humble & fume

Humble & Fume Inc. is a distributor of cannabis and related accessories across North America, serving retailers, licensed producers, and multi-state operators. The company was originally founded as BOBHQ in 1998 by Robert Ritchot and Kimberly Thomas-Ritchot in Brandon, Manitoba. It began as a small 1,500-square-foot operation and grew significantly over the years. A major expansion occurred in 2017 with the acquisition of Windship Trading and Vapor Outlet, which broadened its North American reach. The company rebranded to humble+fume in 2018. In June 2021, the company went public on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

The company's business model is centered on providing a fully integrated distribution solution for both cannabis products and consumption accessories, which it considers a key differentiator. Humble & Fume operates through several subsidiaries, including B.O.B. Headquarters Inc., Windship Trading LLC, and Humble Cannabis Solutions, to manage its distribution network in Canada and the United States. It serves a diverse client base, from large dispensary chains to smaller independent shops. Revenue is generated through the wholesale distribution of over 10,000 products from more than 200 brands, including prominent names like PAX, Storz & Bickel, and Cookies. The company has also pursued strategic partnerships, such as a joint venture with Green Acre Capital, funded by Johnson Brothers, to expand cannabis distribution into California.

The leadership team has seen significant changes to navigate the evolving market. In July 2021, Joel Toguri, a veteran of the alcohol distribution and cannabis industries with experience at Southern Glazer's and Aphria, was appointed CEO. In January 2023, Jakob Ripshtein, former President of Aphria and Diageo Canada, took over as CEO, also retaining his role as Chairman of the Board. Co-founder Robert Ritchot has continued to lead the North American accessories business. Despite growth, the company has faced financial challenges, leading it to seek and receive creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in January 2024 to stabilize operations and restructure.

Keywords: cannabis distribution, cannabis accessories, North American distribution, wholesale cannabis, cannabis logistics, consumption devices, CPG distribution, dispensary supply chain, cannabis brands, smoke shop supplier, head shop distributor, vape distribution, Windship Trading, B.O.B. Headquarters, Humble Cannabis Solutions, Jakob Ripshtein, Robert Ritchot, California cannabis market, Canadian cannabis market, CSE:HMBL