David Brown
David Brown writes about cannabis policy and industry stuff and lives in British Columbia. He likes plants.
BC to launch direct delivery program on August 15
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Health Canada releases ‘What We Heard’ summary from cannabis diversity forum
Health Canada has released their “What we heard” summary report from their recent two-day Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum held earlier this year.
SQDC President: Quebec shifting from adding new stores to refining consumer experience
| David Brown | Insight
The SQDC plans to shift from adding new cannabis stores to adding even more new products and refining the consumer experience to continue gaining market…
Company left with questions after Health Canada rejects their cannabis freezies
An Ontario company getting ready to launch THC-infused freezies says they’ve had their plans dashed by a last-minute decision from Health Canada.
Burb Cannabis receives final approval from MVRD for store near UBC
A controversial application for a cannabis store near UBC received final approval last week from the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Board of Directors.
Eric Costen leading ISED work with cannabis industry
Eric Costen, a well-known name behind the federal regulator’s cannabis department for nearly a decade is now leading the federal team tasked with engaging with…
Organigram reaches settlement in pesticide-related class action
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
BC: Report on cannabis consumption spaces by end of year
BC retailers and producers can expect more information from the province later this year when it comes to farmgate sales, direct delivery, and on-site cannabis…
Six Nations Cannabis Commission issues first production licence under community regulations
The Six Nations Cannabis Commission (SNCC) has issued a cannabis production licence to Bloom Cannabis.
BC micro cultivators left with questions after credit union accounts closed
Two Vancouver Island cannabis growers say they were recently told they were losing their access to a local credit union in British Columbia, although the…
Cannabis consumption space returns to Edmonton Folk Festival
Attendees at this year’s Edmonton Folk Festival will have a space to enjoy cannabis while taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.
Canada’s 10mg edibles limit empowering black market, hamstringing legal industry
| David Brown | Insight
The Canadian cannabis industry says it’s time to raise the 10mg THC potency limit for edibles.
Vape pen recycling program ends due to lack of use
A pilot project to help address the challenges of consumer waste from cannabis vape pens has come to an end, due to a lack of…
Vancouver’s High Hopes Foundation seeking cannabis supply partners
One of Vancouver’s longtime community activists seeking to address the city’s opioid crisis is looking for cannabis producers to partner with in her newest attempt…
Proposed cannabis store near UBC receives approval from committee
A cannabis store proposed for a location near the University of British Columbia has received a positive recommendation approval from a Metro Vancouver committee.
Quebec’s cannabis sales increased 20% in most recent fiscal year
Quebec saw a 20% increase in cannabis sales in 2021-2022 compared to the previous year, bringing in $214 million in revenue for the province from…
Some BC First Nations share concerns around uneven enforcement policies
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Green Rose Farms prepares for their second outdoor micro crop
Green Rose Farms is a small sun-grown micro cultivator in New Brunswick, about 20 minutes outside of Moncton.
Strict age-gate rules, inconsistent enforcement frustrates some Alberta retailers
| David Brown | Insight
Some Alberta retailers say they are frustrated by inconsistent enforcement of the province’s own rules around age-gates for cannabis store websites.
After four years of legal sales, Uruguay serving about half of entire cannabis market
After more than four and a half years of operation, Uruguay’s legal cannabis market is serving about 39%-56% of cannabis consumers in the country.
Campaign for cannabis excise tax reform releases policy white paper
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Micros continue to be most popular licence category
Following the trend from 2021, micro cultivation and processing licences continue to be the most commonly awarded licence category.
Cannabis legalization bill reintroduced in S. Australia
A member of Australia’s Green Party has re-submitted a bill that proposes to legalize and regulate cannabis in South Australia.
Uruguay’s cannabis regulator visits Quebec, Ontario on fact finding mission
Members of Uruguay’s cannabis regulator, the IRCCA—along with other government officials—met with various Canadian officials last week as part of a diplomatic fact-finding mission.
Health Canada still hasn’t officially begun Cannabis Act’s three year review
Health Canada confirms they have still have not begun their required three-year review of the legislation, more than six months past the three-year anniversary.
OCS confirms data leak, OPP opens investigation
OCS confirms that confidential store sales data from the provincial cannabis distributor was leaked to the public.
Aurora Cannabis closes down their 200 acre BC farm
Aurora Cannabis’ has formally revoked its cultivation licence for a large, outdoor farm in BC.
Alberta micro grower creates Mossleigh’s Mary Jane Manor
The owner of a micro cannabis facility in Mossleigh, Alberta has created a cannabis-themed retreat space in the small, rural community about an hour southeast…
Group of retailers files suit against BC government for failure to enforce cannabis regulations
A group of cannabis retailers have filed suit against the BC government for what they say is a failure to enforce the province’s own regulations.
Cannabis clone sales making a splash in Atlantic Canada
Two Maritimes-based cannabis growers are making a splash selling cannabis clones from their own retail locations.
Increased terpene content leads to elevated release of degradation products for dabbing, decreases degradation in vape cart solutions
Higher levels of β-myrcene produce elevated levels of HPHCs during dabbing, but higher β-myrcene levels in SCO lead to lesser degradation and lower HPHC release…
Founder of not-for-profit says he’s concerned Manitoba holding back sale of fundraising pre-rolls
The man leading the charge to challenge Manitoba’s ban on home-grown cannabis says he believes the province may be holding back sales of a new…
Alberta finds doctor guilty of professional misconduct over medical cannabis authorizations
A doctor in Alberta has been found guilty of professional misconduct for failing to follow the provincial college of physicians’ standards of practice for authorizing…
Shoppers changing its compassionate care program for medical cannabis
Shoppers Drug Mart has confirmed that it is pausing its Compassionate Care Program for medical cannabis clients.
BC seeking feedback on cannabis consumption spaces for cafes, festivals, spas, and more
The BC Government is asking for feedback from the public on their future plans for cannabis consumption spaces.
Ontario study shows illicit edibles have significantly less THC than advertised, high levels of pesticides
The Ontario Cannabis Store has released a study looking at testing results of legal and illegal cannabis edibles.
Active medical registrations with LPs continue to decline, while personal and designated increase
| David Brown | Insight
The number of Canadians registering to purchase cannabis for medical purposes from licensed producers has been declining since legalization, while the number registered to grow…
Winnipeg moves one step closer to regulating designated medical cannabis grows
A bylaw preventing designated medical cannabis grows from operating in residential areas in Winnipeg has now moved one step closer to becoming law.
Updated: RFP process for new private CannabisNB stores to begin summer or fall
New Brunswick has now passed legislation to allow for new privately run cannabis stores in the province.
Two cannabis retailers share stories of strange scam calls, concerns with connections to robberies
Two cannabis retailers are sounding the alarm about a scam that appears to be targeting cannabis stores in Canada.
Health Canada to begin granting Dried/Fresh sales licences to all processors
Health Canada will soon begin granting sales licences to all micro and standard processing during the initial licensing process, without the need to submit a…
Growers left with questions about Shelter Market closure
Some cannabis growers who sold through the Shelter Market brand say they’ve been left unpaid after the company announced they were closing earlier this year.
AGCO reverses course, will allow retailers, LPs to white label products
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced that they will allow cannabis retailers in the province to enter into agreements with cannabis…
Cannabis NB pays off $37 million startup loan
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Vancouver budtenders join United Food and Commercial Workers Union
The BC Budtenders Union says they have recently unionized the first retail cannabis store in BC outside of Vancouver Island.
Increase in cannabis beverage possession limits among several proposed Health Canada reg changes
Health Canada has opened a public consultation period for proposed changes to the cannabis regulations concerning cannabis research and testing, and cannabis beverages.
Supreme Court of Canada to hear appeal in Quebec home grow case
The Supreme Court of Canada has said they will hear an appeal to a lower court ruling on Quebec’s home-grown cannabis ban.
BC to begin stakeholder engagement on cannabis consumption spaces
The BC government expects to begin stakeholder engagement this spring for potential consumption activities and locations, including special events, lounges, and retail experiences
Philadelphia border agents seize MDMA hidden in soup cans, Tramadol hidden inside cakes
Philadelphia U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents recently had a surprise when they found liquid MDMA in soup cans and Tramadol pills concealed inside cakes.
Some Alberta cannabis retailers ready for online sales and delivery, others are holding off
| David Brown | Insight
Several cannabis retailers in Alberta say they are getting ready to begin cannabis deliveries on March 8, or soon after, as the province shuts down…
Ontario Chamber of Commerce concerned with province’s plan to ban in-house cannabis brands and products
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce says they are urging Ontario’s cannabis regulator to reconsider new changes to the province’s rules meant to prevent inducements between…
Cannabis producers say new 6% markup on sales in Alberta will be hard to handle
Alberta cannabis producers say the new added markup to cannabis sold in Alberta will hit producers, already struggling to stay afloat, hard.
The Micro Collective on getting their first two licences, and plans for more
The Micro Collective, seeking to develop several dozen cannabis production licences across Canada has reached a significant milestone in January with their first micro cultivation…
Third cannabis farmgate store coming to New Brunswick
New Brunswickers in the Miramichi area will soon be able to buy cannabis directly from the grower at a new cannabis farmgate store in Chatham.
Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club has website taken down due to provincial investigation
A Victoria cannabis dispensary had their website taken down today due to an ongoing investigation by the province.
Aurora Cannabis says to expect legal action to protect their genetic library
In a conference call today discussing their most recent quarterly reports, Aurora Cannabis’ CEO Miguel Martin told shareholders to expect litigation in the future against…
Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club hit with $6.5 million in fines
The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, along with its founder Ted Smith, have been issued fines totalling $6.5 million by the BC government for selling cannabis…
Two thirds of micro sales applications have been licensed
Health Canada has received 32 sales amendment applications from 31 different micro producers since the beginning of legalization.
AGCO to update rules to prevent inducements between LPs and retailers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has released information on new provincial rules preventing inducements between licensed producers and cannabis retailers.
Cannabis clones coming to Newfoundland
Newfoundlanders who want to grow their own cannabis will soon have access to one of Canada’s first legal, over-the-counter sources of cannabis clones.
Inspection and Enforcement data for April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 now available
| David Brown | Insight
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
BC MLA questions BC’s lack of consistent enforcement of cannabis laws
| David Brown | Insight
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
BC MLA questions BC’s lack of consistent enforcement of cannabis laws
Mike Morris, the BC MLA for Prince George/Mackenzie, and official opposition critic for Public Safety and Solicitor General is again asking the BC government for…
Sugar Cane Cannabis on their new micro cultivation licence
The Williams Lake First Nation passed a significant milestone last week with the issuance of a micro cultivation licence to their Sugar Cane Cannabis production…
First Nations cannabis retailer says her community flooded with outsiders taking advantage of lax enforcement
A cannabis retailer operating on First Nations land near Enderby, BC, says she will soon have to close her doors for good due to competition…
Hop latent viroid continues to infect cannabis across Canada
| David Brown | Insight
A disease that severely damages cannabis plants is rapidly spreading across Canada.
US border agents seize more than 2,000 pounds of cannabis in shipment from Canada
US Customs and Border Protection Officers seized more than 2,000 pounds of cannabis coming in from Canada on Thursday.
Life Cycle Botanics ready to supply genetics to growers
Life Cycle Botanics is a cannabis nursery operating on BC’s Vancouver Island getting ready to begin supplying new genetics to commercial cultivators, especially those in…
BC Chamber of Commerce calls on province to address municipal “cannabis deserts”
BC’s Chamber of Commerce criticizes province for allowing municipalities to create “cannabis deserts” that hold back the industry.
BC Chamber of Commerce calls on major changes to BC cannabis laws, policy
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
BC’s outdoor growers make their way from field to shelf
| David Brown | Insight
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
BC to launch Indigenous cannabis shelf space program January 18
The BC government says they plan to launch their Indigenous Shelf Space Program on January 18.
BC cannabis producers prepare for farmgate, but questions remain
| David Brown | Insight
Cannabis producers in BC are looking forward to more details about the province’s farmgate program, to be announced sometime this year.
Injunction prevents Ontario town from shutting down medical cannabis growers
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Study jumps to several conclusions, blames legalization on an increase in hospital visits among young Ontarians
A new study showing emergency room visits for young Ontarians has increased since cannabis was legalized in 2018 is making the rounds in the media.
Micro processor Uniik Organica brings topicals and creams to market
Uniik Organica is a micro processor in Quebec with a line of body care products being launched in provinces in 2022.
Three years of legalization brings shift in Canadian attitudes about cannabis and its use
| David Brown | Insight
Canadians seem to be treating cannabis more responsibly since legalization, according to the newest cannabis survey from the Government of Canada.
Cannabis compliance and enforcement report coming in January
Health Canada intends to publish its Compliance and Enforcement Report: Cannabis Inspection Data Summary for the fiscal year 2019-2020 in January 2022.
Sweetgrass Cannabis
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Cannabis lawyer Jack Lloyd to assist in Manitoba home grow challenge
An organization challenging Manitoba’s ban on homegrown cannabis announced a new lead counsel for their fight, Jack Lloyd.
New rules for Alberta cannabis stores to deliver take effect in March 2022
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Legacy era retailer Weeds celebrates their new Vancouver location
One of Canada’s oldest retail cannabis chains has recently opened its second location. After more than two years of working through the licensing process, Weed’s…
Alberta one step closer to private retailers taking over online sales
Alberta’s Bill 80, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021, includes potential changes to the province’s cannabis regulations. The legislation passed second reading this week…
Auditor General report: What Ontario is doing well, where it needs improvement on cannabis
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Behind the scenes at BC’s Organnicraft
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
S. Australian legalization bill follows Canada’s lead
The Australian Green Party has released a bill that proposes to legalize and regulate cannabis in South Australia.
New Brunswick’s second farmgate store prepares to open its doors
BC will be launching its direct delivery program that will allow producers to sell directly to retailers on Monday, August 15, 2022. The BC government…
Metro Van wants all cannabis VOC feedback by December 15
Metro Vancouver has extended their feedback timeline on their updated proposals for an emission regulation for cannabis production and processing in the region.
Richmond cannabis applicant delayed again pending site review, says BC Court of Appeal
The BC Court of Appeals says the city of Richmond does not need to issue a building permit to a cannabis greenhouse seeking to operate…
BC’s distribution system causing challenges for cannabis retailers, producers in wake of road closures
| David Brown | Insight
BC producers trapped behind closed and washed out roads following a major storm that passed through the region on Nov 15 are looking to find…