In 2019, entrepreneur Eli Ben Haroush and his partner, Dr Asher Holzer, set out to solve a problem they saw in the cannabis world: the inconvenience and complexity associated with traditional cannabis consumption methods. Together, they founded StickIt, a company that brings convenience and innovation to cannabis consumption.
StickIt Technologies Inc. (CSE:STKT) offers a unique smoking experience by integrating CBD or THC sticks into existing pre-rolled cigarettes, enhancing the potency from 7% to 30% THC. This innovation allows for a more controlled and discreet way to consume cannabis, especially in public settings. The product is currently sold exclusively in Canada, with plans to expand.
Ben Haroush, a former chairman of a $100 million cannabis company, and Otter, the inventor, seek investment to scale up production and explore medical applications, such as using the technology for children's medication.
Ben Haroush talked to Proactive about the vision behind the company and its innovative products, including CBD and THC-infused sticks that elevate the smoking experience.
"The whole idea is to solve a problem we find in pre-rolls," Ben Haroush said.
He described how grinding, rolling, and smoking cannabis can be cumbersome, especially when you're not at home. “What we found is something interesting: You take a cigarette, push in the stick, and in three seconds, your cigarette becomes wellness because we put 80 milligrams of CBD or THC—whatever you like.”
The innovation behind StickIt lies in its ability to upgrade both cannabis and tobacco experiences. As Ben Haroush explained, users can insert the sticks into pre-rolled cannabis, increasing the potency without changing the flower. “You can upgrade your smoke experience,” he said.
A pre-roll with 7% THC can be enhanced to 30% THC, boosting its strength and value. "Now, with my stick, you can sell it for $6 instead of $1 or $1.50."
StickIt’s product line goes beyond sticks for pre-rolls. The company also developed THC- and CBD-infused straws, offering a discreet and smoke-free way to consume cannabis, as well as a swizzle stick coated with a special texture containing THC, CBD and flavored terpenes. "Think about sitting in a coffee shop or club where you can’t smoke cannabis, but you want to get high without alcohol,” Ben Haroush explained. “You take the straw, and in 12 minutes, you get high.”
Customization is key to StickIt’s product line, and the sticks and straws can be tailored to individual preferences. "Anything you want—I can put it there. Any flavor, any cannabinoid. You want to smoke bubble gum? Whiskey? I can do it," Ben Haroush said, demonstrating the flexibility and innovation the company offers.
Currently, StickIt’s products are available only in Canada, where the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “The response has been amazing,” Ben Haroush said. However, the company has global ambitions. StickIt holds four patents, ensuring its technology is protected, but as Ben Haroush noted, “We need the right people in Canada and the US to take it forward.”
Beyond cannabis, Ben Haroush sees vast potential for StickIt’s technology in the medical field. He envisions using their straw concept to help children who struggle with taking medicine. "Think about a child drinking something sweet, and inside the straw, there’s medicine. He doesn’t know it, but now he’s taken it."
As StickIt prepares for the next stage of its growth, Ben Haroush is looking to raise additional capital and bring on a Canadian-based CEO to help drive the company forward. "I believe in this company. We have the technology, the patents, but we need the right people to take it to the next level,” he emphasized.
Ben Haroush’s passion for StickIt is evident, and that drive may be key to the company’s future success. With the right team in place, he believes StickIt can raise significant funds, expand into new markets, and ultimately transform how people consume both cannabis and medicine.
StickIt is not just a cannabis company—it's a technology company that’s poised to make a major impact across industries. "We did it for THC, but let’s do a spin-off for medicine,” Ben Haroush concluded. “We can make this company great."