Jones Soda announced that its cannabis brand Mary Jones has been approved to operate in Ontario, Canada, with additional provinces to follow. Starting with their THC-infused beverages, the products are currently slated for Ontario availability in the first quarter of 2024. An expansion into other cannabis categories is currently in development with Tilray Brands for the Canadian market.
The brand will launch in Ontario with its 10MG THC-sodas in a variety of Famous Jones flavors, including Berry Lemonade, Boot Rear (Root Beer) And Col.Ahhhhh (Cola), uniquely labeled for Canadian cannabis packaging and naming requirements.
"Jones was originally founded in Vancouver, BC. Canada and Tilray are a natural fit for our first international expansion for Mary Jones following the incredible success we've had in our U.S. markets," said David Knight, CEO of Jones Soda. "Canada's recreational cannabis sales increased $466.1M CAD in July, up 1.9 % from June this year. We're looking forward to bringing Mary Jones to Canada's THC retailers and consumers."
"We are excited to partner with Mary Jones and to be produce their one of kind beverages at our state-of-the-art London, Ontario facility," said Blair MacNeil, President, Tilray Canada. "The Mary Jones brand has seen enormous success in the United States and we look forward to being a part of their rapid growth in Canada."
"Infused Beverages are growing at a rapid pace in Canada and around the world, including an increasing number of consumers who are shifting to it over alcohol," said Andrew von Teichman, CEO of Green Hedge. "It creates a highly lucrative opportunity specifically for Mary Jones craft sodas and syrups. Cannabis consumers in Canada are going to love Mary Jones!"
Mary Jones was the first non-alcoholic CPG brand to crossover into cannabis with its 2022 debut in California, where it is carried in more than 350 dispensaries with more to come. Recent U.S. expansions have included Washington, Nevada, and Michigan with other U.S. markets to follow.
