We recently had the opportunity to speak with a member of the Aphria team who told us more about their RIFF brand and what’s new for 2021.

For those who aren’t familiar with Aphria, it’s a Canadian-based global cannabis company driven by an unrelenting commitment to their people, product quality and innovation.

“Since day one, delivering an expertly crafted product has been the cornerstone of our business,” says Megan MacLean, Aphria Territory Manager. “We go above and beyond in every aspect of our work, because we exist to improve our patients’ quality of life.”

Aphria’s co-founders Cole Cacciavillani and John Cervini, armed with more than 60 years of agricultural experience combined, took a chance with just a few medicinal cannabis plants in 2013. Aphria was among one of the first companies to become a Health Canada licensed producer of medical cannabis in 2014. Over time, they expanded their operation to enormous proportions, now operating facilities in 10 countries on five different continents.

Headquartered in Leamington Ontario, Aphria’s brands include RIFF, Solei, Good Supply, and B!NGO. Aphria also acquired Broken Coast Cannabis, a Ladysmith, B.C.-based indoor grow facility in 2018.

When it comes to production standards, Aphria is proud of its 100% greenhouse-only grow, as evidenced by their “powered by sunlight” catchphrase.

Producing a high-quality product is all about controlling the environment,” explained Megan. “Our plants are grown in the most natural conditions possible and thrive from the many benefits of natural sunlight in our state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities.”

Some cannabis cultivators prefer using the power of sunlight over artificial lighting in a closed, indoor facility environment. It’s certainly a better option for the environment. Studies show that greenhouses can use as much as 90% less energy than indoor facilities, due to lights and the machinery needed to offset the humidity and higher temperatures produced by them.

Aphria’s grow philosophy is complemented by an intensely monitored and rigorous 509-step safety process that’s closely tracked according to Health Canada standards, from “seed to sale.” That means that every part of production is monitored meticulously by trained personnel and their 360,000 sq ft. facility is cleaned and maintained to exacting standards.

“Aphria has always held itself to the highest standards when it comes to the cultivation and production of medical cannabis,” said Megan. “Since day one, we have implemented our Seed-to-Sale Certified quality promise, a strict quality management program that ensures your medical cannabis is clean, safe, and pure.”

This commitment to safety and quality is part of what makes Aphria a leading producer. At the 202O KIND Magazine Cannabis Awards, Aprhia’s RIFF brand walked away with several awards, representing the very best in Canadian cannabis. What makes this recognition impressive is these are awards are judged entirely by those on the front line of cannabis sales – more than 150 budtenders from across the country.

2020 Kind Awards:

• Indica Pre-Roll of the year: RIFF Subway Scientist
• Indica 510 Cart of the year: Good Supply Purple Monkey
• Sativa 510 Cart of the year: Good Supply Tangie Kush
• Hybrid 510 Cart of the year: Good Supply Pineapple Express
• CBD brand of the year: Solei Free Oil
• Craft Cannabis brand of the year: Broken Coast Cannabis
• Grower of the year: Kevin Anderson, Broken Coast Cannabis

Talking about the RIFF brand, from their origin strain names, to their collections, and to the events they are a part of, they have all been inspired by the culture and creativity surrounding them.

“The RIFF name maps back to our overall brand mantra — constant evolution, driving collaboration and culture,” says Megan. “All RIFF stains have a pop culture reference and a product offering focused on high-potency products for experienced users.”

All RIFF flower features an average 19 percent THC and above.

When asked about what’s new for RIFF, Megan told us about some exciting new products hitting the shelves May 2021.

“We’re excited to launch RIFF Hell Cat 33 (Gelato lineage) and RIFF Glided Grams (Golden Goat lineage) – will be available in 3.5g and 7 x 0.5g pre-roll multi packs this month. We hope you have the opportunity to give them a try!”

Visit whatisriff.ca for more info about Aphria’s RIFF brand. Or follow @merryjanes.yyc for the latest updates on products and in-store specials!

What’s on the menu?

RIFF Raider Kush

This indica-dominant strain has dense, green buds with red hairs. Raider Kush has a balance of native terpene flavours including Limonene, Caryophyllene and Myrcene. This aromatic strain is flavourful, with hits of citrus, sweet and earthy notes.

Hawaii Heartbreak 1 g Pre-Roll

Hawaii Heartbreak is an indica-dominant strain with light green tones and hints of orange hairs. Hawaii Heartbreak’s dominant aroma is floral with a hint of diesel that is both flavourful and well-rounded, with an earthy herbal base. It’s available in RIFF’s high-potency THC single pre-rolls.