Federal government fails to implement “ambitious” program to streamline cannabis pardons by deadline
Canada’s Bill C-5, passed in 2022, mandates sequestering simple drug possession records, including cannabis, by 2024, removing them from criminal background checks—a complex process across…
Researchers in Saskatchewan looking at how edibles can impact driving
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan’s Driving Research and Simulation Laboratory will begin looking at how cannabis edibles impact people’s ability to drive in 2025.
BC businesses team up to research effects of e-beam irradiation on cannabis
A cannabis education group has teamed up with a cannabis testing lab in BC to look into the impacts of remediation on cannabis.
BC’s Community Savings provides support for cannabis industry
BC’s Community Savings Credit Union president and CEO Mike Schilling says his phone has been ringing off the hook with queries from cannabis businesses following…
Week in Weed – December 7, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending December 7, 2024.
Health Canada: Only about 5% of cannabis purchases in Canada come from irregular sources
The vast majority of cannabis purchases in Canada continue to come from legal sources, according to Health Canada’s annual cannabis survey.
Court rejects Final Bell’s equity claims against BZAM monitor, again extends stay of proceedings
A judge approved a motion to extend the stay of proceedings between Final Bell and BZAM, and has been again postponed, this time to January…
Organigram acquires Motif Labs, making it Canada’s largest cannabis company by market share
Organigram Holdings Inc. has acquired cannabis extractor Motif Labs Ltd. for $90 million in a stock and cash deal.
PEI amends 2021 vaping legislation to note it doesn’t apply to cannabis products
However, there has been no change in policy in regard to what products PEI Cannabis Management Corporation (PEICMC) can sell.
OCS shares safe cannabis consumption tips for the holidays
The OCS is promoting its Cannabis Made Clear campaign over the holiday season, sharing tips and resources for safe and responsible cannabis consumption.
Nova Scotia sells $32.6 million worth of cannabis in Q2 2024
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) saw $32.6 million in cannabis sales in the three months ended September 29, 2024 (Q2 2024), a 3.9% increase…
Group seeking to enrol 1,000 Canadian medical cannabis patients for observational study
Canadian cannabis company Avicanna recently announced their participation in an observational study looking at the potential therapeutic use of medical cannabis for issues like pain,…
Cannabis Jobs Update – December 2024
StratCann’s monthly round-up of cannabis job postings for December 2024.
Week in Weed – November 30, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending November 30, 2024.
AGLC makes several updates, clarifications to retail cannabis and cannabis representative policies
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has made amendments to its Retail Cannabis Store Handbook and the Cannabis Representative Handbook Cannabis.
Cannabis vapes coming to SQDC by fall 2025
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is adding vaping products to its product offering, but consumers will have to wait a year or so to…
More than $20 million in cuts to Health Canada’s cannabis program over next three years
Health Canada’s cannabis program will see about $20.5 million in cuts over the next three years as part of the federal government’s goal of finding…
Australian Senate rejects cannabis legalization bill
The Australian Senate voted to discontinue debating a cannabis legalization bill on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Canadian cannabis companies bringing THC-infused sublingual pouches to market
Two Canadian cannabis companies have recently launched the first THC-infused oral pouches, Sensi Brands’ Chillows by Potluck and the Good Shroom Co’s DYP’s.
Trudeau, Poilievre trade barbs in QP over cannabis legalization
During a debate in the House of Commons regarding issues Canada is facing with the incoming US President, Justin Trudeau and Pierre Polievre briefly squared…
Canadian Cannabis Council, Global Affairs Canada question Israel’s Canadian cannabis report
The Canadian Cannabis Council (C3) says it continues to be surprised by the allegations of “product dumping” of cannabis from Canada by the Israeli government.
Health Canada grants cannabis testing licence to Brock University
Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, has received an analytical testing license from Health Canada.
Israel’s Ministry of Health says tariffs on Canadian cannabis will harm patients, benefit illicit market
Israel’s Ministry of Health takes issue with tariffs proposed by Israel’s Ministry of Economy on cannabis imported from Canada.
Week in Weed – November 23, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending November 23, 2024.
Cannabis NB launches Good To Know cannabis awareness campaign
Cannabis NB has launched an education campaign aimed at informing consumers about the risks of illegal cannabis products.
Monthly retail cannabis sales in Canada continue to hold under the $500 million mark
Retail cannabis sales in Canada continue to hold relatively steady year-over-year, with the summer peak in sales in August reaching $4.76 million, up slightly from…
Alberta sold $673.5 million worth of cannabis in 2023-2024
The AGLC brought in $63.9 million in net revenue from $673.5 million worth of cannabis sold in the province for the year ended on March…
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek seeks negotiations with Ontario on retail cannabis
Ontario NDP MPP France Gélinas urges provincial response on Atikameksheng Anishnawbek’s request for retail cannabis negotiations during Bill 223 debate.
CRA has written off nearly $5 million in cannabis excise tax
The Canada Revenue Agency has written off nearly $5 million worth of excise tax on cannabis as uncollectable, as of September 21, 2024.
Ontario cannabis retailer fined $100,000 for illegal “data deals”
A cannabis retailer in Ontario will have to pay a $100,000 fine for pursuing and accepting prohibited payments from licensed cannabis producers.
Ontario introduces legislation that would impose new penalties for advertising and promoting illegal cannabis
Ontario proposed legislation to combat illegal cannabis sales by prohibiting advertising and promotion of illicit cannabis under provincial law.
Cannabis industry takes steps to manage Canada Post strike
Following a strike announcement by the union representing Canada Post workers, cannabis companies in Canada say they are taking steps to ensure customers can still…
Week in Weed – November 16, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending November 16, 2024.
Law firm says SQDC broke provincial rules with “rotating” SKU pricing
A law firm in Quebec has modified an application for a class action suit against the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) relating to how the…
BC Gov seeks to seize two properties they say are connected to cannabis trafficking
The BC Government filed a civil lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court on November 12 against a Kelowna business they say was purchased with and…
Tilray’s Aphria RX facility launches its first German-grown cannabis
Tilray Medical has launched its first commercial-grown medical cannabis flowers from its Aphria RX GmbH facility in Germany.
Nova Scotia’s “safe” cannabis campaign irks Dalhousie clinical psychologist
A marketing campaign by Nova Scotia’s cannabis regulator is catching flack from a clinical psychologist for what he says is the promotion of cannabis use.
Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Board issues first micro cannabis production licence
The Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Board has issued their first cannabis production licence, a micro cultivator called MSJ Cultivation.
Israel: Report now proposes up to 175% tax on Canadian cannabis imports
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has proposed levies of up to 175% on Canadian cannabis products being sold in the country’s medical cannabis program.
Week in Weed – November 9, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending November 9, 2024.
Noya Holdings Inc. and Noya Cannabis Inc. apply for creditor protection
Noya Holdings Inc. and Noya Cannabis Inc. have applied for creditor protection in an initial order posted on November 6, 2024. Noya’s monitor in the…
Conservative BC MLA blames legalization for illegal weed bust
A recently re-elected BC MLA is in hot water with the province’s legal cannabis industry following a recent comment she made on social media platform…
AGLC launches Forget Bad Bud campaign
Alberta’s cannabis regulator has launched a campaign to encourage cannabis consumers to not use the illicit market.
Winnipeg staff report recommends keeping designated production licensing in place
A new report from city staff in Winnipeg says there have been no public complaints or licence applications following the designated medical cannabis production zoning…
Legal pot shops in Vernon see surge in customers following recent raids
Cannabis retailers in Vernon, BC, say they’ve seen an increase in new customers following recent raids of several unlicensed stores operating just outside city limits.
Week in Weed – November 2, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending November 2, 2024.
Surrey City Council to consider 12 cannabis stores, the first in the city
City Staff are recommending that Surrey City Council initiate rezoning applications on behalf of the eight successful applicants at twelve locations to permit Cannabis Retail…
Cannabis Jobs Update – November 2024
StratCann’s monthly round-up of cannabis job postings for November 2024.
Details emerging in CSU raids on OKIB land near Vernon, BC
BC’s Community Safety Unit, which focuses on enforcement of provincial retail cannabis rules, shut down several unlicensed cannabis stores in the Vernon area this week.
Ontario affirms $31 million commitment to take on illicit cannabis market
The Ontario government has affirmed their plan to invest $31 million over the next three years to take on illegal cannabis stores.
Some Australian cannabis companies growing weary of Canadian imports
As Australia’s domestic medical cannabis market evolves, some companies are becoming frustrated with the country’s ongoing reliance on cannabis imports from Canada.
New Brunswickers prefer convenient cannabis products
According to a new annual report from Cannabis NB, New Brunswickers prefer more “convenient” cannabis products as the market continues to shift to products like…
Decibel Cannabis to acquire AgMedica Bioscience, expanding export potential
The Federal government’s Bill C-5, passed in 2022, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, sought to, among…
Week in Weed – October 26, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending October 25, 2024.
BC pot shop fined for selling cannabis at too low of a price
A cannabis store in BC has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine for selling cannabis at too low of a price.
Trichome Consulting Services named 2024 Cannabis Consulting Compliance Company
Trichome Consulting Services (TCSI) has been awarded the Cannabis Consulting Compliance of the Year in Canada 2024, reflecting the company’s exceptional reputation and the trust…
Radicle Femmes celebrates Canadian women in weed this November
This November, Marigold PR is bringing together professional women in cannabis with a trio of Radicle Femmes Holiday Networking events across three major Canadian cities:Vancouver,…
Weed Me recalls one lot of Ripped cannabis pre-rolls from Alberta
Cannabis company Weed Me has recalled one lot of its Ripped Zone In/Zone Out dried cannabis pre rolls sold in Alberta from October 2 to…
High levels of pesticides found in illegal cannabis vapes
A new study reveals high levels of chemical contaminants in illicit cannabis vape cartridges in Canada, including high levels of pesticide contamination.
AGLC quickly corrects course on sampling rule change
Alberta’s cannabis regulator is walking back a recent rule change for cannabis sampling, saying some of the messaging in an industry memo was incorrect.
Manitoba extending pause of “controlled access” licensing another 18 months
Manitoba is extending its review of licences that allow some convenience stores to sell cannabis until December 31, 2025.
AGLC says sampling restricted to retail store owners in Alberta (This decision has now been reversed)
The provincial cannabis regulator (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) sent out a memo on October 18 to all cannabis licensees, representatives, and suppliers, reminding them…
Yukon cannabis report highlights need for cannabis consumption spaces for tourists
Municipalities in the Yukon say there is a need for public consumption spaces in the Territory to provide a legal space for tourists to smoke…
Week in Weed – October 19, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending October 19, 2024.
BC Budtenders Union secures contract wins for Vancouver cannabis store employees
A union representing cannabis retail workers in British Columbia says it has secured key contract wins for workers at a Vancouver cannabis store.
BC cannabis nursery and university collaborate on cannabis barcoding project
Life Cycle Botanics has teamed up with BC’s Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to develop affordable methods for growers to more accurately identify what cannabis cultivars…
Cannabis research lounge in Toronto exploring cannabis and music
A new cannabis consumption lounge is now open in downtown Toronto, and it’s looking to explore the relationship between cannabis consumption and music.
Ontario sold more than a billion dollars worth of weed in the first half of 2024
Authorized cannabis stores in Ontario sold more than one billion dollars worth of cannabis in the first half of 2024.
How much does a legal weed grower in Canada actually get from that ounce you bought?
A group of BC-based cannabis businesses recently launched a campaign to draw attention to just how little cannabis growers receive for their cannabis amidst a…
Cannabis Retailer Summit to bring Ontario’s leading retailers together
VIP Media Group, with support from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), has announced the Cannabis Retailer Summit happening on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the…
Week in Weed – October 12, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending October 12, 2024.
Santé Cannabis launches 3-year real-world evidence study
Santé Cannabis launched a new study this week that will look at the outcomes and effectiveness of different medical cannabis treatment plans.
Bedrocan is returning to Canada
The Netherlands-based producer of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for medical purposes received their licence to cultivate from Health Canada on September 27.
Streamlining excise stamps could go a long way to relieving regulatory burden, costs
Changing the federal excise rate has been at the top of the industry wish list since legalization began, but making logistical changes to how the…
OCS to open illegal pop-up “cannabis shop” in Toronto
The OCS will be hosting a fake cannabis store in Toronto on the sixth anniversary of legalization to highlight the need for consumers to distinguish…
BC Budtenders’ Union gives strike notice to Vancouver Canna Cabana
The BC Budtender’s Union says they have served a strike notice at a Canna Cabana store in Vancouver.
Study looks at impacts of cannabis legalization on organized crime in Canada
A recent study highlights how the illicit cannabis markets in Canada, especially in British Columbia and Ontario, have changed since cannabis was legalized in 2018.
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.
Edmonton cannabis beverages company calls for more accurate testing
Bubble Bud Inc. is calling on Health Canada to do more to address what they say are flaws in potency testing for cannabis products, especially…
Week in Weed – October 5, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending October 5, 2024.
Cannabis Jobs Update – October 2024
StratCann’s monthly round-up of cannabis job postings for October 2024.
Lessons learned on choosing a processor, from one outdoor micro grower
A Vancouver Island micro cannabis cultivator who recently rescinded their federal license, cites challenges in finding a reliable processing partner as their biggest hurdle, not…
Are Canadians consuming less weed?
After four years of growth, Canadian cannabis use declined in 2023. Sales are cooling off and daily or near-daily use is down. Tobacco and heavy…
Mother Labs to bring branded cannabis to German market
A German pharmaceutical company says it will be partnering with Canadian cannabis nursery Mother Labs to bring a line of branded cannabis flower to the…
Aurora and UBC partner on research to breed fruity-smelling cannabis
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has received a grant to help improve the breeding of more fruity-smelling cannabis.
Report calls for more cohesion, public health focus to US cannabis laws
A new report from researchers in the US is calling on that country’s federal government to take the lead in more strictly regulating cannabis with…
Canada’s cannabis marketing: surprisingly compliant
Health Canada has issued only two Notice of Violations associated with potential violations of promotion prohibitions since legalization.
Provinces need to amend rules to allow cannabis growth, says Edmonton city councillor
Edmonton Councillor Michael Janz believes provinces need to update rules for cannabis cultivation, noting that slow policy changes have hindered the industry’s growth.
Week in Weed – September 28, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of cannabis industry news for the week ending September 28, 2024.
Four cannabis companies included among top growing companies in Canada
Four Canadian cannabis companies made the Globe & Mail’s annual Report on Business, ranking Canada’s top growing companies.