From Underground to Mainstream: The Journey of Legacy Cannabis Brands in the Legal Retail Market

1 min read by
 on MAY 2, 2024
 in #marketing

Are you a legacy brand looking to transition into the Canadian legal market?

The Canadian cannabis market is booming, and there's a big opportunity for legacy brands to move into the legal market. However, before you can start selling your products in Canada, there are a few things you need to know before transitioning into retail stores. The legalization of cannabis has opened up a whole new world for legacy cannabis brands that have been operating in the underground market for years. These brands, which have built a loyal following and a strong reputation for quality and consistency, are now making the transition to the legal retail market. This shift has been both exciting and challenging for these brands, as they navigate the complexities of operating in a regulated industry while also seizing the opportunities that come with legalization.

Legacy cannabis brands have long been known for their high-quality products and their commitment to the cannabis community. Many of these brands have been operating in the shadows for years, serving a dedicated customer base that values their expertise and their commitment to the plant. With the legalization of cannabis in many parts of the world, these brands are now able to bring their products to a wider audience, tapping into a growing market of cannabis consumers who are looking for trusted and reliable brands. This shift has brought about a new era for legacy cannabis brands, as they work to establish themselves in the legal retail market and build on the reputation they have worked so hard to cultivate.

Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Opportunities for Legacy Cannabis Brands

The transition from the underground market to the legal retail market has not been without its challenges for legacy cannabis brands. One of the biggest hurdles these brands face is navigating the complex regulatory landscape that comes with operating in a legalized industry. From obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to complying with strict packaging and labeling requirements, legacy cannabis brands have had to invest significant time and resources into ensuring that they are able to operate within the bounds of the law.

At the same time, the legalization of cannabis has also brought about a wealth of opportunities for legacy brands. With access to legal retail channels, these brands are now able to reach a much larger customer base than ever before. This has allowed them to expand their reach and grow their businesses in ways that were not possible when they were operating in the underground market. In addition, the legalization of cannabis has also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and partnership, as legacy brands work with other players in the industry to bring their products to market in innovative ways.

Building Trust and Credibility: How Legacy Cannabis Brands are Gaining Traction in the Legal Market

One of the key factors that has contributed to the success of legacy cannabis brands in the legal retail market is their ability to build trust and credibility with consumers. These brands have spent years cultivating a reputation for quality and consistency, and this has given them a strong foundation upon which to build their businesses in the legal market. By leveraging their existing reputation and focusing on transparency and authenticity, legacy cannabis brands have been able to gain traction with consumers who are looking for trusted and reliable products.

In addition to their strong reputation, legacy cannabis brands have also been able to build credibility in the legal market by focusing on education and advocacy. Many of these brands have been at the forefront of efforts to destigmatize cannabis and educate consumers about its benefits and uses. By positioning themselves as leaders in the industry and advocating for responsible consumption, legacy brands have been able to establish themselves as trusted voices in the legal market.

Marketing and Branding Strategies for Legacy Cannabis Brands in the Legal Retail Market


Marketing and branding have played a crucial role in helping legacy cannabis brands establish themselves in the legal retail market. These brands have had to navigate strict regulations around advertising and promotion, while also finding creative ways to connect with consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors. Many legacy brands have focused on leveraging their existing reputation and building on their strong brand identity to stand out in a crowded market.

In addition to traditional marketing tactics, many legacy cannabis brands have also embraced digital marketing and social media as a way to connect with consumers and build brand loyalty. By creating engaging content and leveraging social media platforms, these brands have been able to reach a wider audience and build a community around their products. This has allowed them to connect with consumers on a more personal level and build lasting relationships that go beyond just a transactional exchange.

Tips on What You Need to Know About Your Branding

One of the most important things to consider when transitioning your legacy brand into the legal market is your branding. Many of our customers already have an established brand. Therefore, we can either work with you to ensure your brand meets compliance or our team can create new branding elements for you.

Things to keep in mind:

  • All packaging must be child-resistant.

  • If you have an existing brand and packaging but they don't meet the requirements, no problem. Our team has suppliers in place with whom we can source compliant, customized packaging.

  • All brands must have a compliant label design. This is one of the more intricate parts of transitioning into the legal market, as there are a ton of variables that go into getting labels approved by Health Canada. But don't worry; our team of experts can take care of this for you.

  • Product listing shots then need to be taken to meet each of the provincial requirements. Our team can set you up with a product specific photographer to ensure your products will be approved at the provincial level and all requirements are met.

How Can You Get Your Products Into Retailers?

Once you've got your branding in order, the next step is to get your products into retailers. This can be a challenge, as many retailers are hesitant to carry products from legacy brands. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

  • Build relationships with retailers. Get to know the people who make decisions about what products to carry in their stores. Attend trade shows and industry events, and reach out to retailers directly.

  • Offer competitive pricing. Legacy brands often have a price advantage over new brands, so you can use this to your advantage.

  • Provide excellent customer service. Make sure your customers are happy with your products and your service. This will help you build a strong reputation and increase your chances of getting your products into more stores.

For more information on getting your products into retailers, you can reach out to our team and book a free consultation with us and we can walk you through the steps to getting your products on shelves.

The Evolution of Product Offerings: How Legacy Cannabis Brands are Adapting to Legalization

 Legacy Cannabis Brands Legal Retail Market Brand Recognition Percentage of consumers familiar with legacy brands Market Share Percentage of sales attributed to legacy brands Product Diversity Number of different products offered by legacy brands Regulatory Compliance Adaptation of legacy brands to legal requirements Consumer Trust Level of confidence in legacy brands' product quality

The legalization of cannabis has brought about a shift in consumer preferences and demands, and legacy cannabis brands have had to adapt their product offerings to meet these changing needs. In the past, many legacy brands were known for offering a limited range of products, often focusing on traditional forms of cannabis such as flower and concentrates. However, with the rise of the legal market, consumers are now looking for a wider variety of products, including edibles, topicals, and other non-traditional forms of cannabis.

To meet these changing demands, legacy cannabis brands have had to expand their product offerings and invest in research and development to create new and innovative products. Many of these brands have also focused on incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into their production processes, responding to consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally conscious products. By adapting their product offerings to meet the changing needs of consumers, legacy cannabis brands have been able to stay relevant in the legal market and continue to grow their businesses.

The Future of Legacy Cannabis Brands in the Legal Retail Market: Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, it is clear that legacy cannabis brands will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of the legal retail market. As legalization continues to spread around the world, these brands will be at the forefront of efforts to establish responsible and sustainable practices that support the growth of the industry. In addition, legacy brands will also continue to drive innovation in product development, creating new and exciting products that meet the changing needs of consumers.

One trend that is likely to shape the future of legacy cannabis brands is an increased focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. As consumers become more conscious of their impact on the planet, they are looking for products that are produced ethically and sustainably. Legacy cannabis brands will be at the forefront of efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into their production processes, responding to consumer demand for products that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, the journey of legacy cannabis brands from the underground market to the legal retail market has been both challenging and rewarding. These brands have had to navigate complex regulatory requirements while also seizing opportunities for growth and expansion. By focusing on building trust and credibility, adapting their product offerings, and embracing innovative marketing strategies, legacy cannabis brands have been able to establish themselves as leaders in the legal market. Looking ahead, these brands will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, driving innovation and advocating for responsible regulation that supports sustainable growth.

 Key Takeaways

  • Legacy cannabis brands are making the transition from underground to mainstream in the legal retail market.

  • Challenges and opportunities exist for legacy cannabis brands as they navigate the transition to the legal market.

  • Gaining trust and credibility is crucial for legacy cannabis brands to succeed in the legal market.

  • Legacy cannabis brands are adapting their product offerings to comply with legalization and meet consumer demand.

  • Effective marketing and branding strategies are essential for legacy cannabis brands to thrive in the legal retail market.

 

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From Underground to Mainstream: The Journey of Legacy Cannabis Brands in the Legal Retail Market