Our local agriculture is basically food-centred, but sometimes recreational! The legal growing of cannabis is on the rise across the country and the company Origine Nature, based in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, is working to create a distinctive place for itself in this verdant industry.

The roots

The idea took root four years ago in the mind of David Bow, project instigator and the CEO of Origine Nature. He is surrounded by a 100 per cent Quebecois team with a variety of specialties, the better to develop the means of production, financial backing and marketing strategy. To date they have created 26 jobs, mainly in the production facilities, but also in administration and security.

As the legalization of Canadian cannabis attracts numerous overseas investors, Origine Nature is proud that all of its owners are Quebecers. It’s part of the company mission, well stated by a catchy phrase on its website: “Our products are meant for people from here, grown by people from here, in a factory located here”.

The phrase works even better in its original French: “Nos produits sont destinés aux gens d’ici, cultivés par des gens d’ici, dans une usine d’ici”.

Growth

A standard license to grow was obtained in 2020 and since then the cannabis plants been growing in the Origine Nature production rooms.  As required by Health Canada’s strict standards, cultivation takes place in a controlled, highly secure environment.

In addition to establishing its production protocol, Origine Nature selects genetic strains to create unique cultivars.

While many growth conditions are automated (watering, lighting, ventilation, etc.), harvesting is always done by hand.

By thus ensuring the quality of the dried flowers, in both form and high level of THC, Origine Nature hopes to distinguish itself from the competition in the Quebec market and develop a loyal customer base that appreciates these attributes.

The company anticipates a flourishing future. Because the demand for cannabis products is currently outpacing supply, financial prospects look good. With a view to eventual expansion, a neighbouring lot has been acquired where a larger factory could be built.

In the short term, the next phase in diversification will be via a packaging service that specializes in cannabis products.

The benefits

This early summer will see the first Origine Nature harvest following a hundred-day production cycle. The first product on the market will be a Sativa cannabis with a high THC value sold as dried flowers or pre-rolled. It is part of the “Fleur de Lise” line, which refers to Quebec culture.

For Mr. Bow and his team, giving back to the community is important. That’s why he makes a commitment to reinvest a portion of the profits in local initiatives, as the company did when it supported the “Chefs a la rescousse” (Chefs to the rescue) project which distributed meals to the most needy during the pandemic.

Public education is another essential aspect, from his perspective, so that the cannabis industry develops soundly, based on responsible use.

More from this author by clicking on her picture below.