RCMP in Nova Scotia shut down unlicensed cannabis storefront
Kings District RCMP seized cannabis, psilocybin, and tobacco items at an unlicensed storefront and arrested a man as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.On…
BC’s third cannabis farmgate store plans to open in early 2025
BC’s third cannabis farmgate store received provincial approval recently, with plans to welcome customers in February.
BC researchers looking at impacts of cannabis use on driving abilities
Dr. Jeff Brubacher of UBC and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute is using driving simulations to explore the impacts of medical cannabis on road safety…
Federal government “exploring” single harmonized cannabis excise stamp
The federal government will explore a single, harmonized federal excise duty stamp as part of a red tape reduction measure outlined in its 2024 Fall…
Health Canada may request supporting evidence for some medical cannabis authorizations
Health Canada recently sent a memo to provincial colleges of physicians advising them that it may contact health care practitioners to ask for evidence to…
New retail cannabis project in Germany could be good news for Canadian cannabis exporters
A new research project could allow for cannabis to be sold in retail stores in up to 25 different German cities, supplied by authorized cannabis…
Federal government fails to implement “ambitious” program to streamline cannabis pardons by deadline
Canada’s Bill C-5, passed in 2022, mandates sequestering simple drug possession records, including cannabis, by 2024, removing them from criminal background checks—a complex process across…
BC businesses team up to research effects of e-beam irradiation on cannabis
A cannabis education group has teamed up with a cannabis testing lab in BC to look into the impacts of remediation on cannabis.
BC’s Community Savings provides support for cannabis industry
BC’s Community Savings Credit Union president and CEO Mike Schilling says his phone has been ringing off the hook with queries from cannabis businesses following…
Health Canada: Only about 5% of cannabis purchases in Canada come from irregular sources
The vast majority of cannabis purchases in Canada continue to come from legal sources, according to Health Canada’s annual cannabis survey.
PEI amends 2021 vaping legislation to note it doesn’t apply to cannabis products
However, there has been no change in policy in regard to what products PEI Cannabis Management Corporation (PEICMC) can sell.
Nova Scotia sells $32.6 million worth of cannabis in Q2 2024
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) saw $32.6 million in cannabis sales in the three months ended September 29, 2024 (Q2 2024), a 3.9% increase…
Group seeking to enrol 1,000 Canadian medical cannabis patients for observational study
Canadian cannabis company Avicanna recently announced their participation in an observational study looking at the potential therapeutic use of medical cannabis for issues like pain,…
AGLC makes several updates, clarifications to retail cannabis and cannabis representative policies
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has made amendments to its Retail Cannabis Store Handbook and the Cannabis Representative Handbook Cannabis.
Cannabis vapes coming to SQDC by fall 2025
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is adding vaping products to its product offering, but consumers will have to wait a year or so to…
More than $20 million in cuts to Health Canada’s cannabis program over next three years
Health Canada’s cannabis program will see about $20.5 million in cuts over the next three years as part of the federal government’s goal of finding…
Australian Senate rejects cannabis legalization bill
The Australian Senate voted to discontinue debating a cannabis legalization bill on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Trudeau, Poilievre trade barbs in QP over cannabis legalization
During a debate in the House of Commons regarding issues Canada is facing with the incoming US President, Justin Trudeau and Pierre Polievre briefly squared…
Canadian Cannabis Council, Global Affairs Canada question Israel’s Canadian cannabis report
The Canadian Cannabis Council (C3) says it continues to be surprised by the allegations of “product dumping” of cannabis from Canada by the Israeli government.
Health Canada grants cannabis testing licence to Brock University
Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, has received an analytical testing license from Health Canada.
Israel’s Ministry of Health says tariffs on Canadian cannabis will harm patients, benefit illicit market
Israel’s Ministry of Health takes issue with tariffs proposed by Israel’s Ministry of Economy on cannabis imported from Canada.
Cannabis NB launches Good To Know cannabis awareness campaign
Cannabis NB has launched an education campaign aimed at informing consumers about the risks of illegal cannabis products.
Monthly retail cannabis sales in Canada continue to hold under the $500 million mark
Retail cannabis sales in Canada continue to hold relatively steady year-over-year, with the summer peak in sales in August reaching $4.76 million, up slightly from…
Alberta sold $673.5 million worth of cannabis in 2023-2024
The AGLC brought in $63.9 million in net revenue from $673.5 million worth of cannabis sold in the province for the year ended on March…
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek seeks negotiations with Ontario on retail cannabis
Ontario NDP MPP France Gélinas urges provincial response on Atikameksheng Anishnawbek’s request for retail cannabis negotiations during Bill 223 debate.
Two Chinese nationals in UK jailed for importing cannabis from Canada in “significant criminal enterprise”
Two Chinese students were jailed in the UK for their part in a conspiracy to import cannabis from Canada.
CRA has written off nearly $5 million in cannabis excise tax
The Canada Revenue Agency has written off nearly $5 million worth of excise tax on cannabis as uncollectable, as of September 21, 2024.
Ontario cannabis retailer fined $100,000 for illegal “data deals”
A cannabis retailer in Ontario will have to pay a $100,000 fine for pursuing and accepting prohibited payments from licensed cannabis producers.
Ontario introduces legislation that would impose new penalties for advertising and promoting illegal cannabis
Ontario proposed legislation to combat illegal cannabis sales by prohibiting advertising and promotion of illicit cannabis under provincial law.
Cannabis industry takes steps to manage Canada Post strike
Following a strike announcement by the union representing Canada Post workers, cannabis companies in Canada say they are taking steps to ensure customers can still…
Law firm says SQDC broke provincial rules with “rotating” SKU pricing
A law firm in Quebec has modified an application for a class action suit against the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) relating to how the…
BC Gov seeks to seize two properties they say are connected to cannabis trafficking
The BC Government filed a civil lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court on November 12 against a Kelowna business they say was purchased with and…
One man’s journey to grow the cheapest cannabis in Canada
Todd Veri, a long-time cannabis grower in BC’s Kootenay region, pursued a federal license for outdoor cannabis farming after legalization. His initial co-op venture faced…
Tilray’s Aphria RX facility launches its first German-grown cannabis
Tilray Medical has launched its first commercial-grown medical cannabis flowers from its Aphria RX GmbH facility in Germany.
SQDC records record profits as consumer demand shifts to lower-margin products
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) recorded a new record for net revenue in its second quarterly report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Board issues first micro cannabis production licence
The Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Board has issued their first cannabis production licence, a micro cultivator called MSJ Cultivation.
Israel: Report now proposes up to 175% tax on Canadian cannabis imports
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has proposed levies of up to 175% on Canadian cannabis products being sold in the country’s medical cannabis program.
Conservative BC MLA blames legalization for illegal weed bust
A recently re-elected BC MLA is in hot water with the province’s legal cannabis industry following a recent comment she made on social media platform…
One Toronto cannabis retailer’s success with delivery
Toronto’s 1922 Cannabis is successfully making delivery their main focus by streamlining operations, partnering with Uber Eats, and simplifying product choices to enhance customer trust…
OPP provincial enforcement team again raids unlicensed cannabis store in London
Ontario Provincial Police say they raided an unlicensed cannabis store again in London on October 24, seizing cannabis, cash, and tobacco, charging one.
Winnipeg staff report recommends keeping designated production licensing in place
A new report from city staff in Winnipeg says there have been no public complaints or licence applications following the designated medical cannabis production zoning…
Legal pot shops in Vernon see surge in customers following recent raids
Cannabis retailers in Vernon, BC, say they’ve seen an increase in new customers following recent raids of several unlicensed stores operating just outside city limits.
BC wholesales nearly 40,000 kg of cannabis in Q2 2024, while direct delivery sees big declines
BC’s LDB sold nearly forty thousand kilograms of legal cannabis in Q2 2024 (July, August, and September), for a wholesale total of $147.2 million, a…
Surrey City Council to consider 12 cannabis stores, the first in the city
City Staff are recommending that Surrey City Council initiate rezoning applications on behalf of the eight successful applicants at twelve locations to permit Cannabis Retail…
Details emerging in CSU raids on OKIB land near Vernon, BC
BC’s Community Safety Unit, which focuses on enforcement of provincial retail cannabis rules, shut down several unlicensed cannabis stores in the Vernon area this week.
Ontario affirms $31 million commitment to take on illicit cannabis market
The Ontario government has affirmed their plan to invest $31 million over the next three years to take on illegal cannabis stores.
RCMP seize more than 120,000 cannabis edibles in large raid on Vancouver Island
RCMP Federal Investigators take down organized crime group, seize thousands of illicit “copycat” cannabis edibles.
Australian cannabis companies are growing weary of Canadian imports
As Australia’s domestic medical cannabis market evolves, some companies are becoming frustrated with the country’s ongoing reliance on cannabis imports from Canada.
New Brunswickers prefer convenient cannabis products
According to a new annual report from Cannabis NB, New Brunswickers prefer more “convenient” cannabis products as the market continues to shift to products like…
Manitoba brings in almost $40 million in revenue from cannabis sales in 2023-2024
Manitoba sold $153.6 million worth of cannabis in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, bringing in $39.5 million in net revenue for the province.
Cannabis sales up 24% in Newfoundland and Labrador from last year
There was $87.6 million worth of cannabis sold in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, a nearly 24% increase from the previous year.
PEI sold nearly $25 million worth of cannabis in 2023-2024
PEI Cannabis sold $24,966,165 worth of cannabis in the year ended March 31, 2024, a total of 5,074 kilograms of weed.
BC pot shop fined for selling cannabis at too low of a price
A cannabis store in BC has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine for selling cannabis at too low of a price.
High levels of pesticides found in illegal cannabis vapes
A new study reveals high levels of chemical contaminants in illicit cannabis vape cartridges in Canada, including high levels of pesticide contamination.
AGLC quickly corrects course on sampling rule change
Alberta’s cannabis regulator is walking back a recent rule change for cannabis sampling, saying some of the messaging in an industry memo was incorrect.
Manitoba extending pause of “controlled access” licensing another 18 months
Manitoba is extending its review of licences that allow some convenience stores to sell cannabis until December 31, 2025.
AGLC says sampling restricted to retail store owners in Alberta (This decision has now been reversed)
The provincial cannabis regulator (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) sent out a memo on October 18 to all cannabis licensees, representatives, and suppliers, reminding them…
Yukon cannabis report highlights need for cannabis consumption spaces for tourists
Municipalities in the Yukon say there is a need for public consumption spaces in the Territory to provide a legal space for tourists to smoke…
BC cannabis nursery and university collaborate on cannabis barcoding project
Life Cycle Botanics has teamed up with BC’s Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to develop affordable methods for growers to more accurately identify what cannabis cultivars…
Six years in, Canada’s illicit cannabis market is making a comeback
Unlicensed cannabis stores are making a comback in parts of Canada, despite efforts to transition operators to the legal market. We examine how provinces are…
Week in Weed – October 12, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending October 12, 2024.
Bedrocan is returning to Canada
The Netherlands-based producer of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for medical purposes received their licence to cultivate from Health Canada on September 27.
Streamlining excise stamps could go a long way to relieving regulatory burden, costs
Changing the federal excise rate has been at the top of the industry wish list since legalization began, but making logistical changes to how the…
OCS to open illegal pop-up “cannabis shop” in Toronto
The OCS will be hosting a fake cannabis store in Toronto on the sixth anniversary of legalization to highlight the need for consumers to distinguish…
BC Budtenders’ Union gives strike notice to Vancouver Canna Cabana
The BC Budtender’s Union says they have served a strike notice at a Canna Cabana store in Vancouver.
Study looks at impacts of cannabis legalization on organized crime in Canada
A recent study highlights how the illicit cannabis markets in Canada, especially in British Columbia and Ontario, have changed since cannabis was legalized in 2018.
Edmonton cannabis beverages company calls for more accurate testing
Bubble Bud Inc. is calling on Health Canada to do more to address what they say are flaws in potency testing for cannabis products, especially…
Lessons learned on choosing a processor, from one outdoor micro grower
A Vancouver Island micro cannabis cultivator who recently rescinded their federal license, cites challenges in finding a reliable processing partner as their biggest hurdle, not…
Are Canadians consuming less weed?
After four years of growth, Canadian cannabis use declined in 2023. Sales are cooling off and daily or near-daily use is down. Tobacco and heavy…
Mother Labs to bring branded cannabis to German market
A German pharmaceutical company says it will be partnering with Canadian cannabis nursery Mother Labs to bring a line of branded cannabis flower to the…
Aurora and UBC partner on research to breed fruity-smelling cannabis
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has received a grant to help improve the breeding of more fruity-smelling cannabis.
Police in Edmonton want help identifying man in fake beard robbing cannabis stores
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect who robbed two South Edmonton cannabis stores in the course of…
Report calls for more cohesion, public health focus to US cannabis laws
A new report from researchers in the US is calling on that country’s federal government to take the lead in more strictly regulating cannabis with…
Manitobans may finally be able to grow cannabis at home in 2025
Manitobans may finally be able to grow cannabis at home beginning in 2025, according to a new announcement from the provincial government.
Cannabis is no longer an election issue
Cannabis has lost its status as a major election issue. As the next federal election approaches, industry needs to re-engage the public and politicians to…
Cannabis sales continue to show signs of levelling off in Canada
Kings District RCMP seized cannabis, psilocybin, and tobacco items at an unlicensed storefront and arrested a man as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.On…
Canadian Cannabis Leadership Summit 2024 in Ottawa
The Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) is hosting its Canadian Cannabis Leadership Summit 2024 in Ottawa on Tuesday, October 1.
Arbitrator rules cannabis detection was not impairment
A federal arbitrator recently ruled that a train engineer who was found to have had cannabis in his system did not need to face penalties…
Aurora Cannabis receives patent related to autoflower cannabis
Following years of research, Aurora Cannabis received a patent that allows the company to better identify and select for autoflowering traits in cannabis plants.
Personal and designated medical registrations increase in early 2024 following years of declines
The number of people registering to access medical cannabis in Canada continues to decline, according to Health Canada’s most recent quarterly report. Those registering for…
Health Canada cannabis inspections: 2023-2024
Health Canada conducted a total of 662 inspections of cannabis licence holders in the year ending March 31, 2024, including 160 inspections of registered personal…
Unpackaged inventory of dried cannabis continued to decline in the first four months of 2024
The Government of Canada recently released newly updated sales and inventory figures for the cannabis industry, highlighting changing trends as the industry continues to mature….
New cannabis distribution warehouse coming to NWT
Kings District RCMP seized cannabis, psilocybin, and tobacco items at an unlicensed storefront and arrested a man as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.On…
Cannabis farmgate in Canada: From farm to joint
While there are several thousand cannabis stores in Canada, consumers can purchase cannabis directly from the grower at just a handful of locations.
Four arrests in connection with cannabis store break-ins in Toronto and Durham Region
Toronto Police say they have made four arrests in connection with a series of break-ins of cannabis, electronics, and cellular phone stores in the Toronto…
Community Savings and We Can Capital expand factoring program
A BC-based credit union that has partnered with a BC financing agency to provide invoice factoring to BC cannabis producers says they have already provided…
Rifflandia’s “Splifflandia” to include official cannabis consumption space this year
BC Cannabis retailers Seed & Stone and Songhees Cannabis are providing the cannabis space at Victoria’s Rifflandia this year, at the Matullia Lands in Rock…
Safari Flower successfully exits creditor protection
Although entering into creditor protection can sometimes mean the end of the road for a business, one cannabis company used the process to successfully restructure…
SQDC sold $162.9 million worth of cannabis in Q1 2024-2025
In the first quarter of its 2024-2025 reporting period, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) brought in $23.9 million in net sales from $162.9 million…
Surrey wants cannabis store applications by September 17
Those interested in opening a cannabis store in Surrey, BC, have until Tuesday, September 17, to send in their application.