TORONTO, March 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tokyo Smoke, a subsidiary of Hiku Brands (“Hiku”) (CSE:HIKU), Canada’s first vertically-integrated cannabis brand house, is excited to announce ‘Higher Learning’, a brand-new events series that provides consumers with basic, essential cannabis info and how-to’s ahead of cannabis legalization in Canada. Tokyo Smoke stores in Calgary and Toronto will each host regular events focused on education, which started in February with the sold-out ‘An Introduction to Cannabis’ at Tokyo Smoke’s flagship store in Toronto. Events will continue through 2018, each aimed at providing education and information around a different aspect of cannabis use. Tickets to upcoming events will be $5 (+HST), and include a coffee or tea beverage and a pack of Tokyo Smoke’s custom rolling papers.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1e8dff8-0da9-42ef-bc7a-1db8b86a5918

An Introduction to Cannabis, the first Higher Learning workshop, was hosted by advocate and educator Ljubica Kostovic and covered basics like an introduction to cannabinoids (THC versus CBD), the differences between strains, and an overview of the various cannabis products - tinctures, topicals and more - and what experiences people can expect from them. Each subsequent session will explore a different cannabis related topic, like tips on choosing a strain, methods of consumption, various cannabis applications and uses, legislative changes in Canada and how they’ll impact consumers in each province, and even how to roll a perfect joint.

“So many people are curious about cannabis but aren’t sure where they can ask questions and get reliable, accurate answers. We feel it’s our responsibility to help consumers learn and understand, beginning with the most basic facts about cannabis, so that this summer, they feel confident and prepared to make an informed choice about their personal cannabis use,” said Alan Gertner, CEO of Hiku. “Many people shy away from asking questions like ‘what’s the difference between strain types?’ because they don’t want to admit they are unsure. We’re creating a comfortable, fun environment for anyone to learn about cannabis, with no judgement, and all knowledge levels welcome.”

The series will be nimble, with future topics determined based on consumer feedback and requests, but will always circle back to a focus on providing Canadians with all possible information to make informed choices, should they choose to interact with the legal cannabis market.

Celebrated Canadian fashion photographer Bryan Hyunh (W, Interview, V, Paper) shot a creative, diverse campaign that is being used to create innovative take home and in-store collateral speaking to cannabis basics, common myths, discovering your cannabis journey and the important information Canadians should know in advance of legalization.

As a part of Tokyo Smoke’s educational platform, Odessa Paloma Parker (head of content) and the Tokyo Smoke team created a special micro-site at educate.tokyosmoke.com, dedicated to sharing original content exploring and demystifing all things cannabis. Regular features include “Cannabis 101”, “Word of the Week” and “Cannabis For the Ages”, which delves into topics tailored specifically to different ages - things consumers should know in their 20s, 30s and beyond - as needs and wants can vary between age groups.

Upcoming Higher Learning events at the Queen West store include Contemporary Cannabis Consumption (Mar. 20), Methods of Consumption (Mar. 27) and Cooking with Cannabis with Levo and notable chef Charlotte Langley (April 10). More event information and tickets can found on the Tokyo Smoke website.

The Higher Learning series kicked off in Calgary on Mar. 14, with the Introduction to Cannabis class, and will continue with Cannabis Strains Explained (Mar. 28), Ready to Roll (April 11) where guests will perfect their joint rolling skills, and Methods of Consumption (April 25). All events are hosted by Tokyo Smoke Beltine’s resident cannabis expert Andrew Post. More event information and tickets can found on the Tokyo Smoke website.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9e2ee06-9eb2-4b04-a834-72b75852816d

Higher Learning is a part of Hiku’s broader efforts in 2018 to become the go-to resource for Canadians seeking information, education, high-end products and craft cannabis through its Tokyo Smoke, Van der Pop and DOJA brands. Tokyo Smoke will also continue its popular regular events series, like the Elevated Asana yoga classes and Runner’s High groups in partnership with Bond Running, meditation, candle making and more.



For more information please contact:

Abigail Van Den Broek

abby@abigailv.ca

416-799-8510

About ​​Tokyo ​​Smoke

Founded ​​in ​​2015 ​​by ​​Alan ​​and ​​Lorne ​​Gertner, ​​Tokyo ​​Smoke ​​is ​​an ​​award-winning ​​cannabis ​​lifestyle ​​brand that ​​brings ​​sophistication ​​and ​​design ​​to ​​the ​​fast-growing ​​industry. ​​With ​​immersive ​​experiences ​​and design-first, non-dispensary ​​retail ​​spaces ​​selling ​​coffee, ​​cannabis ​​accessories ​​and ​​design ​​products, ​​the brand ​​has ​​six ​​locations ​​in ​​Canada, ​​with ​​plans ​​to ​​expand ​​nationwide. ​​Recently ​​named ​​"Brand ​​of ​​the ​​Year" at ​​the ​​Canadian ​​Cannabis ​​Awards, ​​Tokyo ​​Smoke ​​has ​​showcased ​​excellence ​​in ​​brand ​​storytelling, ​​and has ​​developed ​​an ​​international ​​reputation ​​as ​​the ​​go-to ​​destination ​​for ​​engaging ​​content ​​offerings ​​within the ​​industry. ​​Tokyo Smoke recently merged with DOJA, a federally licensed producer of craft cannabis pursuant to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (the "ACMPR") to form Hiku Brands, Canada's pre-eminent cannabis brand house. Hiku is focused on building a portfolio of iconic, engaging cannabis brands, immersive retail experiences and handcrafted cannabis production. The Hiku portfolio currently houses Tokyo Smoke, Van der Pop and DOJA.

About Hiku:

Hiku (“Hiku”) (CSE:HIKU) is focused on building a portfolio of iconic, engaging cannabis brands, unsurpassed retail experiences and handcrafted cannabis production. With a national retail footprint led by Tokyo Smoke, craft cannabis production through DOJA's ACMPR licensed grow, and Van der Pop's female-focused educational platforms, Hiku houses an industry-leading portfolio that sets the bar for cannabis brands in Canada.



Hiku's wholly owned subsidiary, DOJA Cannabis Ltd., is a federally licensed producer pursuant to the ACMPR, owning two production facilities in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. The company operates a network of retail stores selling coffee, clothing and curated accessories, across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.



