At CANNA we’re excited to share passionate grower stories from across Canada that resonate with our community and inspire us to “grow big or grow home”.
GROWER SPOTLIGHT
Can you share your story and how you entered the cannabis space?
Blunts and Beans started with my best friend Jolene. We wanted to open a coffee shop that celebrated both cannabis and coffee—a space supportive of both. But as we entered the space, we realized the legal landscape wasn’t ready for that, so we pivoted into events. That’s how Camp CANNA was born. Three years later, we're still hosting experiences like Camp CANNA, which this year included a public permit and on-site cannabis sales. It’s a consumer-focused, culture-rich environment. We've had to pivot many times, but the legal framework is evolving, and we’re hopeful that one day we can create a cannabis focused tourist destination.
What sparked your passion for cannabis advocacy?
First and foremost, I’m a cannabis consumer and have been for over a decade. Cannabis has allowed me to be more authentic and aware. I advocate for dignified consumption, elevated social responsibility, and consumer education.
Early on, I found myself looking for cannabis-friendly events and realized there were none. I knew I couldn’t be the only one, so I started calling legislators, educating myself, and building. That’s how I found this beautiful, supportive community. We even ended up winning Influencer of the Year, without ever trying to be influencers—it happened organically through community-building.
What was your original vision for Camp CANNA?
Camp CANNA was always meant to be a safe, welcoming, judgment-free space where people could gather face-to-face with participants in the legal cannabis market—LPs, retailers, and brands—and connect meaningfully. Before legalization, there was loyalty to where you got your cannabis. Now, you walk into a store, see names on a wall, but you don’t know the story behind them. Camp CANNA bridges that gap. Consumers become brand advocates when they hear real stories, like a woman who found cannabis, got off disability, and now runs a legal grow. That’s how we build meaningful, lasting connections in this space.
Tell us about the events you run and the impact they’ve had
We run a range of events—from intimate gatherings to Camp CANNA, which we've now hosted for three years, even expanding to Ontario this year. On average, events draw 200–300 people, and even at our industry award shows, like the Alberta Consumers Choice Brand Awards, over half the attendees are consumers. That’s rare in any other industry and something we’re deeply proud of. Camp CANNA has become bigger than us. Some people come without even knowing who Blunts and Beans are—it’s become a community movement. People leave having made lifelong friends and new connections. It's even helped people facing seasonal depression feel like they have something to look forward to.
What makes Camp CANNA unique?
We treat cannabis as part of a wellness routine. Mornings start with yoga, guided meditation, and sound baths. Afternoons bring fun and games like a slow-pitch tournament, and our signature event—the CanOlympics. Unlike other cannabis events, the CanOlympics isn't about consumption—it's about practical consumer skills, like lighting a joint in a windstorm or opening packaging. It's accessible, inclusive, and hilarious, and it brings out people’s competitive spirit in a wholesome way. That’s what makes Camp CANNA truly one of a kind.
What are some challenges you’ve faced creating this platform?
The biggest challenge? There was no roadmap. We’re paving the way for cannabis tourism. We had to build trust with licensed producers and retailers by proving we could create a compliant, safe, and legal environment. There’s still no license for cannabis tourism or consumption, so it took a lot of education and consistency to show people that not only could it be done—it should be done.
What is your vision for the future?
Going into 2025, we’re looking to expand even more—Ontario year two, Alberta, and ideally British Columbia. I’d love for Camp CANNA to become the responsible, leading framework for cannabis tourism across Canada. Ontario is built for all-inclusive experiences, while Alberta is more bring-your-own-camp setup. But the demand is there. In fact, 27% of international travelers to Canada are now actively looking for a cannabis-related experience. We want to be that dignified, wellness-based destination they find.
What changes would you like to see in the legal landscape?
I urge everyone in this space to use every liberty the legal landscape currently allows. In Alberta, we’re allowed on-site sales at expos and age-gated events—yet many still don’t offer it. That’s a disservice to consumers. If we want the government to expand what’s possible, we need to show them we can handle what we already have. Camp CANNA proves it’s possible to offer safe, creative, consumption-friendly spaces—and it’s time others followed suit.
