Our Story
MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections was born at "Monarch and the Milkweed," a former staple of the Burlington, Vermont restaurant landscape. Opened in 2016 by chef owner Andrew LeStourgeon, "Monarch and the Milkweed" was known for its fiercely creative cocktail menu and as the home to MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections.
The name "Monarch and the Milkweed" is based on the symbiotic relationship that exists between Monarch butterflies and the milkweed plant. Milkweed plants are pollinated by Monarch butterflies while Monarch butterflies lay their eggs in milkweed. The name proudly represents the harmonious partnership between "Monarch and the Milkweed" and MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections!
Proudly partnered with many Vermont brands, MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections represent the perfect intersection of local Vermont ingredients and craftsmanship, revered French pastry tradition, and organic full-spectrum cannabis. Our mission is to stay true to that identity by fostering local partnerships, honoring our roots, and sourcing the best ingredients in the world.
Proudly partnered with many Vermont brands, MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections represent the perfect intersection of local Vermont ingredients and craftsmanship, revered French pastry tradition, and organic full-spectrum cannabis. Our mission is to stay true to that identity by fostering local partnerships, honoring our roots, and sourcing the best ingredients in the world.
Though "Monarch and the Milkweed" was a casualty of the global pandemic, MILKWEED® Cannabis Confections remains firmly rooted in the Vermont community, continuing operations with partners throughout Chittenden County! Cannabis edibles will be released into the Vermont Adult Use market in November of 2023.
A career pastry chef, founder Andrew LeStourgeon was born and raised in the beautiful Midwestern USA in Indianapolis, Indiana. After a short stay in Rhode Island working for Cheryl and Michael Manni at “Lasalle Bakery”, Andrew began to cut his teeth in New York City. He interned and worked for businesses including “Balthazar” for Keith McNally and “Perry Street” for Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Johnny Iuzzini, then created and managed for “Tentation, Potel & Chabot” and “Fig and Olive” with Pascal Lorange and Laurent Halasz. After moving off-grid to Vermont, escaping the pace of city life, he worked in medical marijuana dispensaries producing edibles, while running the pastry program for Eric Warnstedt and William McNeil’s "Hen of the Wood” restaurants. When Andrew ventured to open his own company, he wanted to combine his past experiences in a brand that exemplified them both and started “Monarch and the Milkweed”, and “MILKWEED” cannabis confections.
