Store Highlight: Little Leaf Cannabis Co.

For co-owners Leanne McPhie and Paul Thompson, Little Leaf has always been about one thing: sharing the benefits of cannabis in a way that genuinely supports their community.  “My journey into the world of cannabis began thanks to my partner [Thompson], whose own experiences opened my eyes to the remarkable wellness potential of cannabis products,” McPhie recalls. That discovery sparked her passion for education and her desire to help people make informed, confident choices. 

McPhie and Thompson shaped the store around genuine human connection, using information, education and personalized guidance to support each customer. “From the very beginning, we recognized that cannabis serves as a gateway to our true purpose: building authentic, trusting and meaningful relationships with our customers and the wider community,” McPhie explains.  

To support that vision, McPhie and Thompson developed two training programs: W.E.E.D (Welcome, Explore, Educate and Deliver) and the S.M.A.R.T (Strain, Method, Amount, Ratio and Terpenes) Approach to Cannabis Sales. The W.E.E.D framework ensures every shopper receives a consistent, personalized experience, while the S.M.A.R.T Approach equips Little Leaf’s experienced Cannsultants to have thoughtful, tailored conversations that meet people where they are.  

To make space for deeper chats, Little Leaf also created the Purple Room — a private consultation space where customers can comfortably ask questions and share their personal stories without feeling rushed or exposed.  

This commitment to education has earned Little Leaf a reputation that reaches far beyond Stratford. The store regularly receives referrals from other legal cannabis retailers who are not equipped to answer complex questions. 

Little Leaf’s wellness-first philosophy has shaped far more than the store’s identity — it’s become a defining force behind how customers shop and what they return for. “We help individuals understand why quality, terpene profiles and careful craft production often matter more than just a high THC percentage,” McPhie explains. By focusing on transparency and personalized guidance, the team has helped customers move past myths and misconceptions to a clearer understanding of what truly makes a product effective. 

Customers have embraced this approach wholeheartedly. “Seeing adult children trust us enough to bring their parents and grandparents to explore wellness options […] is our favourite way people connect with us,” McPhie says. “It beautifully reinforces that we’ve created a safe, educational and welcoming environment that truly spans generations.”  

Leanna McPhie

Co-owner and CEO, Little Leaf Cannabis Co.

 “Adult children trust us enough to bring their parents and grandparents to explore wellness options.”

Wellness-focused formats such as topicals, oils and capsules — often chosen for their easy dosing — now account for about 12% of Little Leaf’s monthly sales. This reflects a deep alignment between the store’s mission and the evolving wellness needs of its customers.  

To stay attuned to those needs, McPhie and Thompson invest significant time in testing and researching products, evaluating not only their effects but also the ethics and cultivation practices of Licensed Producers (LPs). Thompson, meanwhile, takes pride in curating a menu that highlights smaller cannabis producers known for consistency, quality and value.  

The store’s Purple Label Collection showcases brands and LPs selected for their integrity and transparency, including HighXotic, UfeelU, Wildwood Labs, MOD Drops, Sheesh Hash Soda, Pistol & Paris. Store brand Little Leaf – Local Notes, created in partnership with local LP GreenSeal, brings a true taste of Stratford to the provincial market.

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The city of Stratford plays a large role in Little Leaf’s story. Known for its Victorian charm, vibrant arts scene and the world‑famous Stratford Festival, the city attracts visitors from across Canada and beyond. Its boutique shops, locally owned cafés, parks and culinary culture make it a destination year‑round. And Little Leaf fits seamlessly into that landscape, offering a welcoming stop for both locals and tourists seeking a thoughtful cannabis experience. 

Now celebrating more than five years of milestones, Little Leaf — a locally owned and operated Authorized Cannabis Store — continues to deepen its community roots. A key part of that evolution is CannXtion, an event and education platform they launched in 2024 to bridge a gap in the industry. Still evolving, CannXtion has already hosted everything from karaoke nights and comedy shows to educational seminars, all designed to create accessible, enjoyable opportunities for people to learn, connect and appreciate cannabis in a safe, inclusive environment. It’s a natural extension of the values that have guided Little Leaf since day one. 

With two nominations in 2023 and 2025 for the Stratford Business Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Award, Little Leaf Cannabis Co. shows no signs of slowing down. And for the community it serves, that’s very good news.  

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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.