Toll Processing for Cannabis Products

Our goal is to provide end to end support for growers to help take their flower from hand-trimmed buds all the way to a complete branded experience that reflects the time and effort spent by the grower to care for, cure, and meticulously trim the flower to perfection.

Preparation

We always start with planning to make sure all compliance requirements are communicated and understood which allows both teams to action them appropriately throughout the production process to maximize batch efficiency and timing as well as reduce the risk of non-compliance.

Critical items;

• Notice of New Cannabis Product (NNCP) submission check and we will complete the submission using our tested templates for any new products or formats
• Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) registration with GS1 Canada
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the lot for critical items such as pesticides and heavy metals prior to processing and potency to discuss maximizing profitability.
• Product format discussion based on current market demand while balancing the potential return for the grower and maximize the opportunity for the lot.
• Checklist for product labeling and packaging regulations depending on the type of product being produced. (ex. Extracts labels have different information presentation and requirements for the labels than dried flower)
• Batch timing for production schedule based on when curing and trimming will be completed and the flower can ship to BlackRose Reserve for processing.
  
  

Processing

After product has arrived on site and completed the receiving and validation quality procedures processing of the lot can begin. BlackRose Reserve processes primarily dried flower and pre-rolls due to demand from Micro-Cultivators, but we have the technical expertise and processes to produce infused pre-rolls, dry sift hash, live rosin extractions, topical products and even some types of edibles. 

Our team of highly trained technicians complete all our processes almost entirely by hand with the utmost care. We do this to show respect for the effort of the grower and to allow for the most natural and pure expression of the flower to show in the final product.

When packaging dried flower products we always aim for top tier bag appeal and in some cases will advise against packaging the full lot if our standards are not met. Each material is different for pre-rolls but through our experience we have learned how to work with each to maximize the fill in each cone for a smooth pull.

Packaging

We can offer affordable high quality processing even on small batches since we pass through the savings we gain by using some standard packaging across many different products and brands. Our standard units are matte black mylar bags with a gusset bottom to protect the product from compression during shipping and for pre-rolls we use either a black pop-top tube or a more premium twist off lid depending on availability. 

Your brand will always be front and center and we can customize additional information to reflect your unique growing methodology or terroir within the permitted regulations for packaging and labeling. For those brands that really want to stand out we can assist in fully customizing everything from the container itself, to an entirely new label design, to having the case it gets delivered in being branded as well.

Our tried and tested processes produce products that look and feel premium to match the high quality of the flower contained inside. 

Sales and Distribution to MB/SK

Our goal is to provide a path for cultivators to take their own branded products to market reap the rewards themselves from all the hard work put in to hone their craft. By offering both toll-processing and a results based sales and distribution model our clients have the option to work with a single party to achieve their brand launch goals.

Product Listing

We focus on listing premium products in Manitoba and Saskatchewan where the path to market takes far less time and can also result in better per gram wholesale prices than larger markets like Ontario. Our team will complete or assist with all the GS1 Canada listing information required for sale in Saskatchewan and the product listing application process in Manitoba through the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) authority.

Established Relationships with Retailers

Once your brand’s products are listed and ready for sale we work with our established retail relationships to showcase your products strengths and obtain initial purchase orders. Having built trust with many well established retail chains we have a strong foundation to support new craft product launches with a grass roots strategy where the product is given a fair shot to show the market its quality.

Leveraging our sales data and industry relationships we can help to hone your product’s attributes or modify the pricing and placement strategies to increase sales for your brand.

Excise Stamp Tax and Master Case Packaging

For each case purchased by a retail store we excise stamp each product for the appropriate province and pay the applicable tax remittance to the CRA directly. We have a strict triple check process to minimize the potential for any issue that could cause the product to be returned or recalled, which includes checking the barcode, lot number, package date, excise stamp placement and total units shipped.

Our standard process includes case labels to inform retail stores of what is inside each master case, but we can also customize and brand cases to your liking with our add-on solutions.

Shipment and Distribution to Retailers

Our team uses highly efficient shipping processes taken from our founder’s prior experience running the global logistics and operations for a tech hardware company out of Kitchener-Waterloo. This allows us to beat shipping expectations and provide a superior vendor experience to our retail store customers without increasing our costs.

We are excited to announce that we now use an approved cross-docking provider in the province of MB which allows us to store inventory in Winnipeg, where most stores are located, and provide next day or in some cases same day shipping! This is a huge added benefit and the sooner the store receives the products the sooner they can sell them and also the MBLL will pay us sooner which means money back in your pocket faster!

One more step we take to protect the interests of our partners is to provide a reasonable level of insurance on each shipment as when a package goes missing we know it can be a big hit to a small company to write off as a loss.