Local Feature: Winston Bacate, Redefining Cannabis-Inspired Streetwear
In 2022, what began as a simple coping mechanism for homesickness transformed into a personal passion project and, eventually, a lifestyle brand. For Winston Bacate (aka CannaGoy), a Filipino creator based in Canada, vlogging started as a diversion—a way to document life abroad and stay connected to home. But over time, it became a stepping stone into something more meaningful: Medicated, a cannabis-inspired clothing line built around expression, unity, and responsible use.
From Camera to Concept
“I started vlogging in 2022 as a diversion to my homesickness being abroad,” he shares. While the YouTube grind never became a full-time pursuit, the early content planted the seeds of what would eventually grow into Medicated. “Most of my videos in the early days of vlogging were about cannabis because it’s legal here in Canada. That’s what inspired me to start the Medicated brand.”
But for him, vlogging was always meant to be just that—a pastime. “I don't want to be famous,” he says plainly. “I want to keep my personal life private. Right now, I'm focused on my career.”
The Meaning Behind Medicated
Medicated isn’t just a brand—it’s a mindset. “It’s about the state of mind of a person who responsibly uses cannabis, whether for medicinal or recreational reasons,” he explains. “The brand represents movement and unity among responsible pot users.”
This isn’t about hype or clout; it’s about community and lifestyle. Medicated quietly champions a culture often misunderstood, packaging it in streetwear that speaks to those who live the experience.
Hustle, Balance, and Old-School Grit
As with any startup, time was the biggest challenge. “The people behind Medicated are preoccupied,” he admits. “We overcame it by using traditional and old-school methods of dispensing the products.”
Balancing a clothing brand with work, content creation, and fatherhood isn’t easy—but he makes it happen through sheer discipline. “I manage my time making sure I'm being productive,” he says.
More Than Just Style
So what sets Medicated apart? “It’s the versatility,” he says. “The product works in both streetwear and activewear.” Inspired by creators like Omar Baliw of HighMinds, the goal is to create pieces that reflect lifestyle and movement—not just trends.
Looking ahead, the vision is steady and patient. “I’ve got a lot of ideas, but they’ll take time to execute,” he says. “Between full-time work and dad duties, it’s a process. But we’re excited to serve our patrons with quality, stylish pieces they can really rock.”
For the Dreamers
To those wanting to start their own thing? His advice is simple: “Never stop learning and always be true to yourself. It will help lead you to the right path.”
And while there are no collaborations just yet, the future is wide open. “Soon, we’d love to work with like-minded people who share the same passion and vision.”
In the end, Medicated is more than just a clothing line—it’s a movement that celebrates responsible cannabis use, fosters community, and encourages authenticity while pushing boundaries.