#150: Why We Cut 300 Products (and Why You’ll Thank Us for It)
#150: Why We Cut 300 Products (and Why You’ll Thank Us for It)
Earlier this summer, Herbal Dispatch embarked on a transformative journey to completely revamp our medical cannabis menu. After careful consideration and analysis of our members' needs, we made a significant decision: to discontinue over 300 products from our 800+ product menu. But this wasn't about quality issues; it was about creating space for something better.
Our 5,000 sq ft facility in Richmond, BC, presents unique challenges. We're constantly juggling: producing our own craft cannabis, fulfilling medical orders, managing exports, and serving recreational markets. Unlike larger operations, space is always at a premium for us. To bring you the premium products you've been asking for, creating more room was simply essential.
How the BCGEU strike affected cannabis supply
Before we dive into the exciting details of our menu transformation, we must address an important issue affecting our members' experience: the BCGEU (BC General Employees' Union) strike caused a major disruption in our industry and has had a significant impact on our operations.
During the strike, BC Cannabis Stores were closed across the province and operations at the BCLDB's central cannabis warehouse were completely halted. This created significant challenges for retailers throughout BC, with many private dispensaries struggling with empty shelves, temporary closures, and staff layoffs.
As a direct delivery provider, Herbal Dispatch is authorized to sell products directly from BC growers and processors to dispensaries across BC. This capability transformed us into a critical lifeline for hundreds of dispensaries across the province when traditional supply chains were unavailable.
What would normally sell out over months was selling out in hours as we became one of the few remaining sources for legal cannabis products in the province. With the strike now resolved and provincial operations resuming, we expect supply chain challenges to normalize over the coming weeks. Our inventory levels will stabilize, and the product availability our medical members have come to expect will return to normal.
A menu designed for members
The decision to pare down our menu wasn't made lightly. Over the past several months, we analyzed purchasing patterns, gathered member feedback, and identified which products were slow movers. By removing these slower-moving items, we've created the opportunity to focus on what truly matters: highly curated, premium micro and craft brands that exemplify the quality our members deserve.
This process is now nearing completion, and we're excited to announce that we're ready to roll out a carefully selected menu in the coming weeks. In addition to our house brands (Happy Hour, Buzz Cannabis, Golden Spruce, Nu, and Northern Drip), we'll be introducing new, highly sought-after products from top-rated partner brands, including:
Rubicon Organics: The parent company behind several exceptional brands, including 1964 Supply Co, Simply Bare Organic, Homestead Cannabis, and Wildflower CBD. Rubicon's focus on organic and sustainable growing practices makes them a perfect fit for our members who prioritize quality and ethics.
Carmel Cannabis: Carmel brings Ontario's craft cultivation expertise to our menu with their reputation for producing some of Canada's most sought-after strains. Watch out for Carmel's legendary Animal Face strain, known for its pungent aroma and bold effects.
MTL Cannabis: This Quebec-based micro-cultivator has earned recognition across Canada for its meticulous approach to small-batch indoor flower and its dedication to preserving rare and classic genetics.
Coast Mountain Cannabis: Certified organic and sustainably-grown, this BC-based boutique cultivator specializes in high-quality craft cannabis. Their unique cultivation methods produce potent and flavorful strains such as Pure Cake Skunk and Dancehall CBD.
Legacy values, modern standards
Our new menu might offer fewer products, but it will absolutely make up for it in quality. This refined approach goes back to our roots in the legacy cannabis days, when we built our reputation by hand-picking only the best. We haven't forgotten what makes us, well, us: our commitment to quality, excellent customer service, and delivering products that genuinely hit the mark.
For medical cannabis patients, this new focus is particularly important. Medical users often require specific cannabinoid profiles, terpene combinations, and consistent effects they can rely on for managing their conditions. The thoughtful curation of our products ensures that we can meet the needs of our medical patients, providing them with reliable relief and peace of mind.
The best is yet to come
As we move forward, we remain committed to bringing you the finest cannabis products that reflect both our passion and expertise. Every choice we make is rooted in our desire to provide an exceptional experience, whether it’s through our carefully curated menu or our unwavering commitment to quality. We’re excited for you to join us on this next chapter as we continue to raise the bar. Thank you for your patience during this transition period and for your continued trust in Herbal Dispatch as your medical cannabis provider.
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