Tokyo Smoke

Tokyo Smoke is a Canadian retail brand for recreational cannabis, which also markets related accessories and vaporizers. It operates physical stores in Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan. The company's business model focuses on creating an educational and approachable retail environment to destigmatize cannabis use, initially blending coffee shops with cannabis paraphernalia sales to foster open conversation.

The company was founded in Toronto in 2015 by the father-and-son team of Lorne and Alan Gertner. Lorne Gertner was an early figure in the Canadian cannabis industry, having established one of the first legal medical marijuana growers in 2004. Alan Gertner, a former Google executive, brought experience in strategy and operations. Their vision was to establish a leading retail brand in preparation for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada. The first store opened in Toronto's West Queen West area in April 2015.

Tokyo Smoke experienced several strategic shifts and acquisitions. In 2017, it acquired Van der Pop, a female-focused cannabis company, and won "Brand of the Year" at the Canadian Cannabis Awards. Later that year, it merged with DOJA Cannabis to form Hiku Brands, which was subsequently acquired by Canopy Growth in July 2018. In a significant move in September 2022, Canopy Growth divested its retail operations, and OEG Inc. acquired the Tokyo Smoke brand and its associated stores, becoming the sole owner. The business has faced significant challenges, including market saturation and high operating costs, leading the company to file for creditor protection in August 2024 and close 29 locations.

The company's product offerings include a variety of cannabis flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles, categorized by intended effect such as "Go" (Sativa) and "Pause" (Indica). Stores are designed to be modern and engaging, featuring educational tools like 'Scent Orbs' to help customers understand different cannabis terpene profiles and 'Bud Carts' to display accessories. The brand also established a loyalty program, The High Rollers Club, which has over 500,000 members. The business generates revenue through its network of corporate-owned and franchised retail stores, as well as online click-and-collect and delivery services.

Keywords: recreational cannabis, cannabis retail, cannabis accessories, Canadian cannabis market, dispensary chain, vape products, cannabis education, Lorne Gertner, Alan Gertner, OEG Inc., Canopy Growth, Hiku Brands, cannabis lifestyle brand, regulated market, cannabis edibles, cannabis beverages, online cannabis sales, franchise dispensary, cannabis flower, pre-rolls