There’s something special about cannabis grown close to home.

Maybe it’s the care that goes into every small batch. Maybe it’s the familiar feeling of supporting growers who understand the West Coast climate, the Island lifestyle, and the value of doing things properly. Or maybe it’s simply the difference you notice when flower has been thoughtfully cultivated, carefully dried, and handled by people who genuinely care about the finished product.

At Costa Canna, we’re proud to showcase Isalnder BC craft cannabis from producers who put quality before shortcuts. Our latest spotlight features three flower options from two Island-connected craft names: FRESH by Islandcanna’s Tombstone, plus Verte West’s Moby Dick and Gelato 33.

They each bring something different to the table, but they share the same craft-minded approach:

> SMALL BATCH – HAND TRIMMED – HANG DRIED – HAND PACKAGED

That attention to detail is a big part of why we love bringing local Island-grown cannabis to our neighbours in Duncan.

Why BC craft cannabis matters

Craft cannabis is about more than a label. It’s about the people and process behind the flower.

Smaller producers can take a hands-on approach at every stage, from selecting genetics and monitoring the grow room to checking moisture levels and preparing each package. Instead of treating every strain like a mass-market commodity, craft growers focus on bringing out the personality of each cultivar.

That often means more attention to:

• Aroma and flavour
• Terpene expression
• Bud structure and visual appeal
• Consistent drying and curing
• Small-batch freshness
• Unique genetics and limited releases

For cannabis consumers, this creates more opportunities to explore flower by its character: not just its THC percentage. Potency matters to many people, but aroma, flavour, texture, and the overall experience matter too.

That’s the fun of visiting a local cannabis dispensary in Duncan BC. You can ask questions, compare profiles, and find something that fits the kind of session you have in mind.

FRESH by Islandcanna: Tombstone

Islandcanna’s FRESH line is grown on Southern Vancouver Island in small batches. The team harvests continuously to help keep flower fresh on shelves, while using a careful process that includes hang drying, hand trimming, and slow cold curing.

The result is flower made to preserve flavour, bag appeal, and frostiness.

A sweet, relaxing nighttime option

Tombstone is an indica-dominant hybrid, with a 70% indica and 30% sativa profile. It comes from the cross of Georgia Pie and Gary Payton, also known as Payton’s Pie.

This is the kind of flower that suits a quiet evening, a comfortable chair, and nowhere else you need to be. Its effects are described as arriving quickly, beginning with a euphoric and happy head high before settling into deep physical relaxation. For some consumers, that may lead to a particularly cozy, sleepy finish.

Tombstone’s aroma leans doughy and nutty, with accents of sour citrus and fruit. On the flavour side, expect notes of:

• Sweet stone fruit
• Nutty pie dough
• Creamy banana
• A subtle spicy diesel finish

The buds are long and dense, with a pepper-shaped structure, olive green colouring, deep purple undertones, thin orange hairs, and amber-tinted white trichomes.

Tombstone typically tests between 26% and 32% THC, although the exact result can vary by batch. If you’re looking for a dessert-forward indica-dominant hybrid for winding down, ask our team whether this Islandcanna drop is available.

Verte West: Cannabis grown with consistency and care

Verte West brings a refreshingly straightforward attitude to craft cannabis. As the team puts it, they’ve put their money into the dream: not into corporate acquisitions. Their crew is in the facility every day, checking temperature, moisture, and humidity.

Their philosophy is simple: there are no magic secrets to growing great cannabis. There is hard work, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning.

Verte West uses traditional methods, with flower that is hang dried, slow cured, and hand trimmed. The grower’s current lineup includes Moby Dick and Gelato 33, two very different cultivars with plenty of personality.

Verte West Moby Dick

Moby Dick is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a 75:25 sativa-to-indica ratio. It crosses White Widow and Haze, bringing a classic 90s-era cultivar feeling into a carefully grown Island batch.

This is a terpinolene-dominant hybrid with an energetic, uplifting character. Its aroma and flavour profile are led by bright citrus and lemon, balanced by earthy, piney, floral, and lightly sweet notes.

Look for flavours of:

• Sharp citrus and lemon peel
• Pine
• Vanilla
• Sweet floral notes
• Earthy undertones

The buds are described simply as big and dank, with the generous structure you might expect from a bold, old-school sativa-leaning cultivar.

Moby Dick is a natural choice for daytime adventures, creative projects, or moments when you want a more energized and inspired feeling. The producer describes it as uplifting and focused, with a light relaxing body effect.

It typically tests between 22% and 27% THC, depending on the batch.

Verte West Gelato 33

Gelato 33 is one of those legendary modern cultivars that has earned a loyal following for good reason. Verte West grows this balanced hybrid from Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies.

The name is a tribute to basketball legend Larry Bird, who wore number 33. The flower itself is equally memorable, with compact buds, frosty trichomes, and vibrant orange pistils.

Gelato 33 brings a creamy, colourful aroma that combines:

• Creamy citrus
• Floral bouquet
• Peppermint
• A gassy finish

The flavour profile moves through fruity sweetness and earthy undertones, with a distinctive blueberry-yogurt note accented by fresh mint. A slightly diesel finish rounds things out and lingers pleasantly.

As a balanced 50/50 hybrid, Gelato 33 is described as uplifting, energized, relaxed, and focused. It may be a good fit for consumers looking for a versatile option: something that can suit a social afternoon, a creative activity, or a relaxed evening without leaning too heavily in one direction.

Gelato 33 typically tests between 24% and 30% THC, with the final number depending on the lot.

Find your Island flower

Tombstone, Moby Dick, and Gelato 33 show just how much variety can come from BC craft cannabis.

One is sweet, heavy, and relaxing. One is citrusy, hazy, and energizing. One brings creamy fruit, fresh mint, and a balanced hybrid experience. What connects them is the care behind the flower: small batches, thoughtful cultivation, traditional drying and curing, and hands-on finishing.

That’s exactly the kind of cannabis we love to share at Costa Canna. We’re locally owned and operated, and we’re always looking for quality products from growers who care about their craft and their community.

Browse our flower menu or stop in and ask our friendly team what’s fresh. Product availability and THC levels can change by batch, so we’re happy to talk you through what’s currently on the shelf and help you choose by flavour, aroma, growing style, or expected vibe.

Stop in and say hi at either of our Duncan locations:

• Duncan Village: 1A–180 Central Road
• Cowichan Commons: 110–2951 Green Road

Ask about Islander BC Craft Cannabis, explore some local Island-grown flower, and find your next favourite strain right here in the Cowichan Valley.