BZAM/Final Bell trial set to begin next week
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.
Cannabis producers take shipping company to court over products seized at US border
Two cannabis producers are taking a shipping company to court, alleging the company attempted to take the cannabis over the US border, resulting in the…
More outdoor consumption spaces are opening in BC
More outdoor consumption spaces are opening in BC, just in time for the 4/20 weekend.
Former Aurora CIO questioned as part of ArriveCAN hearings
As part of its work looking into issues around the federal government’s ArriveCAN app, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP) recently…
Still no changes to excise. Don’t be surprised.
As expected, the Federal Budget 2024 did not include any changes to cannabis excise rates, or anything cannabis related for that matter.
Week in Weed – April 13, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending April 13, 2024.
Quebecers still vaping cannabis, despite provincial ban
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.In late 2023,…
Two new Trees locations join BC Budtenders Union
The employees at two new Trees Cannabis locations in BC have recently joined a union representing cannabis industry budtenders.
OCS: Decline in high-THC flower following launch of testing program
The OCS says they have seen a decline in the number of high-THC products in its catalogue after launching a testing program earlier this year.
More than five years after legalization, Surrey approves plan to allow cannabis stores
Surrey City Council has now approved a plan to begin allowing up to 12 cannabis stores in the city.
Diteba Laboratories Inc. files notice of intent
Mississauga-based cannabis company Diteba Laboratories Inc. filed a notice of intent (NOI) on March 2 under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, listing more than $15…
Ontario issues $200,000 fine for “data deals” to cannabis retailer
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued an administrative penalty to a cannabis retailer for alleged violations of the province’s regulatory standards…
Week in Weed – April 6, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending April 6, 2024.
Surrey, BC, once again considering plan to allow cannabis stores
The city of Surrey, BC, which has banned cannabis stores since the beginning of legalization, will again be considering a proposal to allow up to…
Trudeau: Concerns over cannabis legalization violating international treaties were unfounded
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke of the easy transition Canada took into a legal market in an interview with the host of a French show…
Oh no! “Kool-Aid man” style car crash into cannabis store in Ontario
A cannabis store in Ontario is temporarily closed today after a car crashed through the front of their store
Lifeist begins CannMart restructuring after shareholders reject sale
Lifeist Wellness Inc. has commenced restructuring proceedings pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act for one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, CannMart Labs Inc.
Heritage Cannabis seeks creditor protection
Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries have sought and obtained an order for creditor protection from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice pursuant to…
C3 announces new president, a former Canopy exec with extensive public service experience
The Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) has appointed a new president, a former executive at Canopy Growth with extensive experience working within the public sector…
SNDL agrees to deal for four NOVA-operated Value Buds in BC
SNDL Inc. has agreed to assign its rights to own or operate four Dutch Love stores to Nova Cannabis Inc.
Cannabis Jobs Update – April 2024
Looking to work in Canada’s cannabis industry? There is a wide variety of jobs available, ranging from entry-level positions to highly skilled roles.
Poilievre promises to preserve Canada’s pot legacy-April Fool’s!
Pierre Poilievre announced today that he plans to improve the cannabis industry once he becomes President of Canada.
Trudeau expected to ask for a marijuana mulligan with legalization-April Fool’s!
The federal government is expected to make several announcements this week on the cannabis file, StratCann has learned through a super-secret inside source.
New Brunswick says it can’t enforce its cannabis laws on First Nations reserves
New Brunswick says it is unable to enforce its provincial cannabis laws on First Nations land, while other provinces take a different stance.
Week in Weed – March 30, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending March 30, 2024.
Rubicon Organics shows increased growth in 2023 annual report
BC-based cannabis producer Rubicon Organics Inc. reported an increase in net revenue and a decrease in net profit in its recent year-end results for 2023.
Nova Cannabis reports first year of net earnings, driven by data licensing program
Cannabis retailer Nova Cannabis Inc. reported its first year of net revenue in 2023, as part of its recently-released annual report.
Toronto wants more money from the province to deal with a growing number of illegal cannabis stores
The head of Toronto’s licensing and standards department says the city needs more money to enforce the law against a growing number of illegal cannabis…
Alberta worker wins appeal to have medical cannabis covered by Worker’s Compensation Board
An Albertan recently won an appeal to have their medical cannabis covered by Workers’ Compensation.
Ontario to add $31 million to budget to deal with increasing number of illegal cannabis stores
Ontario is planning to add $31 million to its budget to address illegal cannabis stores and websites operating in the province.
New Brunswick introducing legislative changes to reduce illicit cannabis sales
New Brunswick government has introduced amendments to its Cannabis Control Act with the goal of increasing compliance with provincial rules, reducing the sale of illegal…
Sales up, losses down for Auxly in 2023
The cannabis producer’s newest annual report also shows a net income of $3.9 million compared to a net loss of $66 million in the previous…
$5,000 fine for Winnipeg woman who gave out cannabis edibles on Halloween
A woman who says she accidentally handed out illegal cannabis edibles on Halloween in 2022 has received a $5,000 fine from a provincial court.
Government’s expert panel calls for pharmacy access to medical cannabis
As a way to improve access to cannabis for medical purposes, the federal government’s expert review panel is suggesting allowing sales through pharmacies.
Media continues to misreport issues relating to illicit cannabis edibles
Following an incident in Halifax where several students under the age of twelve were taken to hospital after eating cannabis edibles, a new media report…
Peers Cannabis’ Giggly Bits Sativa recalled due to minor labelling error
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.In late 2023,…
Week in Weed – March 23, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending March 23, 2024.
Organigram receives final ruling from Health Canada: Jolts are an edible
The company says it has stopped the production of Jolts in their current format and is currently working with Health Canada on timing to sell…
Retail cannabis sales declined again in January after holiday spike
Retail cannabis sales in January 2024 dropped to their lowest in nearly a year, according to new figures from Statistics Canada.
Federal, provincial governments must address barriers for small cannabis companies
Small-scale, craft cannabis producers may choose to move back into the illicit market if the barriers to the market are not addressed, says a new…
Canada tables final Report of the Legislative Review of the Cannabis Act
The Government of Canada released its final report on its review of the Cannabis Act, identifying 54 recommendations and 11 observations on how to strengthen…
SNDL reports $112 million loss from cannabis operations and $4.9 million in retail cannabis earnings
Alberta-based SNDL reported an operating income loss of $112 million for its cannabis operations and net earnings of $4.9 million for its retail cannabis operations…
Toronto police arrest man connected to cannabis store robberies
Toronto Police Services say they made an arrest in a series of robberies of four cannabis stores in the city that were conducted over the…
Younger Canadians more likely to use cannabis than older Canadians
Over one-third of adults aged 18 to 44 years and one in seven adults aged 45 years and older had used cannabis in 2023, according…
Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls on province to modernize cannabis sector
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has called on the province to modernize the Ontario cannabis market as part of its 2024 provincial budget submission.
Week in Weed – March 16, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending March 16, 2024
High Tide Inc. reports increased revenue, declining losses, in newest quarterly report
High Tide Inc. is now the second-largest cannabis retailer in North America by store count, according to the company’s newest quarterly report.
Manitoba’s LGCA plans to review Province’s cannabis consumption ban
Manitoba’s LGCA was planning a review of the province’s ban on consuming cannabis in public this year, but paused the process as it awaits direction…
High Tide to acquire Queen of Bud
The deal will bring all related IP and trademarks associated with Queen of Bud under High Tide’s umbrella. Queen of Bud’s founder, Ashley Newman, will…
Low-THC products can make brands stand out to niche demand, producers say
Brands can differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering low-THC potency products, but the demand for non-dominant THC cannabis is more complicated, three producers told…
Village Farms’ Canadian cannabis operations report net income of $4 million for 2023
According to parent company Village Farms International’s newest quarterly report, net sales for Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience increased in the last three months of…
BC’s Good Buds Company posts notice of intent, path to debt restructuring
BC outdoor cannabis growers Good Buds Company Inc. filed a notice of intention to make a proposal pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Kelowna cannabis store takes one week suspension for failure to ID minor
A cannabis store in Kelowna, BC, will have to close for a week in April after an employee was alleged to have sold cannabis to…
Cannabis sales increased in Nova Scotia to more than $111 million, driven by sales of local products
The figures, shared in the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation‘s annual report for 2022-2023, show a 9.3% increase in sales from the previous year and a…
Cannabis industry wonders when their relief is coming, too
On March 9, the Canadian government said it plans to provide thousands of dollars in alcohol excise duty relief to Canadian businesses, particularly local craft…
Week in Weed – March 9, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending March 9, 2024
Ontario bans home grows in (some) child care settings, allows for agreements with First Nations cannabis stores
Ontario passed legislation this week that, among other things, bans growing cannabis in homes where childcare services are provided and further allows the province to…
Cannabis Jobs Update – March 2024
Here’s our March round-up of just a few of the numerous cannabis job opportunities across Canada.
AGLC reports its first cannabis profits
Alberta’s cannabis distribution agency posted its first year of profits for fiscal year 2022-2023, bringing in over $18 million from over $600 million in sales…
Cannabis sales continued to increase in 2022-2023, with extracts leading the charge
Stats Canada reports that cannabis sales and related activities brought in $1.9 billion for the provincial and federal governments in the year ending March 31,…
Cannabis industry union adds new stores, loses one
Employees at a Vancouver cannabis store that joined the BC Budtenders Union in 2022 quietly voted to decertify the union a few months later.
Cannabis consumption spaces beginning to open in BC
A cannabis store in Penticton hopes to become the first cannabis store in the province with a designated consumption area.
Celebrating trailblazing women in cannabis
Celebrating the significant contribution of women leaders who are helping to share the trajectory of the Canadian cannabis industry.
5 ways retailers can grow their sales
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.In late 2023,…
Week in Weed – March 2, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending March 2, 2024
Manitoba group files appeal against cannabis home grow ban
The group challenging Manitoba’s ban on growing cannabis at home filed an appeal on March 1, 2024, against a recent court decision to uphold the…
Nextleaf Solutions reports record revenue
Bucking industry trends, BC-based cannabis company Nextleaf Solutions reported their third profitable quarter this week.
Cronos shows declining losses, increased cost of sales in 2023
Cronos Group Inc. says it has improved its cash flow in 2023 due to lower operating expenses and increased exposure to international markets.
Avant Brands brings in $30 million in revenue with a $5 million loss
Kelowna-based Avant Brands Inc. announced its audited financial results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023.
Household spending on legal cannabis increases while illegal decreases
Household spending on cannabis in Canada declined in the last two years, following an increase in the first three years of legalization.
Study raises questions about accuracy of eyelid tremor as evidence of cannabis impairment
A new study is questioning the accuracy of a method used by police to determine cannabis impairment.
BZAM granted CCAA protection due to ongoing financial challenges
BZAM announced today that it has been granted Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) protection to restructure its business and financial affairs.
Increased cost of production adds to growing concerns for Greenway
Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation’s nearly $1.4 million in revenue in the last three months of 2023 still saw the Ontario cannabis producer in the red…
BC cannabis company is bringing infused poutine to the Quebec market
A British Columbia-based cannabis producer is adding a new twist on a distinctly Canadian dish, a cannabis-infused poutine sauce that will be available for sale…
UBC researchers launch clinical trial exploring CBD for bipolar depression
Researchers at UBC’s faculty of medicine are launching a new, unique clinical trial to investigate the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for bipolar…
Ontario cannabis store finds creative way to get around social media restrictions
Ontario cannabis retailer Stok’d Cannabis has released a series of ads it says circumvent social media platforms’ restrictions on cannabis advertisements by promoting neighbouring brands.
Unlicensed cannabis store in New Brunswick fined $20,000
The owners of an unlicensed cannabis store in New Brunswick have been fined $20,000 following a raid in 2022, while charges against two men connected…
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance calling for changes to cannabis tax
A trial between two cannabis companies, one which recently filed for bankruptcy after acquiring the other, is set to begin on April 22.In late 2023,…
Wayne Patrick Consumer Products pursuing a Sale, Refinancing and Investment Solicitation Process due to insolvency
Two Ontario-based cannabis companies are pursuing a Sale, Refinancing and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP) through court due to low cash flow.
Community Savings rolls out pre-approved credit cards for cannabis members
Community Savings, a BC-based credit union, has announced the launch of pre-approved business credit cards for its cannabis membership. This industry-first offer finally gives cannabis…
Canadian Cannabis Exchange facilitates sale of Ogen production facility and equipment
Canadian Cannabis Exchange Ltd., through the court appointed Receiver, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc., announces the exclusive sale of Ogen Ltd. property, which includes a…
Week in Weed – February 24, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 24, 2024
New Brunswick’s eighth private cannabis store opens in Hampton
New Brunswick recently announced the eighth private retail cannabis store in the province, it’s located in Hampton, about a 30-minute drive from Saint John.
Burb opens store near UBC after long wait
Following a nearly three-year wait, Burb Cannabis was finally able to open its new location near the University of British Columbia on February 23.
Community Savings Credit Union announces affordable invoice factoring for cannabis licensed producers
A BC-based credit union is launching a new invoice factoring program intended to meet the needs of British Columbia’s federally licensed cannabis producers.
Cannabis Industry Forum finally formally announced
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has finally formally announced its Cannabis Industry Forum.
The SQDC pulls back on operating hours of twelve branches
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) says it will be adjusting the closing time of a dozen locations across the province.
A Manitoba cannabis brand is taking a former partner to court
TobaGrown, Inc. and TobaRolling, Inc. filed a notice of claim in Manitoba on February 16 against the owners of Kief Cannabis Company, Ltd. and Lucky…
Kelowna cannabis store fined $7,000 for failing to check ID
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered the store to pay a $7,000 fine for an…
Cannabis stores in Canada evenly distributed across different neighbourhood types
A new study from researchers at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto says retail cannabis stores in Canada are evenly distributed across…