Sessions Cannabis operates over 40 retail locations across Ontario, strategically positioned in prime shopping centers alongside major anchors like Costco and Walmart. The brand offers a comprehensive selection of cannabis products including flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, beverages, and concentrates, sourcing from both established and emerging licensed producers across Canada.What sets Sessions apart is their "product-forward" retail design philosophy - everything is on display rather than hidden behind screens, creating an open, educational shopping environment. Their knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations whether customers are celebrating with friends or seeking solo relaxation. The brand focuses heavily on product freshness and quality, with locations that have been open over a year averaging CAD$2.46 million in annual revenue.Sessions operates through an established franchise model requiring CAD$250,000-500,000+ investment, providing comprehensive support from buildout to grand opening. The franchise network consists of 18 franchisees, with most being multi-unit owners, demonstrating strong confidence in the brand's business model and growth potential.
Sessions Cannabis began with an incredible stroke of luck when Steven Fry, a healthcare professional from Barrie, won Ontario's inaugural cannabis retail lottery in January 2019. What started as a serendipitous entry into the industry quickly evolved into something much bigger. After initially partnering with Canna Cabana to open Hamilton's first legal cannabis store, Fry recognized the challenges facing other lottery winners and co-founded Sessions Cannabis in 2019 with business partner Darryl Allen.The brand was built on the principle of helping lottery winners navigate the complex regulatory landscape while maintaining full ownership of their stores. By 2022, Sessions had grown to 43 stores across Ontario with 18 franchisees, generating over CAD$70 million in annual sales. That same year marked a major milestone when Item 9 Labs acquired Sessions for CAD$16.4 million, making the combined entity the world's largest cannabis franchisor. Today, Sessions operates over 40 locations throughout Ontario and continues to expand, earning recognition as a nominee for National Retail Chain of the Year at the Grow Up Awards.
Sessions Cannabis exists to elevate the cannabis retail experience while building stronger communities across Ontario. Their core mission centers on being "rooted in community" and delivering "elevated cannabis & connections" through welcoming, educational environments.The brand is committed to helping educate communities while providing access to legal, Health Canada quality-controlled cannabis as a safe alternative to the black market. Sessions prioritizes creating bright, clean, welcoming spaces where customers can ask questions and receive hands-on assistance from knowledgeable staff, working to break down stigma and uncertainty surrounding cannabis culture.Beyond retail, Sessions values align with supporting franchise partners through comprehensive guidance, ensuring each location becomes a positive part of their local community. Their freshness guarantee and commitment to premium products at value prices reflects their dedication to customer satisfaction and building long-term trust within the communities they serve.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Sessions Cannabis's authentic community-first approach and rapid growth story. What started as one lottery winner's journey has transformed into Ontario's fastest-growing cannabis franchise, proving that genuine passion and customer focus drive success.We love their transparent, product-forward retail philosophy - displaying everything openly rather than hiding products behind screens creates an educational, pressure-free shopping experience. Their impressive numbers speak volumes: locations averaging CAD$2.46 million annually with strong franchisee retention and multi-unit ownership demonstrate real business success.Sessions' commitment to product freshness with their guarantee, combined with knowledgeable staff who help customers find their perfect "session," creates exactly the kind of elevated retail experience deal-seekers deserve. Their recognition as a Grow Up Awards nominee for National Retail Chain of the Year confirms they're setting the standard for cannabis retail excellence in Canada. For consumers seeking premium products, reliable service, and genuine expertise, Sessions delivers consistently across all their locations.