At Great White North Growers (GWNG), quality is more than a buzzword, it’s the foundation of everything they do. As the company scaled its in-house brand, 514 Cannabis, and expanded cultivation operations, one decision helped secure their reputation for flavorful, terpene-rich flowers: switching to CANNA.
From Start-Up Struggles to Scaled Success
Founded in 2013, GWNG was among the first licensed producers in Quebec. Co-founders George Goulakos and Peter Schissler began in the media industry before pivoting into the cannabis industry after Canada’s legalization plans took shape. Like many early Licensed Producers, the road to success wasn’t linear. Their first cultivation efforts, using aeroponic towers, fell flat.
We were failing miserably at the beginning. We had to pivot, fast.
While refining their grow strategy, GWNG filled a critical industry gap by offering packaging and distribution services to other LPs, particularly Quebec’s micro-producers. Today, they support over 30 growers in bringing product to market.
But the real turnaround came when they hired cultivation director Patrick Pagé. With years of experience across Quebec’s top facilities, Patrick brought practical know-how and a clear vision for the future of GWNG’s in-house production. “They gave me a blank slate”, says Patrick. “They wanted to get back into cultivation and offered me the opportunity to design and build it from the ground up.”
Phase 2: Purpose-Built to Grow
The company’s Phase 2 expansion reflects a new standard for craft cultivation at scale. GWNG grew from just 500 sq ft of canopy to a current 2,200 sq ft, with a target of 5,000 sq ft by year’s end. Weekly water usage now reaches 4,000 liters, expected to rise with the facility’s growth.
“Phase 2 is just one step,” says George. “Phase 3 is already in sight.”
What sets GWNG apart isn’t just ambition, it’s execution. With smart facility design, robust environmental monitoring, and a genetics-forward strategy (including their standout Amnesia Haze), the team has built a replicable model. And CANNA has been instrumental in making that consistency possible.
Why CANNA Coco Products and CANNA Start Became the Foundation
GWNG’s entire cultivation program is based on CANNA COCO, specifically CANNA Coco Flex 2-gallon containers, CANNA Coco A&B, and CANNA Start for early-stage clones.
Patrick explains the choice: “I was the only person in cultivation when I started. Filling pots by hand wasn’t happening, it was too time-consuming. CANNA Coco Flex let us skip that step. You can’t imagine the labor savings.” But it wasn’t just about logistics.
I love the fine pith of CANNA Coco Flex. It holds water better than other blends, so I get something closer to soil while still driving that hydroponic style of growth.
Early-stage performance also stood out. “CANNA Start gives our clones a solid base. We get those micros in early, which helps reduce stress and improve rooting.”
From propagation through flowering, CANNA simplifies operations without compromising results. Patrick sums it up plainly: “Running with CANNA is just extra peace of mind.”
Consistency at Scale
In large-scale cultivation, consistency isn’t optional, it’s essential. And it’s one of the biggest reasons GWNG sticks with CANNA.
In other companies, I’d see nutrient inconsistencies from batch to batch. You’d get sludge at the bottom of the bottle, all your nutrients sitting there, unmixed. With CANNA, that doesn’t happen.
George adds, “As one of the suits, I want peace of mind. CANNA gives our growers the tools to do their jobs and know the product will come out consistently every time.”
From an operational standpoint, CANNA has eliminated a full step in their transplant process and helped avoid human error that can lead to variability between lots, both crucial factors in hitting production targets and cost efficiencies.
The Results: Flavor, Terpenes, and Peace of Mind
The real proof is in the product. “I think I grow the most flavorful weed I’ve ever grown with CANNA”, says Patrick. “Our terpene counts have never been higher on COAs. And what you smell in the bag is what you taste when you smoke it.”
That sensory fidelity is what today’s consumers, and provincial buyers, are looking for. With 514 Cannabis gaining traction in the market, GWNG’s investment in clean, consistent cultivation is paying off.
Looking Ahead
GWNG is already eyeing its next expansion. With each phase, the company continues to center quality, consistency, and consumer experience. And CANNA remains a trusted partner in that mission.
“Quality first, that’s the only winning formula in this business,” says Peter.
You’ve got to love the plant, be well-capitalized, and work with the right tools. For us, that includes CANNA.
As GWNG grows, their message to other licensed producers is clear: scaling doesn’t mean compromising, not if you start with the right foundation.
