St. Catharines, ON – May 19, 2025
The Niagara Cannabis Expo returned to the Meridian Centre this weekend, drawing thousands of cannabis enthusiasts, industry leaders, and curious locals to downtown St. Catharines. But it was the local growers who stole the spotlight.
Among the many vendors and exhibitors, several St. Catharines-based cultivators dominated the awards ceremony, earning recognition for product quality, innovation, and sustainability. Leading the pack was Martens Botanicals, which took home the Best Craft Flower award for their Niagara Grape Gas strain, a local favorite celebrated for its bold aroma and smooth effects.
“It’s surreal to be recognized in our own backyard,” said Angela Martens, founder and lead grower. “We’ve put years into building our cultivation methods, and this is a huge win not just for us, but for Niagara’s entire cannabis community.”
Other local winners included UpHi Cannabis Emporium for Best Retail Experience and Niagara Greenleaf for Best Pre-Roll Product.
The expo featured more than 100 vendors, live panels on cannabis legislation, wellness workshops, and a cannabis cooking demo that drew standing-room-only crowds. Attendees described the event as a “game-changer” for Niagara’s cannabis reputation.
“This expo proves Niagara isn’t just riding the wave—we’re leading it,” said local entrepreneur Liam Hunter, who runs a cannabis marketing agency in the region.
Event organizers have already confirmed the expo will return next year, with even more floor space and a larger focus on cannabis tourism.
