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March 17, 2025

The future of outdoor cannabis in Canada

Outdoor cannabis cultivation in Canada faces challenges like oversaturation and weather, but lower costs and sustainability advantages are creating new opportunities for resilient growers.

March 4, 2025 | David Brown | Business, Cannabis News, Insight, Retail

Emerging and ongoing trends in Canadian cannabis sales

Cannabis sales hit nearly half a billion dollars in December 2024, but overall retail growth is slowing. Year-over-year growth remains at 5-6%, driven by customer…

February 26, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Business, Cannabis News, Government, Insight, Producers

What does the Conservative win mean for legal cannabis in Germany?

Germany’s conservatives pledged to overturn the 2024 legalization of cannabis if they win power in February’s election. They just won. What will this mean for…

February 18, 2025 | Staff | Cannabis News, Insight

Around the world with cannabis and marijuana

The way people refer to the Cannabis sativa plant differs around the world. In addition to the numerous global and local slang terms for the…

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The future of outdoor cannabis in Canada

March 17, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Business, Cannabis News, Insight, Producers

The future of outdoor cannabis in Canada

Outdoor cannabis cultivation in Canada faces challenges like oversaturation and weather, but lower costs and sustainability advantages are creating new opportunities for resilient growers.

Emerging and ongoing trends in Canadian cannabis sales

March 4, 2025 | David Brown | Business, Cannabis News, Insight, Retail

Emerging and ongoing trends in Canadian cannabis sales

Cannabis sales hit nearly half a billion dollars in December 2024, but overall retail growth is slowing. Year-over-year growth remains at 5-6%, driven by customer…

What does the Conservative win mean for legal cannabis in Germany?

February 26, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Business, Cannabis News, Government, Insight, Producers

What does the Conservative win mean for legal cannabis in Germany?

Germany’s conservatives pledged to overturn the 2024 legalization of cannabis if they win power in February’s election. They just won. What will this mean for…

Around the world with cannabis and marijuana

February 18, 2025 | Staff | Cannabis News, Insight

Around the world with cannabis and marijuana

The way people refer to the Cannabis sativa plant differs around the world. In addition to the numerous global and local slang terms for the…

Cannabis caught in interprovincial barriers

February 11, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Business, Cannabis News, Government, Insight

Cannabis caught in interprovincial barriers

If necessity is truly the mother of invention, President Trump’s ongoing melee over tariffs on Canadian goods is surely a doorway to innovation.

The double-standard in cannabis advertising

February 10, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Cannabis News, Insight

The double-standard in cannabis advertising

The Canadian cannabis industry has matured, normalizing use and fostering innovation, but restrictive advertising, marketing, and packaging rules remain an obstacle compared to the alcohol…

Navigating social media for cannabis

February 3, 2025 | Jonathan Hiltz | Business, Cannabis News, Insight

Navigating social media for cannabis

If you’ve been tasked with marketing a legal cannabis company or product online, chances are you’ve brushed up against, or even slammed into, various policies…

New government could mean big delays in cannabis industry demands

January 28, 2025 | David Brown | Business, Cannabis News, Government, Insight

New government could mean big delays in cannabis industry demands

The Canadian cannabis industry faces uncertainty with a potential federal leadership change, early election, and possible delays in addressing key industry concerns.

Navigating dementia: exploring the potential of cannabis in care

January 15, 2025 | Contributor | Insight

Navigating dementia: exploring the potential of cannabis in care

The connection between cannabinoids and dementia is still a developing area of research, but some promising findings have emerged.

Could a new Conservative government in Canada address cannabis industry concerns?

January 8, 2025 | Contributor | Business, Government, Insight, Producers

Could a new Conservative government in Canada address cannabis industry concerns?

Sooner or later, Canada will have an election in 2025. Increasingly, it seems like this could happen sooner rather than later. And if the polls…

Is the future of vapes disposable?

December 31, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

Is the future of vapes disposable?

For years, 510 thread cartridges and similar refillable systems have dominated the landscape, but as technology evolves and consumer preferences change, disposable vapes could be…

What could an early election mean for the cannabis industry and pending regulatory changes?

December 23, 2024 | David Brown | Business, Cannabis News, Government, Insight

What could an early election mean for the cannabis industry and pending regulatory changes?

Exploring the potential impacts of an early federal election on the Canadian cannabis industry.

The Good Weed Board, part nine

December 20, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

The Good Weed Board, part nine

Part Nine presents the Twelve Rules of the OG Rating Guide.

The Good Weed Board, part eight

December 2, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

The Good Weed Board, part eight

Part eight looks at the cheap weed system.

Pump up the volume – the influence of corporate cannabis in Alberta

November 25, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

Pump up the volume – the influence of corporate cannabis in Alberta

Being a smaller player in Canadian cannabis is not for the faint of heart. Alongside the same laundry list of regulations that every other company…

Hybridization: The life and legacy of cannabis strains

November 7, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

Hybridization: The life and legacy of cannabis strains

Cannabis has adapted for millennia, evolving from wild landrace strains to modern hybrids. In Canada, legal cultivation is recent, but legacy strains remain cherished staples.

Ontario cannabis retailers frustrated by increasing number of unlicensed stores

October 22, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

Ontario cannabis retailers frustrated by increasing number of unlicensed stores

As Canada marks six years of cannabis legalization, the legal industry faces stiff competition from illicit operators, impacting both cultivators and retailers. Regulatory challenges, taxes,…

Six years in, Canada’s illicit cannabis market is making a comeback

October 17, 2024 | David Brown | Insight

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…

A conversation with Suzanne Bergeron, President and CEO, SQDC

October 15, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

A conversation with Suzanne Bergeron, President and CEO, SQDC

Quebec’s strict cannabis regulations haven’t hindered its market growth. As legalization’s sixth anniversary nears, we explore what the future holds for French Canada’s evolving landscape.

The Good Weed Board, part seven

October 13, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

The Good Weed Board, part seven

Showcasing some of Canada’s best dried flower.

Why is it so hard to shut down illicit online cannabis sales?

October 7, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Cannabis News, Insight

Why is it so hard to shut down illicit online cannabis sales?

Despite almost six years of legal, regulated cannabis in Canada, illicit online retailers continue to prosper, seemingly with minimal interference from federal authorities.

Identify and naturally eliminate cannabis pests

September 24, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

Identify and naturally eliminate cannabis pests

In this comprehensive guide, Koppert helps growers identify and naturally eliminate cannabis pests, safeguarding your valuable crops.

Is the CCAA process being taken advantage of?

September 9, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

Is the CCAA process being taken advantage of?

The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act is federal assistance that allows financially troubled companies to restructure their affairs with creditors and avoid bankruptcy. With more companies…

A tale of two markets: The future of retail cannabis in Ontario and Quebec

August 27, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

A tale of two markets: The future of retail cannabis in Ontario and Quebec

StratCann explores two distinct cannabis business models in Quebec and Ontario, examining strategies, challenges, and potential future trajectories with insights from industry experts.

Canada’s wholesale cannabis market shifting from buyers’ to sellers’

August 19, 2024 | David Brown | Insight

Canada’s wholesale cannabis market shifting from buyers’ to sellers’

While the beginning of cannabis legalization in Canada was characterized by a surplus of product, many in the industry now say that trend has been…

Sampling for success? Analyzing the ROI of cannabis samples

July 29, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Sampling for success? Analyzing the ROI of cannabis samples

Health Canada permits producers to offer samples to licensed cannabis retailers and employees, to aid budtender education and helps LPs stand out in a crowded…

Alberta and BC reach agreement over wine sales. Cool, now do cannabis

July 18, 2024 | David Brown | Alberta, British Columbia, Insight

Alberta and BC reach agreement over wine sales. Cool, now do cannabis

BC and AB now allow BC wineries to ship directly to Alberta consumers, benefiting winemakers after severe crop damage. This move highlights the disparity in…

Cannabis clinical trials hampered by lack of GMP cannabis

July 15, 2024 | Dave Dormer | Insight

Cannabis clinical trials hampered by lack of GMP cannabis

Despite having government approvals and millions of dollars in funding, clinical trials involving cannabis are being delayed in Canada, some by several years, due to…

Industry: Cannabis rule changes a step in the right direction, but more is needed

July 2, 2024 | Dave Dormer | Insight

Industry: Cannabis rule changes a step in the right direction, but more is needed

Proposed regulatory changes to the federal cannabis framework are a good step toward bolstering the industry, but some retailers, producers, and consultants say more needs…

How long until Canadians can access medical cannabis in pharmacies?

June 10, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

How long until Canadians can access medical cannabis in pharmacies?

Earlier this year, a federal panel recommended expanding medical cannabis access to include in-person sales at pharmacies, alongside the current online model.

A better way of measuring THC in cannabis

May 28, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

A better way of measuring THC in cannabis

Humans have been using cannabis for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that we started to focus on plants producing higher and higher amounts of THC. It wasn’t until 1964 that we even…

Rotating cannabis from Health Canada to Agriculture

May 20, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Rotating cannabis from Health Canada to Agriculture

Many cannabis growers are frustrated that their agricultural products are entirely regulated by Health Canada, and believe that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada could take a more formal role in some…

Navigating certification for international markets

May 13, 2024 | Jonathan Hiltz | Insight

Navigating certification for international markets

Finding the right credentials to ensure products are qualified for international markets can be a daunting and confusing task.

Where is provincial cannabis tax revenue going?

May 7, 2024 | David Brown | Insight

Where is provincial cannabis tax revenue going?

When the Federal, provincial, and territorial governments discussed the federal excise tax rate in the lead-up to legalization in 2017, provinces successfully lobbied to receive…

Cannabis exporters’ biggest challenges are regulations, not market demand

April 15, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

Cannabis exporters’ biggest challenges are regulations, not market demand

The biggest challenge facing Canadian cannabis companies entering the export business is getting certified under Good Agriculture Collection Practice (GACP) regulations and the Good Manufacturing…

Taking account: The governance costs of alcohol and cannabis

March 26, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Taking account: The governance costs of alcohol and cannabis

The cannabis industry is often compared to alcohol in that the two have experienced periods of prohibition and are both now legally available, though highly…

The Good Weed Board, part six

March 17, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

The Good Weed Board, part six

Part six of the Good Weed Board, showcasing Canada’s best dried flower products.

The changing landscape of Canadian cannabis events

March 11, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

The changing landscape of Canadian cannabis events

From summer camp getaways to outdoor fairs and consumption lounges, cannabis events in Canada have taken a sharp turn from conferences held in massive conference…

5 ways retailers can grow their sales

March 4, 2024 | Contributor | Insight, Retail

5 ways retailers can grow their sales

Spoiler Alert: It’s Increasing Diversity Diversity is no longer just a buzzword. It’s something that consumers actively seek in the brands and stores they support. In fact, according to a recent s…

March 3, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

Navigating the challenges of brand partnerships

As a regulated industry, you have to work in partnership with a licensed producer to participate as a brand if you are not a licensed…

The rocky road to excise duty reform

February 28, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

The rocky road to excise duty reform

As drumbeats for duty reform grow louder—with the federal House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance recently recommending a switch to a 10% ad valorem…

Infrastructure is key to hemp industry’s growth

February 21, 2024 | David Brown | Insight

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…

Over $200 million owed in cannabis excise duty

February 8, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Over $200 million owed in cannabis excise duty

Since legalization, Canada’s cannabis industry has delivered substantial revenue to the federal government, as well as to the provinces and territories.

What’s the ideal approach to regulating cannabis?

January 23, 2024 | Tim Wilson | Insight

What’s the ideal approach to regulating cannabis?

After five years of recreational cannabis legalization, many industry observers believe that Canada’s regulatory environment is lagging behind both industry requirements and societal expectations.

Waiting for Trudeau

January 15, 2024 | David Brown | Insight

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…

Could “deli style” options address THC inflation concerns?

January 2, 2024 | Contributor | Insight

Could “deli style” options address THC inflation concerns?

Op-Ed: After 9.5 years of purchasing cannabis from Canadian Licensed Producers, one thing has remained stubbornly constant: inconsistencies and a high probability of disappointment when…

Finding success in a tough market

December 25, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Finding success in a tough market

As many Canadian cannabis companies struggle in a tough market and black-market competition, there are companies out there that have what it takes to succeed.

The downside of too much weed

November 27, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Insight

The downside of too much weed

Canada’s cannabis industry faces ongoing price compression, impacting producers large and small. Major LPs contend with surplus mid-grade flower, while smaller growers strive to stand…

The Good Weed Board, part five

November 20, 2023 | Contributor | Insight

The Good Weed Board, part five

Part five of the Good Weed Board, showcasing Canada’s best dried flower products.

Cultivate organic cannabis with living soil

November 19, 2023 | Contributor | Insight

Cultivate organic cannabis with living soil

Nutrient diversity fuels the biosynthesis of complex compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that contribute to cannabis quality.

CannStandard: Dried Flower Prices for October 2023

November 13, 2023 | Brad Martin | Insight

CannStandard: Dried Flower Prices for October 2023

A comprehensive analysis across nine provinces and two territories exploring average whole-flower product prices, from January 2021 to November 2023.

Cannabis companies are drowning in paperwork

October 30, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Business, Insight, Producers

Cannabis companies are drowning in paperwork

Within Canada’s cannabis industry, the paperwork requirements are placing a significant burden on smaller cultivators and processors.

Processing the pain: Financial disputes in a tight cannabis market

October 23, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Processing the pain: Financial disputes in a tight cannabis market

The journey of a cannabis product from soil to consumption can be a tortuous one. Given that many cultivators and processors are feeling squeezed financially,…

The Cannabis Act review will not save your business

October 11, 2023 | David Brown | Insight

The Cannabis Act review will not save your business

The current review of Canada’s Cannabis Act is a legislative review focussing on public health and safety concerns, not regulatory changes.

Clearing the smoke on cannabis hype

October 2, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Clearing the smoke on cannabis hype

Brands are fond of making grand claims that their product is somehow superior to others. Sadly, the reality doesn’t always align with the pitch.

Four ways to solve the potency inflation problem

September 25, 2023 | Contributor | Insight, Labs

Four ways to solve the potency inflation problem

A deep dive into potency inflation, symptomatic of a lack of universal standards in an industry that is only 5 years old.

Dried flower price outline August 2023

September 18, 2023 | Contributor | Insight

Dried flower price outline August 2023

A comprehensive analysis exploring average whole-flower product prices between January 2021 to August 2023.

The case for government to help fund cannabis emissions testing

August 30, 2023 | Contributor | Insight

The case for government to help fund cannabis emissions testing

Unless Health Canada crafts new regulations, it’s up to LPs and scientists to pioneer work in the area of emissions testing, which requires a major…

Cannabis taxation’s multiplier effect

August 22, 2023 | Tim Wilson | Insight

Cannabis taxation’s multiplier effect

When assessing margins and taxation in the cannabis supply chain, the end consumer may be paying more in taxes than they think

CannStandard: Dried Flower Price Outline 2021-2023

July 31, 2023 | Brad Martin | Insight

CannStandard: Dried Flower Price Outline 2021-2023

Looking at the static averages from January 2021 to June 2023, the average retail price without tax of whole flower cannabis ranged from $10.80 for…

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