When it comes to getting the most value for your money, we have a wide range of products at Dutch Love, some more economic and some more premium. When it comes to recommending products, it is important to offer products that fit their needs before the price point. Once you have narrowed down the customer’s needs and wants you can begin to look at the price.

How do you have a similar conversation with someone who had an unpleasant first-time experience?

In this case, it is important to find out what about the experience was undesirable, from there you can tailor your recommendations to the desired effects and try and avoid any of the negative associations. Sometimes product type, overconsumption or even environment can affect a person’s experience and so we will always recommend to start low and go slow — knowing that you can always take more at a later time.

Another thing we keep in our back pocket is the knowledge that overconsumption of THC can be counteracted by CBD intake and also that chewing on black peppercorn (which is high in terpene caryophyllene) can reduce anxiety that comes with THC at times. Our goal is that people enjoy the products that they are choosing but it is also important to note that we aren’t doctors, and our recommendations are based on our experience or reported effects and so everyone is encouraged to know their limits and play within them.

What products do customers seek when it comes to wellness?

Generally, when customers come into the store and are looking for products for overall well-being we will direct them toward our “Calm” category in our decision tree. These products are primarily CBD with little to no THC and seem to be the best fit for those looking for holistic products.

Everie

Some popular items would be the CBD sparkling beverage by Everie (comes in Lemon & Lime, Mango Passionfruit and Dragon fruit Watermelon) — it has 10 mg of CBD per 269 ml. A personal favourite for me would be the CBD oil by COVE. It has 20 mg of CBD and >1 mg THC, and is full-spectrum meaning that it still has terpenes of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene allowing it to have a stronger effect than some alternatives which do not have terpene profiles. If you are interested in edibles, I would suggest the Grapefruit CBD gummies by Ace Valley which are a 4:1 CBD to THC. All options mentioned are gluten-free and vegan, which may also be a consideration for those who are concerned with wellness.

How have people’s habits changed during the pandemic?

The unknown has really created a space for cannabis use to be normalized. It helps to open your mind and think of things in a new light which I personally have found to be helpful. People bought in larger quantities and perhaps chose to use cannabis as opposed to alcohol.

What’s been the most surprising part of your job?

I think the most surprising thing is the regulations as it pertains to cannabis across Canada. We are now in three provinces and to see the vast differences between provinces when it comes to regulations, marketing and the sale of cannabis is what is the most shocking. When you look at something like alcohol there really aren’t too many substantial differences between provinces (albeit except for the occasional legal age of 18), but with cannabis, we aren’t there just yet. I do think we will get there. We are only TWO years into legalization, so I remain optimistic about the future of the industry.