MedReleaf introduces first adult-use recreational cannabis brand: San Rafael '71 launches with cannabis-inspired beer

MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - MedReleaf Corp. (TSX:LEAF) Canada's first and only ISO 9001 and ICH-GMP certified cannabis producer, today announced the introduction of its first adult-use recreational brand: San Rafael '71, inspired by and designed to celebrate the spirit of classic cannabis culture.

San Rafael '71 has been designed with the classic consumer in mind, one of the largest segments of the Canadian cannabis market. San Rafael '71 is for adults who are discerning and knowledgeable about cannabis products and those who value quality and an authentic experience.

To mark the launch and to introduce Canada to the brand, the company has partnered with one of Canada's most well-regarded brewers, Amsterdam Brewing, to develop and launch the first San Rafael '71 product, 4:20 Pale Ale.

"While cannabis aficionados eagerly anticipate the day they can buy legal products, we thought we'd offer the San Rafael '71 4:20 Pale Ale for them to enjoy while they wait," noted Darren Karasiuk, VP Strategy at MedReleaf. "San Rafael '71 4:20 Pale Ale does not contain any cannabis, but it will take you back to where it all began and introduce Canadians to the spirit of adventure, exploration and freedom at the heart of 4:20."

4:20 began as a reference to the time of day when a group of friends would meet to search for what was believed to be a hidden crop of cannabis. The meeting place was San Rafael, California and the year was 1971. Over the past half century, 4:20 has evolved to more broadly symbolize cannabis folklore and lifestyle. MedReleaf brought these historical facts together to develop a new brand – San Rafael '71 – that genuinely captures and celebrates the spirit of the classic cannabis culture.

"Our award-winning team created a flavour profile using a unique blend of citrus and summit hops and specialty malts that gives a nod to the cannabis experience with peach and pine aromas giving way to spice and mild bitterness," noted Jeff Carefoote, CEO of Amsterdam Brewing. "In a further nod to 4:20, San Rafael '71 4:20 Pale Ale contains 4.20% alcohol by volume and 42 IBUs." 

San Rafael '71 4:20 Pale Ale will be available in 473ml cans at The Beer Store starting February 12th, and is currently in Amsterdam's two retail locations and on tap in more than 40 of the GTA's finest establishments.  

"4:20 is a defining symbol of cannabis culture, and we wanted to celebrate and pay tribute to that history and inspiration," noted Neil Closner, CEO of MedReleaf. "As we have said before, MedReleaf intends to fortify and extend its leadership position in the industry beyond the medical market. The launch of San Rafael '71 is the first of many steps on this front including a portfolio of brands and products that leverage the company's award-winning product selection, quality and innovation."

A full suite of San Rafael '71 products and experiences will be introduced to the marketplace as regulations allow.

We encourage adults interested in keeping up to date on brand and product developments to visit www.sanrafael71.com and provide their email address. Enthusiasts can follow along on social as well @sanrafael71.

About MedReleaf Corp.
Voted Top Licensed Producer at the 2017 Lift Canadian Cannabis Awards, MedReleaf is an R&D-driven company dedicated to innovation, operational excellence and the production of top-quality cannabis. Sourced from around the world and carefully cultivated in one of two state of the art ICH-GMP and ISO 90001 certified facilities in Ontario, the Company delivers a variety of premium products for the global medical market and is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of its medical patients and providing a compelling product assortment for the adult-use recreational consumer. 

For more information on MedReleaf, its products, research and how the company is helping patients #livefree, please visit MedReleaf.com or follow @medreleaf

For more information, visit sanrafael71.com/en/media/press-kit

SOURCE MedReleaf Corp.

Media Contact: Theresa Dixon, 289.317.1000 ext. 1042, [email protected]; Investor Relations: Dennis Fong, 416.283.9930, [email protected]