St. Catharines, ON – May 19, 2025

Long known for its award-winning wineries and sprawling vineyards, Niagara’s agricultural community is tapping into a new cash crop — cannabis.

Several former grape growers in the St. Catharines area have quietly transitioned portions of their land to licensed cannabis production over the past two years, diversifying their operations in response to shifting market conditions and climate challenges.

“Cannabis allows us to make use of greenhouse space year-round,” says Peter Gianetti, a third-generation farmer who now runs Niagara Roots Cannabis Farm. “While grapes are still our family’s legacy, cannabis offers stability when weather or wine markets get unpredictable.”

Niagara’s ideal microclimate, rich soil, and long agricultural history give local growers a competitive edge. Greenhouses that once grew tomatoes, cucumbers, and bedding plants are now producing premium cannabis for Ontario’s legal market.

“Cannabis cultivation isn’t that different from grape growing,” says Gianetti. “It’s all about genetics, environment, and care.”

While the transition hasn’t been without regulatory hurdles, many farmers see cannabis as a sustainable future for Niagara’s agricultural economy. Some wineries have even started pairing cannabis experiences with their tours, offering “Bud & Bordeaux” packages to curious tourists.

Niagara College’s Commercial Cannabis Production Program — the first of its kind in Canada — continues to supply a steady stream of trained horticulturalists, further supporting the region’s transformation.

As one industry veteran put it: “In Niagara, we know how to grow. Whether it’s on the vine or in the greenhouse, this region grows excellence.”