In 2010, Nancy Whiteman and her then husband John Whiteman founded Wana Brands — a small passion project that began in a home kitchen in Boulder, Colorado. Fifteen years later, Wana Brands has evolved into a cannabis giant across North America. Available in over 10 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, Wana will now be available in Switzerland this December.
Currently, Wana Brands is a subsidiary of Canopy USA LLC, a holding company for American cannabis brands. This partnership has allowed for the introduction of a novel cannabis pilot program, in which Wana products will be launched in Zurich, Switzerland.
In 2023, Switzerland began its pilot-program of adult-use cannabis sales. Pilot sales, which function as controlled tests of a new product to assess product effectiveness, have allowed researchers in Switzerland to monitor the impacts of cannabis consumption in adults who have enrolled in the program. There are currently seven programs in operation. A unique approach to understanding cannabis prohibition and the science surrounding the plant, has proved to be a success. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) study conducted by the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland concluded that the program has “no indication of any disturbances to public order” and could lead to cannabis legalization in the country overall. Now, Wana Brands will become part of that process.
“As Wana celebrates 15 years of elevating the edibles experience, our gummies continue to marry culinary artistry with plant-powered science,” said Brooks Jorgensen, President at Canopy USA in a recent press release. “We’re proud to work alongside likeminded partners to bring Wana to a thoughtfully regulated global pilot program and a new generation of consumers.”