Federal government responds to edibles petition
The federal government has provided a response to a petition tabled earlier this year calling on an increase of the THC limit for edibles from…
Adverse reports associated with cannabis declined for third year in a row
The number of reports received by Health Canada of adverse reactions associated with cannabis has declined for the third year in a row.
BC provides updates to cannabis sampling rules
BC’s cannabis branch has provided updates on its cannabis sampling rules for cannabis marketing licensees.
SNDL to lay off 106 employees as part of restructuring
SNDL Inc. announced an $11 million “restructuring” that includes laying off 106 full-time employees.
Delta 9 receives CCAA protection, enters into agreement with FIKA following “aggressive” SNDL move
Manitoba-based Delta 9 Cannabis announced on July 15 that it had received an initial order for creditor protection.
Week in Weed – July 13, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending July 13, 2024.
Large increase in volume of medical cannabis products supplied in New Zealand
A new quarterly report from the New Zealand Ministry of Health shows a significant uptick in the volume of cannabis products supplied for medical purposes…
Preliminary report: Israel might apply import fees on Canadian cannabis
The Israeli Government has issued a preliminary decision on accusations that Canadian cannabis companies are dumping low-cost products in Israel’s medical cannabis market.
OCS shortens payment processing timelines for Flow-Through products
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is reducing its payment processing timelines for products sold through its Flow-Through ordering program.
Fire at JC Green Cannabis in Ontario
A reported explosion and fire at a cannabis facility near London, Ontario, took over an hour to get under control the night of Monday, June…
Expanding micro processing can benefit all micros
While some micro cultivators see little need for an expanded canopy, some micro processor believe the changes could benefit smaller craft producers.
Cannabis consumption space at Calgary music festival grows into its third year
Chinook Cannabis is hosting its third cannabis consumption space at the Badlands Music Festival, July 4-14, 2024.
Week in Weed – July 6, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending July 6, 2024.
Five private cannabis distributors now fully licensed by Manitoba’s LGCA
Manitoba has several private cannabis distributors now available for producers selling into the market and looking for an alternative to direct-to-retail shipping or cross-docking.
MediPharm to close Canna Farms facility, move medical sales to Ontario
Long-time BC cannabis producer Canna Farms is closing shop as its parent company shifts its medical platform to its Ontario facility.
Cannabis Jobs Update – July 2024
StratCann’s monthly round-up of cannabis job postings for July 2024.
Week in Weed – June 29, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending June 29, 2024.
Cannabis-related complaints to Ontario’s Ombudsman lowest since legalization
Ontario’s Ombudsman reports a near-record number of complaints in its recent 2023-2024 report, but a record-low amount of issues related to the province’s cannabis industry.
Australia’s cannabis regulator has issued more than $600,000 in fines
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued 35 infringement notices for the alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis on their websites and social media platforms.
Manitoba announces new cannabis product freshness criteria
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries announced new “product freshness criteria” effective July 15 to ensure fresher cannabis, including flower, edibles, extracts, and topicals.
Micros question proposed increase in canopy space
Health Canada recently proposed numerous changes to the federal cannabis regulations, including increasing capacity for micro cannabis cultivators and processors, as well as cannabis nurseries.
Nova Scotia sold $121 million worth of cannabis in 2023
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) released their most recent year-end financial report on June 25 covering April 1, 2023-March 31, 2024.
OCS plans to provide sales data to producers
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) says it plans to begin providing cannabis producers with more specific cannabis sales data, including access to store-specific information.
Organigram investment helps expand its presence into German market
Organigram Holdings Inc. has taken a minority stake in German cannabis company Sanity Group GmbH, giving them a foothold in the German market.
“Indige-Smoke” re-opens in Ontario, but without cannabis—for now
A chain of Indigenous-branded retail stores in Ontario that police have targeted in two series of raids for operating without a licence has re-opened—but without…
Ninth private retail store coming to New Brunswick
Retail Chain Cannabis Xpress says it plans to open its third store in New Brunswick soon, the first cannabis store in the small town of…
Week in Weed – June 22, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending June 22, 2024.
Vancouver VR company teams up with local retailer to create virtual cannabis store
ARCannabis, a cannabis retailer is partnering with a Vancouver-based Web3 company to develop a virtual cannabis store experience.
Retail cannabis sales year-over-year growth continues to slow, retail stores decrease
Retail cannabis sales rebounded in February and April after dropping to their lowest in nearly a year in January 2024, according to the most recent…
Atlas Global Brands granted CCAA protection
Atlas Global Brands, the company behind cannabis brands like D*gg Lbs, GreenSeal and Electric Lettuce, along with its subsidiaries, have been granted an initial order…
What’s going on with the BZAM/Final Bell trial?
Initially set for April 22, a motion by Final Bell against BZAM has been again postponed, this time until September 18 and 19, 2024.
Danish medical cannabis company looking to bring its unique cannabis oil to Canada
Danish pharmaceutical company Stenocare says it is exploring opportunities to expand its medical cannabis platform into the Canadian market.
Indigenous History Month focus: Indigenous cannabis news
The cannabis industry is increasingly involving Indigenous peoples, businesses, communities, and equity opportunities, with Indigenous voices being heard clearly in successes and disputes.
New cannabis patio opens in Mission, BC
Cheeky’s Cannabis store in BC is taking a second swing at hosting a cannabis-friendly patio space, this time in Mission.
Week in Weed – June 15, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending June 15, 2024.
Nova Scotia court rejects First Nations cannabis sovereignty argument
A Nova Scotia court has rejected a claim that the members of a First Nation can operate cannabis stores outside of provincial and federal cannabis…
Indiva receives creditor protection
Ontario-based cannabis edibles producer Indiva Limited announced on June 13 that it had been granted an order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice under…
Comparing greenhouse gas emissions from indoor cannabis production in Canada, US
The Canadian cannabis industry has a higher rate of emissions than its US counterpart, although that rate varies significantly depending on which province.
Manitobans still waiting for right to grow cannabis at home
Although Manitoba recently passed legislation to allow people to grow cannabis at home, they could be waiting several months before the law actually comes into…
Study finds inaccurate labelling on some cannabis oils in Ontario
A study from researchers in Ontario says that some cannabis oils on the market in Canada are inaccurately labelled for THC and CBD.
Week in Weed – June 8, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending June 8, 2024.
Health Canada proposes numerous, significant regulatory changes
Health Canada released numerous proposed regulatory changes to the federal cannabis rules and regulations on June 7, as part of a 30-day consultation process ending…
Legacy Supply Chain’s new processing licence expands service capability in Ontario
Legacy Supply Chain, connected to OCS’s distribution warehouse ,recently received a federal cannabis processing licence.
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke shares feedback on new cannabis regulations
The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Commission in Quebec released a report on its Cannabis Control Law draft Regulation Concerning Suppliers, and Regulations concerning alternate Board Members Feedback.
The SQDC contributed $258.8 million to Quebec in 2023
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) reports $662.1 million in sales for the fiscal year ending March 30, 2024, with a net income of $104.1…
Conservative MP says he would vote to recriminalize cannabis if given a chance
In a recent interview on a podcast, Alberta MP Arnold Viersen told host and Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith that he would vote for a bill…
Health Canada issues recall for cannabis products containing undeclared intoxicating cannabinoid
An Alberta-based cannabis company has recalled several cannabis oil and softgels due to the “presumed presence” of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), considered by Health Canada to be…
Manitoba passes legislation to allow growing cannabis at home
Bill 34, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act, which repealed Manitoba’s ban on growing up to four cannabis plants at home, passed on…
Alberta now allowing private label cannabis products
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) announced on May 31 that it will now allow private label cannabis products, effective immediately.
Retail chain Four20 files NOI under Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
The parent companies of cannabis retail chain Four20 Premium Markets filed a notice of intent to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act…
Cannabis Jobs Update – June 2024
The federal government has provided a response to a petition tabled earlier this year calling on an increase of the THC limit for edibles from…
Week in Weed – June 1, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending June 1, 2024.
Study finds driving impairment was not correlated with blood THC
A recent study in Ontario looking at the effects of edible cannabis on simulated driving and blood THC levels found that driving impairment was not…
More budtenders joining unions in Canada
A “green wave” of cannabis store employees has been joining a union representing more than 40,000 workers across multiple sectors in Ontario.
Shiny Bud files notice of intention to make a proposal under Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
The parent company of Shiny Bud, a cannabis retail chain in Ontario, announced it has filed a Notice of Intention to make a proposal pursuant…
Second cannabis store opens in Nunavut
A second cannabis store opened in Iqaluit, Nunavut, in April, to help serve the Territory’s population of around 33,000 people.
Alberta government researching impact of legalization on province’s youth
The federal government has provided a response to a petition tabled earlier this year calling on an increase of the THC limit for edibles from…
BC’s T’iitsk’in Spirit Ventures revive production at former CannTrust facility in Ontario
A company owned by a First Nation in BC is looking to grow cannabis in CannTrust’s old facility in Ontario.
Break-in at West Kelowna cannabis store
A cannabis store in West Kelowna was broken into in the early hours of Friday morning, leaving behind extensive damage and making off with a…
Week in Weed – May 25, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending May 25, 2024.
AGLC delisting more than 500 cannabis SKUs
The AGLC has notified several licensed producers that they will soon be de-listing more than 500 slow-selling SKUs from their central warehouse.
Hospital visits for cannabis among older Ontarians were increasing even before legalization
A study released this week shows that the annual rate of Emergency Department visits among older people in Ontario increased post-legalization.
New authority for inspectors in New Brunswick to deal with more than 100 illegal cannabis stores
New Brunswick recently passed new legislation to give provincial inspectors more authority to target a growing number of illegal cannabis stores.
Week in Weed – May 18, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending May 18, 2024.
BC LDB warehouse making changes to improve product freshness
BC is updating its rules for how long cannabis can sit in its warehouse before it will be returned to the producer.
Medical cannabis registrations continue to decline in Canada
Participation in Canada’s cannabis for medical purposes access program continues to decline in the wake of legalization, with about 5,000 fewer medical client registrations and…
Alberta makes changes to retail secure storage, “simulated or actual mixing” of cannabis, and more
New cannabis stores in Alberta may have a chance to save money on their secure storage rooms after recently announced regulatory changes from the AGLC.
Cannabis stores in Ontario sold nearly $2 billion worth of cannabis in 2023
Cannabis stores in Ontario sold nearly $2 billion worth of cannabis in 2023 to more than 10 million people, a 12% increase in sales from…
Week in Weed – May 11, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending May 11, 2024.
BC again raids unlicensed cannabis shops on K’ómoks First Nation
The federal government has provided a response to a petition tabled earlier this year calling on an increase of the THC limit for edibles from…
Organigram recalls small batch of its Big Bag o Buds for having too much THC
Organigram has recalled one lot of its dried cannabis sold in Ontario due to a labelling error.
Group launches suit against SQDC for forcing consumers to make “blind purchases”
Groupe SGF alleges that the provincial cannabis agency violates the Consumer Protection Act with ‘strain rotating’ products.
OCS to allow farmgate stores to sell exclusive products
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has plans to soon allow cannabis farmgate stores to sell cannabis products that are exclusive to their location.
Cannabis Jobs Update – May 2024
Want to work in Canada’s cannabis industry? There are always many different positions offered, from entry-level to executive, from Cultivation to Labs, from Budtending to…
Week in Weed – May 4, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending May 4, 2024. May the Fourth Week in Weed be with…
Manitoba businesses caught off guard by province’s recent “pause” on “controlled access” retail cannabis licences
Two Manitoba businesses say they were caught off guard by a recent change to the province’s cannabis store licensing program, impacting their business plans.
Salt Spring too small for two cannabis stores, proposed location inappropriate, say residents, council
The federal government has provided a response to a petition tabled earlier this year calling on an increase of the THC limit for edibles from…
Canada’s cannabis industry at risk of losing first-mover advantage to US
This week’s announcement that the Biden Administration will move ahead to reclassify cannabis to a much less restricted drug class and ease federal restrictions could…
Apollo Green makes Humboldt Seed Company cultivars available to international market
Canadian cannabis producer Apollo Green is making eight cannabis cultivars available to international markets through its partnership with US-based Humboldt Seed Company.
Cannabis growers gearing up for spring
With this year’s outdoor planting season rapidly approaching, home cannabis growers will once again be looking for seeds and clones for their gardens.
Week in weed – April 27, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending April 27, 2024.
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…
Curaleaf Holdings closes on acquisition of Ontario’s Northern Green Canada
US-based cannabis company Curaleaf Holdings Inc., has closed on its acquisition of Northern Green Canada, a Canadian producer focused primarily on EU-GMP product certification for…
Judge postpones BZAM/Final Bell trial
The judge overseeing the proceedings between BZAM and Final Bell has postponed the date for a trial following last-minute information presented to the court.
Tether’s signature sampling events head to Calgary and Kelowna
Since legalization, we have seen cannabis events play an integral and multifaceted role in shaping the trajectory of the Canadian cannabis sector. Sampling events, in…