2023 Profile
Next Friday, a Canadian cannabis brand, emerged from a simple yet poignant question: “When are you gonna get licensed?” This query, often posed during the brand’s early days, led to its distinctive name, reflecting the team’s anticipation of Health Canada’s licensing decisions, typically announced on Fridays. Founded by a collective of growers with a history that predates cannabis legalization, Next Friday has navigated challenges and milestones to establish its presence in the industry.
Gavin, an Edmonton music festival organizer, and Sam, a nightclub owner, met one year when Sam’s nightclub hosted the afterparty for the Festival Gavin was involved in. This chance encounter led to a partnership in cannabis cultivation, marking the beginning of their collaborative venture. They have been business partners and cultivating cannabis together for over 7 years.
Gavin and Sam were able to raise the capital to fund a cannabis facility during one of the darkest moments of the Canadian cannabis industry. Their private capital raise enables them to stay a private company and stay true to their belief in quality and not cutting corners. Many of their investors are from the local area. Garnering unprecedented support from their local municipality, Drayton Valley Alberta, Next Friday was able to streamline their path to market.
With a facility spanning 16,000 sq ft of production space and a total area of 30,000 sq ft equipped with 480 lights, Next Friday stands as a formidable craft cannabis entity. Adhering to EU-GMP standards, the brand has initiated global outreach, notably exporting 6,000 tissue culture samples to Portugal and working towards dried flower exports to Israel later the year. They have created over 80 local jobs, 75% of which are held by women. Local support for Next Friday and reciprocal support back to the community are integral to Next Fridays Success.
With a vast collection of over 400 cultivars in tissue culture, Next Friday aims to scale its offerings, ensuring a consistent presence in the Canadian and global cannabis market. Their focus on clean genetics and on-going pheno hunts positions them for continued growth and innovation.
The Product for Competition
Dank Sinatra and Blueberry Fuego, Next Friday’s competition entries, are a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and flavor.
Dank Sinatra, is a heavy, flavourful indica reeking of gas. As its name suggests it is DANK. Blueberry Fuego, with its pronounced blueberry profile, is one one of their top sellers.
While Dank Sinatra showcases the brand’s affinity for robust strains, Blueberry Fuego stands out with its distinct blueberry flavor, marking a departure from their typical gas strains.