Viola Brands Launches Nationwide in Canada Through the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ Online Platform

Published: November 10, 2021

Viola Brands Launches Nationwide in Canada Through the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ Online Platform

 Avicanna Inc., a Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of plant-derived, cannabinoid-based products, announced the distribution of Viola cannabis products across Canada on the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers online platform, a subsidiary of Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.™, Canada’s leading health, beauty, and convenience retailer. The well-established equity focused brand will also be made available across adult use channels including Ontario and New Brunswick imminently.

Founded in 2011 by NBA veteran Al Harrington, Viola is one of the leading producers and licensed wholesalers of premium quality cannabis products in the United States with its footprint across 4 States. Viola’s mission is to increase minority representation and provide greater employment opportunities to Black and other under-represented communities in the cannabis industry. Viola cannabis products available at the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers platform include THC and CBD offerings starting with live terpene disposable vaporizers and extending into other categories including 510 cartridges and concentrates.

“We’re excited to launch in Canada with our partner Avicanna, who shares our vision to increase representation and promote equity within the cannabis industry,” said Al Harrington, Co-Founder and CEO, Viola Brands. “And look forward to having Viola’s premium products available at Medical Cannabis by Shoppers.”

“Today, Canada’s incredible diversity is not well represented by existing brands and through this multi-layered partnership with Viola we seek to fill that gap, bring some much-needed minority representation and extend Al’s vision to Canadian consumers,” said Aras Azadian, CEO, Avicanna Inc. “Additionally, having Viola’s premium products launched in Canada through our distribution agreement with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.™ will be a huge win for Canadians as the products will be available nationwide immediately.”

Canadians will now have access to Viola’s award-winning cannabis products for the first time through a national chain. Through the company’s multi-level partnership with Viola, Avicanna is responsible for managing the overall commercialization of all Viola-branded products in Canada through its manufacturing, distribution, and sales infrastructure. Additional Viola cannabis products will be available in several provinces across adult-use channels offering multiple options for consumption via a portfolio expansion expected by the end of 2021 with initial listings approved in New Brunswick and Ontario.

About Viola
Founded in 2011 by NBA veteran Al Harrington, Viola is one of the nation’s leading producers and licensed wholesalers of premium quality cannabis products. The brand is named after and inspired by Al’s grandmother who suffers from glaucoma and diabetes, finding solace in cannabis remedies. Viola has integrated the latest cutting-edge technology with its own proprietary procedures designed for every stage of the cultivation, extraction and production process. The company is known for its wide variety of product offerings, from high-quality flower to premier butane extracts and operates in California, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, and Oklahoma.

About Avicanna Inc.
Avicanna is a commercial stage Canadian biopharmaceutical company and an established leader in cannabinoid research, development, and evidence-based products for the global consumer, medical, and pharmaceutical market segments. Avicanna conducts its research in Canada including its R&D headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto, Canada, located in the MaRS Discovery District, and in collaboration with leading Canadian academic and medical institutions.