OCS published its Social Impact Report
The Ontario Cannabis Store’s (OCS) Social Responsibility Strategy has distributed and invested over three-quarters of a million dollars and provided more than two dozen equity…
Farm Products Council of Canada seeks industry feedback on Industrial Hemp Promotion-Research Agency
The Farm Products Council of Canada is seeking industry feedback on its regulatory impact analysis statement (RIAS) for the creation of the Canadian Industrial Hemp…
Manitoba to pause issuing controlled access retail cannabis licences
The Manitoba government says it will be placing a temporary freeze on any new licences that allow convenience stores to sell cannabis.
Recall notice issued for Full Sesh ounce sold in BC, found through Cannabis Data Gathering Program
Health Canada has issued a recall notice for cannabis sold in BC due to potential microbial contamination.
Manitoba NDP table bill to repeal ban on growing cannabis at home
In an announcement in the House today, Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba, announced the provincial government would be lifting the…
Two enforcement actions against BC Cannabis Stores
BC’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has conducted 20 inspections of its BC Cannabis Stores to ensure they check IDs since the beginning of…
BZAM/Final Bell trial set to begin next week
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.
More outdoor consumption spaces are opening in BC
More outdoor consumption spaces are opening in BC, just in time for the 4/20 weekend.
Former Aurora CIO questioned as part of ArriveCAN hearings
As part of its work looking into issues around the federal government’s ArriveCAN app, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP) recently…
Still no changes to excise. Don’t be surprised.
As expected, the Federal Budget 2024 did not include any changes to cannabis excise rates, or anything cannabis related for that matter.
Quebecers still vaping cannabis, despite provincial ban
The Ontario Cannabis Store’s (OCS) Social Responsibility Strategy has distributed and invested over three-quarters of a million dollars and provided more than two dozen equity…
Two new Trees locations join BC Budtenders Union
The employees at two new Trees Cannabis locations in BC have recently joined a union representing cannabis industry budtenders.
OCS: Decline in high-THC flower following launch of testing program
The OCS says they have seen a decline in the number of high-THC products in its catalogue after launching a testing program earlier this year.
More than five years after legalization, Surrey approves plan to allow cannabis stores
Surrey City Council has now approved a plan to begin allowing up to 12 cannabis stores in the city.
Ontario issues $200,000 fine for “data deals” to cannabis retailer
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued an administrative penalty to a cannabis retailer for alleged violations of the province’s regulatory standards…
Surrey, BC, once again considering plan to allow cannabis stores
The city of Surrey, BC, which has banned cannabis stores since the beginning of legalization, will again be considering a proposal to allow up to…
Trudeau: Concerns over cannabis legalization violating international treaties were unfounded
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke of the easy transition Canada took into a legal market in an interview with the host of a French show…
Lifeist begins CannMart restructuring after shareholders reject sale
Lifeist Wellness Inc. has commenced restructuring proceedings pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act for one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, CannMart Labs Inc.
Heritage Cannabis seeks creditor protection
Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries have sought and obtained an order for creditor protection from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice pursuant to…
C3 announces new president, a former Canopy exec with extensive public service experience
The Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) has appointed a new president, a former executive at Canopy Growth with extensive experience working within the public sector…
New Brunswick says it can’t enforce its cannabis laws on First Nations reserves
New Brunswick says it is unable to enforce its provincial cannabis laws on First Nations land, while other provinces take a different stance.
Toronto wants more money from the province to deal with a growing number of illegal cannabis stores
The head of Toronto’s licensing and standards department says the city needs more money to enforce the law against a growing number of illegal cannabis…
Ontario to add $31 million to budget to deal with increasing number of illegal cannabis stores
Ontario is planning to add $31 million to its budget to address illegal cannabis stores and websites operating in the province.
New Brunswick introducing legislative changes to reduce illicit cannabis sales
New Brunswick government has introduced amendments to its Cannabis Control Act with the goal of increasing compliance with provincial rules, reducing the sale of illegal…
Government’s expert panel calls for pharmacy access to medical cannabis
As a way to improve access to cannabis for medical purposes, the federal government’s expert review panel is suggesting allowing sales through pharmacies.
Media continues to misreport issues relating to illicit cannabis edibles
Following an incident in Halifax where several students under the age of twelve were taken to hospital after eating cannabis edibles, a new media report…
Organigram receives final ruling from Health Canada: Jolts are an edible
The company says it has stopped the production of Jolts in their current format and is currently working with Health Canada on timing to sell…
Federal, provincial governments must address barriers for small cannabis companies
Small-scale, craft cannabis producers may choose to move back into the illicit market if the barriers to the market are not addressed, says a new…
Canada tables final Report of the Legislative Review of the Cannabis Act
The Government of Canada released its final report on its review of the Cannabis Act, identifying 54 recommendations and 11 observations on how to strengthen…
Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls on province to modernize cannabis sector
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has called on the province to modernize the Ontario cannabis market as part of its 2024 provincial budget submission.
Kelowna cannabis store takes one week suspension for failure to ID minor
A cannabis store in Kelowna, BC, will have to close for a week in April after an employee was alleged to have sold cannabis to…
Cannabis sales increased in Nova Scotia to more than $111 million, driven by sales of local products
The figures, shared in the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation‘s annual report for 2022-2023, show a 9.3% increase in sales from the previous year and a…
Cannabis industry wonders when their relief is coming, too
On March 9, the Canadian government said it plans to provide thousands of dollars in alcohol excise duty relief to Canadian businesses, particularly local craft…
Ontario bans home grows in (some) child care settings, allows for agreements with First Nations cannabis stores
Ontario passed legislation this week that, among other things, bans growing cannabis in homes where childcare services are provided and further allows the province to…
AGLC reports its first cannabis profits
Alberta’s cannabis distribution agency posted its first year of profits for fiscal year 2022-2023, bringing in over $18 million from over $600 million in sales…
Cannabis sales continued to increase in 2022-2023, with extracts leading the charge
Stats Canada reports that cannabis sales and related activities brought in $1.9 billion for the provincial and federal governments in the year ending March 31,…
Manitoba group files appeal against cannabis home grow ban
The group challenging Manitoba’s ban on growing cannabis at home filed an appeal on March 1, 2024, against a recent court decision to uphold the…
Ontario cannabis store finds creative way to get around social media restrictions
Ontario cannabis retailer Stok’d Cannabis has released a series of ads it says circumvent social media platforms’ restrictions on cannabis advertisements by promoting neighbouring brands.
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance calling for changes to cannabis tax
The Ontario Cannabis Store’s (OCS) Social Responsibility Strategy has distributed and invested over three-quarters of a million dollars and provided more than two dozen equity…
The SQDC pulls back on operating hours of twelve branches
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) says it will be adjusting the closing time of a dozen locations across the province.
Infrastructure is key to hemp industry’s growth
Industrial hemp is beginning to get a foothold in North America, but the emerging industry still has a long way to go before it becomes…
Week in Weed – February 17, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 17, 2024
BC allows smoking, vaping cannabis on public patios, cannabis stores can now promote places to consume
BC has announced changes to its cannabis regulations that allow retail cannabis stores to promote a place to consume cannabis or to spend time after…
BC CSU raids cannabis stores on K’ómoks First Nation
BC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) conducted several raids of cannabis stores operating in K’ómoks First Nation on Wednesday, February 14.
Health Canada confirms cannabis samples are allowed
Despite some concerns posted online recently, Heath Canada has confirmed that cannabis producers can provide samples to provincially licensed cannabis retailers and their employees.
Week in Weed – February 10, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 10, 2024
Beaumont, Alberta passes new rules for medical cannabis production
The city of Beaumont, Alberta recently passed new rules to restrict the production of medical cannabis to agricultural land or light industrial areas.
Canadian cannabis nursery to import unique New Zealand genetics
Canadian cannabis producer Apollo Green will carry genetics supplied by a New Zealand medical cannabis company, Rua Bioscience.
Navigating the world of bankruptcy, restructuring in the cannabis industry
Five years into Canada’s legal non-medical cannabis market, industry maturation is evident, with many companies closing despite ongoing licence issuances.
Week in Weed – February 3, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 3, 2024.
Alberta makes changes to cannabis sampling rules, event sales, and more
AGLC made several changes related to authorizations to sell cannabis at age-gated events, new guidance for cannabis sampling, and cannabis sales between retail stores, among…
C3’s George Smitherman steps down, organization seeks new President & CEO
The Canadian Cannabis Council (C3) announced today that its President & CEO is stepping down.
BC’s cannabis market continues to mature, as sales appear to plateau
The figures were released as part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) Q3 report for 2023, covering October, November, and December.
Week in Weed – January 27, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 27, 2024.
Kootenay Aeroponic has deep roots in BC’s cannabis community
With several decades of experience growing cannabis, the two-person team at Kootenay Aeroponic has roots that go deep into the cannabis community in southeastern BC.
Israel opens “anti-dumping” investigation into cannabis imports from Canada
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Fraser Valley Regional District holding public hearing for new zoning regs for cannabis production
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in British Columbia will hold a public hearing on February 6 to discuss new regulations for cannabis producers.
Surrey releases proposal for up to 12 cannabis stores in BC’s second largest city
Surrey, BC, is proposing to allow up to 12 cannabis stores. Residents are invited to complete a survey to provide feedback on the draft framework,…
Ontario Court rules “frivolous” statement of claim against cannabis retailer had no hope of succeeding
An Ontario judge has ruled a statement of claim by one cannabis retailer against another, as well as the provincial cannabis regulator, is frivolous and…
Cannabis added to Canadian Free Trade Agreement, but cross-province sales not likely any time soon
The newest version of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has now been expanded to include trade in non-medical cannabis.
Week in Weed – January 20, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 20, 2024.
Waiting for Trudeau
Cannabis legalization was one of the crown jewels of Trudeau’s Liberal Party of Canada, but the Liberals have been almost entirely absent from the file…
Week in Weed – January 13, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 13, 2024.
BC continues to debate increasing 8-store cap for cannabis retailers
The BC government says it needs more time before it decides on previously announced potential changes to its retail cannabis rules, such as the number…
Week in Weed – January 6, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 6, 2024.
Drunk driver crashes into cannabis store in Ontario
A drunk driver crashed into a cannabis store in Ontario on January 4 in the town of Cardinal, about an hour drive south of Ottawa.
New micros outpaced standard cannabis licences in 2023, while revocations of both increased
2023 saw an increase in Canadian cannabis production licence revocations and expirations as some producers exited the industry. However, new licence holders entered the arena,…
Week in Weed – December 30, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 30, 2023.
Week in Weed – December 23, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 23, 2023.
Cannabis stores in Canada continue to be targets for robbers and burglars
Cannabis stores in Canada continue to be targets for robbers and burglars.
Eight Canadian cannabis labs team up to test accuracy of dried flower, pre-rolls, infused pre-rolls
A new research project looking at THC levels in different products on the Canadian market is once again highlighting the lack of reliably labelled dried…
Week in Weed – December 16, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 16, 2023.
Week in Weed – December 9, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 9, 2023.
Judge sides with First Nation in ownership dispute over cannabis store
The owners of a chain of cannabis stores that operate on First Nation land in Canada had one of their stores appropriated by a BC…
Wholesale cannabis prices appear to be rebounding
While an excess supply of wholesale cannabis flower has been driving prices down over the past few years, it is possible cannabis sellers are beginning…
Industry mixed on new OCS THC testing program
Many are supportive of the recent OCS announcement about testing some cannabis flower products that come through its central distribution warehouse, some say the provincial…
Week in Weed – December 2, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 2, 2023.
Victoria cannabis store sharing profits with employees
Starting December 1, Pineapple Victoria retail store owners have decided to become a profit-sharing business with their half-dozen employees.
OCS to begin temporary THC testing program in 2024
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) will be testing high-THC cannabis products sold in Ontario as part of a new pilot program launching in January.
Week in Weed – November 25, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 25, 2023.
Week in Weed – November 18, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 18, 2023.
Petition to increase THC limit for edibles gains traction, MP support
NORML Canada is petitioning the government of Canada to raise the THC limit on edibles from 10 mg per package to 100 mg THC.
Week in Weed – November 11, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 11, 2023.
High taxes, regulatory fees, low margins meant the end of the road for OGEN
The race to the bottom in prices is good for consumers but bad for growers, says Darren Brisebois, President of OGEN cannabis, which closed the…
No more “ingestible extracts” means some BC consumers discovering cannabis capsules
The brief appearance of ingestible extracts on cannabis shelves and their subsequent disappearance has potentially introduced more consumers to cannabis oil capsules, say some BC…
Week in Weed – November 4, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 4, 2023.
Sales, stores continue to increase in BC as prices continue to drop
The number of stores and the amount of cannabis sold in BC has continued to increase while the price of cannabis products continues to drop.
Health Canada still says cannabis intended to be consumed as food is not an extract
Health Canada says it is currently in the “redetermination process” regarding its initial ruling on Edison Jolts from Organigram.
BC has seized more than $38 million in illicit cannabis since 2019
The BC Community Safety Unit has seized $3 million worth of cannabis so far this year, for a total of $38.18 million since it began…
Organigram says Jolts coming back to several provincial markets after Health Canada considers initial classification decision on the product to be void
Organigram, the New Brunswick producer that had its Jolts lozenges taken off shelves earlier this year, says it is again offering the “ingestible extract” product…
