Canadians can now “catch a fire” at newly opened Marley Natural cannabis stores. The store in Toronto is the first of 35 cannabis Marley Natural franchises planned to open across Canada by 2030. Celebrating the legacy of reggae great Bob Marley, featured at the stores will be the Marley Natural brand of cannabis products owned by the late singer’s family. The new stores are the result of an agreement between Docklight Brands, the Seattle-based company that distributes Marley Natural products, and Fresh Vibe Ventures of Canada, a group with 40 years of experience in restaurant and franchise leadership.
“Bringing Bob Marley and the Marley Natural retail experience is a thrilling chance for Canadian customers. Fresh Vibe Ventures’ team has a long-time experience building retail and restaurant brands in Canada and we’re pleased to work with them,” said Damian Marano, CEO of Docklight Brands.
Fresh Vibe Ventures’ president Kevin Wooder sees the company as committed to honoring the power of Bob Marley’s name – whom Rolling Stone once called the world’s most famous cannabis advocate. The Jamaican singer spent his career championing the herb’s healing powers and its properties as a guide to personal insight. “Rum teach you to get drunker; herb teach you to be someone,” Marley once observed. The retail stores are designed as an immersive experience imbued with Bob Marley’s spirit, music, love for nature and respect for herb – marrying the power of his positivity with a modern cannabis-lifestyle.
This artist’s illustration depicts the Earth-toned theme of a Marley Natural cannabis franchise.
Responsibly sourced and integrity driven
Marley Natural stores carry the full line of Marley Natural cannabis and CBD products, as well as other leading cannabis brands. In addition, the franchises offer a curated selection of cannabis-lifestyle accessories that fit in with the Marley family’s eco-friendly outlook. The company says all Marley Natural cannabis products and accessories are responsibly sourced and integrity driven. Bob Marley’s vision of cannabis as a tool for positivity and personal transformation will be echoed in the stores’ focus on personalized support and cannabis education. In the Greater Toronto Area, customers can join Marley Natural Cannabis Concierge – a premium service taking care of clients’ cannabis shopping and delivery needs, and providing special offers unique to their personal tastes. “The cannabis retail environment in Canada is evolving rapidly, and we are ecstatic to bring Marley Natural retail into the space,” Wooder said.
Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita Marley added, “We are thrilled to be bringing the Marley Natural retail experience to Canada to expand on the brand’s already strong presence there, and to bring people together in an environment that celebrates the spirit and ethos of my family.”
Each store will be independently owned and operated. Interested parties can request more information by calling (416) 525-3665, visiting Marley Natural’s website or following on Instagram @marleynaturalretailcanada. “We are also committed to supporting minority businesses through a network of partnerships; we understand the need for greater social equity in the cannabis sector,” said Wooder.