Little Leaf marks five years of connection, education and community

Little Leaf Cannabis co-founders Paul Thompson and Leanne McPhie stand together inside their Stratford store ahead of the company’s fifth anniversary on Dec. 12. The pair are proud of how far their locally owned shop has come since opening five years ago, growing from a small idea into a trusted community resource for cannabis education and wellness.

Five years after opening its doors at 804 Ontario St., Little Leaf Cannabis Co. Inc. has grown into more than a retail store. For co-founders Paul Thompson and Leanne McPhie, it’s a place where education, compassion and conversation meet – a community hub where cannabis is reframed not as a taboo, but as a tool for wellness and connection.

“When we first opened, our goal was to create a space where people could feel comfortable learning about cannabis,” said McPhie. “We wanted it to be warm, welcoming and completely judgement-free – a place where people could just come in, ask questions and feel seen.”

Little Leaf celebrates its fifth anniversary on Dec. 12, marking half a decade of changing perceptions and helping residents navigate an industry that continues to evolve. The store has earned a loyal following through its focus on education and relationships rather than quick sales.

“We realized early on that we’re not really in the business of cannabis – we’re in the business of relationships,” said Thompson. “Cannabis is just the conduit. The more we know about a person, the better we can help them find what truly fits their needs.”

That philosophy has guided every part of Little Leaf’s approach. While many stores operate as cash-and-carry outlets, Thompson and McPhie designed their shop to be conversational – a place where customers can take their time, learn and make informed decisions. Some visitors come in simply to talk or ask questions, without pressure to buy.

“We’ve built trust over time,” McPhie said. “Some of our customers have been with us since the very beginning. We’ve walked with them through different life changes, helping them find what works for their individual needs. It’s not about selling a product – it’s about caring for people.”

Over the past five years, Little Leaf has seen the market expand from about 700 available products to more than 5,000. Yet Thompson says many customers still don’t know how to navigate the options. That’s where education plays a key role.

“The most common questions we get are about sleep, arthritis, pain, anxiety and focus,” he said. “People are looking for natural solutions that improve daily life. It’s our job to help them find the right fit – not the strongest or cheapest option, but the one that truly helps.”

In addition to its retail offerings, Little Leaf has introduced a number of services rarely found in the industry. The shop offers cannabis pressing, bong cleaning, grinding and a delivery service. Through a sister company, CANNXTION, the owners also organize community events such as cannabis education nights, workshops and entertainment venues helping bridge the gap between cannabis culture and mainstream understanding.

Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Little Leaf has received multiple nominations for local Business Excellence Awards, and the store’s wellness sales now account for between 12 and 18 per cent of its total – far above the provincial average of two per cent. Thompson and McPhie credit their team for much of that success.

“Our staff are the heart of Little Leaf,” said Thompson. “We don’t see ourselves as managers and employees – we’re family. Everyone here shares the same goal: to make sure each customer leaves feeling better than when they came in.”

Looking ahead, the founders say they’ll continue building on their mission of trust, transparency and education. A major announcement is expected in the coming year, which they plan to reveal during their anniversary celebration.

“We just want people to know there’s an alternative out there that’s all-natural,” McPhie said. “Whatever you’re dealing with, there’s an option that’s safe, tested and trusted. That’s what Little Leaf is all about.”

As Little Leaf turns five, its roots in Stratford run deeper than ever – a reflection of how understanding, empathy and curiosity can transform not only a business, but an entire community.