The cannabis industry is booming in Manitoba, and one of the latest new stores is Rural Buds in St. Adolphe.

The shop, located at Unit B-511 Main Street, opened its door for the first time back in April, but their grand opening was held on Friday, July 15.

District manager Stacie Rasmussen says it was a big hit. Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen attended the occasion to help with the ribbon-cutting.

Rural Buds is a full-service cannabis store. They sell flower, pre-rolls, edibles, beverages, and accessories—everything you need to enjoy your cannabis journey.

They also offer advice. Rasmussen says that the budtenders at Rural Buds thrive on spreading accurate knowledge about the products they carry. They want to get to know their local customers and be able to guide each one to the right products for them.

Pat Schmitke is the owner of Morris Bigway, and after the legalization of cannabis he realized that there was the potential for him to start up another successful business.

He opened his first storefront, Rasta Lady Cannabis Shop, in Morris in January 2021. Rasta Lady is a small store, but it allowed Schmitke to see that there was definitely room in the market for small-town cannabis dealers.

By May he had opened Rural Buds Cannabis Shop in Carman, and just two months later he unveiled another Rural Buds, this time in St. Pierre-Jolys.

Rasmussen has only been with the Rural Buds family since last October, but she has worked in the cannabis industry since it was legalized in 2018.

“I love this… family so much,” says Rasmussen. “We all work together, managers and budtenders, for the success of this company. And now we are super excited to have been able to open our fourth location. St. Adolphe is such a beautiful community and we’re proud to be a part of it!”

The Rural Buds/Rasta Lady team prides itself on being involved in each of their small communities. The team participated in the Carman parade this month and now looks forward to participating in the Morris Stampede weekend. They have 150 cookies baked and ready to give away at Rasta Lady during the Stampede.

“We are very proud to say that Rural Buds and Rasta Lady Cannabis Shops are a growing business that might just come to your town!” says Rasmussen.