale Learn.