Five years into legalization, cannabis industry reaches saturation point as legal weed takes more than 70% market share
Five years into legalizing cannabis in Canada, the industry appears to be beginning to reach a saturation point.
The long road to crafting the perfect crop, with Alberta’s Wildwood Weed
Licensed in late 2022, Alberta’s Wildwood Weed is finally ready to bring its first crop to market, launching in Saskatchewan in November.
Canada releases What We Heard Report on the Cannabis Act review
Health Canada has released their What We Heard Report on the ongoing legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
Growing Relationships – Manitoba Agenda
Event details for our Growing Relationships Manitoba attendees.
Cannabis farm leads Kitchener RCMP to large drug bust, six arrests
The RCMP in Kitchener, Ontario say the discovery of thousands of cannabis plants led to the seizure of several other controlled substances and guns, and…
Emblem recalls CBD vape pen for inaccurately labelled CBD
The recall is for one lot of Emblem Cannabis’ Divvy Nebula II CBD 510 Vape Cartridge, sold through authorized retailers in Ontario and Manitoba.
CertiCraft
Launched in 2020, CertiCraft is a seed-to-sale solution for licensed cannabis producers who want to streamline operations and save hours on monthly reporting.
Unlicensed cannabis store in Saint John raided, one arrested
Officers with New Brunswick’s Department of Justice and Public Safety seized contraband cannabis and various illegal products from a storefront in Saint John on September…
BC’s Life Cycle Botanics on what it means to be a full-service cannabis nursery
Utilizing a big picture, “holistic” approach to genetic selection and supply, Life Cycle launched in October 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of…
Updated: OCS issues recall for two cannabis products for incorrect THC
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has issued a recall for two cannabis products this week for incorrect THC values.
2023 Vancouver Island Farm Tour – itinerary
Details and updates for attendees of the September 30, 2023 Vancouver Island Farm Tour.
Cities in BC still asking for their share of cannabis tax
In a resolution to be considered at this week’s annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention, the government of Port Moody, with support from the…
BZAM cuts more than 90 personnel as company refocusses to two production sites
The company also says it is “focusing the scope of activities” at its facility in Pitt Meadows, BC facility and “concentrating other activities at its…
High Tide announces new consumer-facing digital magazine
High Tide, owner of a chain of cannabis stores across Canada, is launching a new consumer-facing digital magazine.
Manitoba Liberal Party wants to target black market cannabis
The Manitoba Liberal Party is including cracking down on illicit online cannabis sales as part of its platform in the lead-up to the provincial election…
Listening to legacy experts and understanding cannabis consumers the key to company’s success
One of Canada’s leading cannabis producers, Adastra Holdings, attributes its success to identifying and addressing gaps within the industry.
Hidden Harvest Inc. and Remix Genetics collaborate to introduce seedless cannabis genetics to the Maritimes
Hidden Harvest Inc. and Remix Genetics are teaming up to bring “seedless” cannabis cultivars to the Maritime provinces.
Two cannabis stores in New Brunswick raided, three arrested
Department of Justice and Public Safety peace officers in New Brunswick recently seized cannabis products, psilocybin, contraband cigarettes, and cash from two locations in the…
RCMP considering changes to cannabis policy for some employees
The RCMP is considering changing its policy that currently requires many employees, including front-line officers, to refrain from consuming cannabis for four weeks prior to…
Substance Law
Substance Law began in June 2018, offers services for cannabis clients across Canada with a focus on the Ontario retail cannabis market.
Large shipment of Canadian cannabis seized in the Netherlands
More than 1,000 kilograms of cannabis shipped from Canada was recently seized in the Netherlands.
Reminder: Some of Health Canada’s COVID-19-related “flexibilities” expire Sept 30
Health Canada is reminding federal cannabis licence holders that some covid-related “flexibilities” will end September 30, while others will continue.
Cannabis sales continue to increase in Nova Scotia, with local products now more than 30% of sales
Nova Scotia sold $29.1 million worth of cannabis in its first quarter of 2023, from April 1, 2023-July 2, 2023.
Elevate Cannabis Industry Expo is in Toronto, September 12-15
Elevate Cannabis Industry Expo is the first cannabis conference brought to you by Canadian retailers, delivering four full days of immersive training and education, a…
UBC opens new Biology of Cannabis course
The University of British Columbia Vancouver campus is launching a new Biology of Cannabis course this year, starting in January 2024.
BC cannabis sales increase as prices continue to drop
Cannabis sales continue to increase as prices continue to drop in BC, according to a new wholesale quarterly report for April to June, 2023.
Canadian retail cannabis sales passed $420m in June 2023
Cannabis sales in Canada passed the 420 million mark again in June, following a slight decline after the Christmas shopping season.
Updated: Arsonist sets Canna Cabana locations on fire at around 4:20 am
Two Canna Cabana cannabis stores in Burlington, Ontario were the targets of arson early in the morning on August 22
Canopy Growth enters into an agreement for the sale of Hershey Drive facility in Smiths Falls
Canopy Growth says it has entered into an agreement to sell its Hershey Drive facility in Smiths Falls, Ontario, back to Hershey.
Ontario projects $463 million in revenue from cannabis sales, taxes for 2023-24
The Ontario government expects to bring in $269 million from its portion of the federal cannabis excise duty for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Veterans Affairs Canada paid for more than $167 million worth of cannabis in 2022-2023
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) paid for more than $167 million worth of cannabis in 2022-2023, or the equivalent of more than 21 thousand kg going…
Australian Greens introduce their Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023
The Australian Greens tabled a bill to legalize cannabis on Friday, August 10 – the Greens Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023.
International medical cannabis market driving Aurora’s cannabis sales
The Canadian cannabis producer shared the numbers as part of its most recent fiscal 2024 first quarter results on August 10.
Organigram’s application for judicial review of edible extracts ruling approved
A judge has approved Organigram’s application for judicial review of Health Canada’s decision that Jolt’s “ingestible extracts” were in contravention of the federal Cannabis Regulations.
Cronos closing cannabis fermentation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cronos Group says it will be winding down its cannabinoid “Fermentation facility” in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with intentions to list the facility for sale.
Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs)
Founded in 1987, Actlabs offers analytical testing services for the cannabis industry out of their 200,000 sq ft. headquarters in Ontario.
Week in Weed – August 5, 2023
It’s been yet another very busy week in cannabis news. Here’s your headline summary for the week ending August 5, 2023.
North Vancouver Cannabis Education Expo
The North Vancouver Cannabis Education Expo takes place from 11am-7pm on Saturday, August 26th, at the aptly-named North Vancouver Shipyards “Pipe Shop” venue.
Stats Canada says some cannabis users are one toke over the line
A new study from Statistics Canada has found that 1 in 20 Canadians who had consumed cannabis in the past year were at risk for…
US study calls into question accuracy of field sobriety tests for cannabis
Results of a California study question the accuracy of field sobriety tests from law enforcement officers in detecting THC impairment.
UBC and Aurora Cannabis looking at developing better outdoor cultivars for Canada
A researcher at UBCs Biodiversity Research Centre is teaming up with a geneticist at Aurora Cannabis to adapt cannabis for outdoor production.
Week in Weed – July 29, 2023
This week in weed has been a busy one, including Mastercard in the US telling payment companies to stop allowing US customers to buy cannabis…
Nominations now open for Grow Up’s Awards Gala
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Grow Up Awards Gala, set to take place in Victoria, BC, in early October.
Aurora Cannabis closes sale of Sun facility
Aurora Cannabis has closed the sale of its Medicine Hat, Alberta facility to Bevo Farms, a subsidiary of Bevo Agtech Inc.
Week in Weed – July 22, 2023
The weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending July 22, 2023.
Week in Weed – July 15, 2023
The weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending July 15, 2023.
Health Canada to begin testing of legal, illegal cannabis
Health Canada is launching a new data-gathering program on cannabis markets in Canada that will include sampling and testing of both legal and illegal products…
Week in weed – July 8, 2023
The weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending July 8, 2023.
Manitoba micro cultivator part of criminal investigation, property seizure
A man connected to a recently-licensed micro cultivator in Manitoba is part of an ongoing case relating to the illicit production, sale, and distribution of…
Ontario man pleads guilty to smuggling cannabis into US by helicopter
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York says that 28 year old Raminderjit Assi of Hamilton, Ontario, along with a…
Researchers investigate pre-roll grind bioavailability
A group of researchers in Vancouver are trying to help cannabis pre-roll manufacturers better understand the most effective and efficient particle size for ground cannabis…
Study finds room for improvement in Canadian QA/QC standards
Researchers from the University of Ottawa examined the role that quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) play in both ensuring the safety of cannabis…
Week in weed – July 1, 2023
Your weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending July 1, 2023.
Toronto Police arrest man in connection with violent cannabis store robbery
Toronto Police have arrested a man in connection with an armed cannabis store robbery that occurred on June 21.
BC’s Tantalus Labs lays off majority of workforce as it files for restructuring
Tantalus Labs, a BC-based cannabis grower first licensed in 2017, has announced it’s closing up shop, filed a Notice of Intent for Restructuring in Canadian…
Cannabis sales continue to grow in Canada, as cannabis flower prices appear to bottom out
A new report from US-based Headset looks at the evolution of the legal cannabis market over the four and a half years of legalization.
Kootenay cannabis and music festival enters its sixth year
The 6th annual Unicorn Music Festival, takes place August 11-14 in the Kootenay, BC region, featuring arts, performance, camping and cannabis.
SQDC announces new interim president and CEO
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) will have a new interim President and Chief Executive Officer as of June 26, 2023, as the agency begins…
BC entrepreneur brings an array of experience to local cannabis industry
Michael Forbes brings his experience in medicine, business management, production, and retail to the cannabis market.
More than $100 million of cannabis sold in Nova Scotia last year
Nova Scotia sold $111.1 million of cannabis in fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year.
Newfoundland sold more than $70 million worth of cannabis in the last year
Newfoundland sold more than $70 million worth of cannabis in the last year, according to Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) Q4 and Fiscal Year…
Cannabis NB issues RFP for storage and distribution
Cannabis New Brunswick has posted an RFP for a third-party logistics provider to handle storage and distribution services in the province.
Lost American arrested at Canadian border with 181 kg of cannabis and over half a million in cash
Five years into legalizing cannabis in Canada, the industry appears to be beginning to reach a saturation point.New statistics shared by the Government of Canada…
Cannabis consumers in Canada are willing to pay more for quality, but are still focused on high THC
A recent study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs examined cannabis consumer preferences as they relate to choosing where and what to…
Competition Bureau calls for more THC for edibles, more standardization among provinces
Canada’s Competition Bureau is recommending the government make several changes to cannabis regulations to make the industry more viable for legal business.
Updated: OCS recalls mint CBD spray for being an unlicensed prescription drug
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has issued a recall for Feather brand’s Dream Mint CBD Rapid Spray from Motif Labs Ltd.
Lift Expo’s evolution in the Canadian cannabis landscape
Lift Expo returns to Toronto on June 1-3, continuing to build momentum with its redesigned event to meet the needs of today’s industry.
Indigenous man sues BC over CSU raids of his cannabis store
The owner of an indigenous-owned cannabis store in BC that was raided by the province in 2020 is now suing the BC government.
Health Canada will again be extending some of its COVID-19 related measures for the cannabis industry
In a memo sent out to licence holders on May 4, 2023, Heath Canada says it will be extending certain administration and enforcement adjustments beyond…
BC needs someone to take pictures of weed
Five years into legalizing cannabis in Canada, the industry appears to be beginning to reach a saturation point.New statistics shared by the Government of Canada…
Victoria Cannabis Buyers club files lawsuit against BC government
The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) announced plans to file an injunction and a constitutional challenge against the provincial government in response to several raids…
Inside the world’s largest legal cannabis distribution centre
The Ontario Cannabis store, through a third party, operates the largest legal cannabis warehouse in the world.
New Brunswick’s first privately-owned cannabis stores could open this summer
The New Brunswick government began the vetting process for ten new private cannabis stores following a tender process that ended in October 2022.
OCS launches Social Impact Fund, encourages organizations to apply
The Ontario Cannabis Store has launched its Social Impact Fund to provide funding for organizations working to promote social responsibility in connection with cannabis.
Price of cannabis in Canada continues to decline, except for medical cannabis
Although the price of many consumer goods has been increasing over the past year, the price of cannabis in Canada continues to decline.
Health Canada issues two new cannabis recalls due to inaccurate cannabinoid levels
Health Canada issued two new recalls of dried cannabis on April 18, one sold in Alberta and one in Saskatchewan.
Inflated THC levels undermine cannabis industry
A new study looking in the US argues that inflated THC levels on cannabis products undermine industry credibility.
Cannabis producers, retailer team up to show support for LGBTQ+ communities
A Manitoba cannabis processor and an Ontario cannabis grower are teaming up with a cannabis retailer in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to show their support for…
BC announces cannabis policy changes aimed at helping industry
In a memo to industry stakeholders, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) says it will be implementing several policy changes aimed at supporting the cannabis…
Cannabis use decreasing in Quebec since legalization, but vaping on the rise
Quebec’s annual survey that follows the evolution of cannabis consumption in the province shows no increase in cannabis use in the province from the previous…
Family petitions Nova Scotia to cover costs for children’s CBD oil
Parents of a six-year-old girl in Nova Scotia are lobbying the provincial government to cover the cost of using cannabis oil for the treatment of…
Ontario police uncover illegal cannabis extraction lab
Five years into legalizing cannabis in Canada, the industry appears to be beginning to reach a saturation point.New statistics shared by the Government of Canada…
Health Canada issues product recall for Pure Sun Farms BC Sour Kush for inaccurate labelling
Two lots of Pure Sunfarms Corp.’s Original Fraser Valley Weed Co. BC Sour Kush dried cannabis, sold in Ontario, were recalled due to incorrect cannabinoid…
Herbal Dispatch
The team at Herbal Dispatch brings their legacy savvy to the legal market with a suite of services designed to bring craft cannabis to medical…
Cannabis industry disappointed by lack of tax reform in Budget 2023
The Canadian government says it will continue to monitor the evolution of the cannabis industry, but did not include any significant reforms as part of…
Shoppers Drug Mart to exit medical cannabis market
Shoppers Drug Mart, one of the largest medical cannabis platforms in Canada, announced today its plans to transition out of the business, effective May 15,…
Most cannabis is around 18-24% THC, according to one lab’s results
One cannabis testing lab in Canada says most of the cannabis they have analyzed is around 18-24% THC, with only a fraction cracking the 30…
Health Canada seeks feedback on potential amendments to Cannabis Regulations
Health Canada is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders on potential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations.
BC raids Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club at their new location
BC’s Community Safety Unit, along with Victoria Police were seen raiding the new location of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club today.
Vancouver Island police seize more than $100,000 in cannabis and nicotine vapes
Police on Vancouver Island seized over $100,000 worth of illicit cannabis and nicotine vape products they say were being distributed to minors.