Israel opens “anti-dumping” investigation into cannabis imports from Canada
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Fraser Valley Regional District holding public hearing for new zoning regs for cannabis production
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in British Columbia will hold a public hearing on February 6 to discuss new regulations for cannabis producers.
Surrey releases proposal for up to 12 cannabis stores in BC’s second largest city
Surrey, BC, is proposing to allow up to 12 cannabis stores. Residents are invited to complete a survey to provide feedback on the draft framework,…
BC has a long way to go create a thriving cannabis industry
BC, the once notorious province could get some of its edge back by letting people enjoy cannabis together in public, just like you would consume…
Ontario Court rules “frivolous” statement of claim against cannabis retailer had no hope of succeeding
An Ontario judge has ruled a statement of claim by one cannabis retailer against another, as well as the provincial cannabis regulator, is frivolous and…
Toronto area cannabis store forced to print out entire script of Shrek on customer receipt
A prankster forced a Toronto cannabis dispensary to print out the entire script of Shrek last month, something the retailer’s e-commerce provider says they quickly…
Cannabis added to Canadian Free Trade Agreement, but cross-province sales not likely any time soon
The newest version of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has now been expanded to include trade in non-medical cannabis.
Week in Weed – January 20, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 20, 2024.
GrowerIQ completes acquisition of Ample Organics
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Three month decline in retail cannabis sales in 2023
Cannabis retail sales continued to decline in Canada from a peak in August 2023, according to new figures from Statistics Canada.
Simply Solventless acquires Lamplighter
Simply Solventless Concentrates (SSC), the company behind Frootyhooty and Astro Labs, announced today that it has acquired the Lamplighter recreational cannabis brand for $600,000.
OGEN initiates sale of brand, intellectual property, product line, genetics
OGEN, a cannabis company that recently announced it was shutting down, has initiated the sale of its brand, intellectual property, product line, and genetics.
Safari Flower Group receives CCAA protection
Safari Flower, an Ontario-based cannabis producer, received CCAA protection on January 12, listing over $55 million in liabilities.
Week in Weed – January 13, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 13, 2024.
Legal market continues to eat into illicit market in Canada while reported cannabis use remains the same
Health Canada’s most recent summary of its annual survey of cannabis users shows an increasing number of cannabis users say they are purchasing products through…
Tether’s sampling event comes to Vancouver on January 24
Tether announces its first-ever Vancouver Sampling Event in collaboration with The Entourage Co., providing an educational and immersive experience.
BC continues to debate increasing 8-store cap for cannabis retailers
The BC government says it needs more time before it decides on previously announced potential changes to its retail cannabis rules, such as the number…
Two cannabis stores in BC targeted in early morning burglaries
Two BC cannabis stores have faced break-ins this week, causing significant damage to the stores and a loss of product.
Tilray reports $46 million loss in Q2, 2023, compared to net loss of $62 million in the prior year quarter
Tilray reported the financial results for the second quarter of its fiscal year 2024 ended November 30, 2023, with a loss of US$46.2 million.
Canadians bought more than $16 billion worth of cannabis in the first five years of legalization
Canadians cannabis stores sold more than $16 billion worth of cannabis products from October 2018 to October 2023, according to the newest figures from Statistics…
Week in Weed – January 6, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 6, 2024.
Comparing attitudes about cannabis in US and Canada
The study, published recently in the Journal of Cannabis Research, compares and contrasts opinions on cannabis, cannabis use, and legalization in the US and Canada.
Canadian cannabis company named in lawsuit against federal government
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Cannabis Jobs Update – January 2024
Explore current job opportunities in the ever-evolving cannabis industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer looking to enter the field, our monthly curated…
Trygg Collection variety Pack recalled in BC due to labelling error
Flowerchild Research has recalled one lot of its Trygg Collection Block Party Variety Pack of pre-rolls sold in BC due to a labelling error.
New micros outpaced standard cannabis licences in 2023, while revocations of both increased
2023 saw an increase in Canadian cannabis production licence revocations and expirations as some producers exited the industry. However, new licence holders entered the arena,…
Week in Weed – December 30, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 30, 2023.
Top seven Canadian cannabis stories of 2023
Explore the pressing issues that surfaced in the Canadian cannabis industry in 2023. Our summary brings together key topics we’ve covered, putting these hot-button issues…
Changes to cannabis rules and regulations in 2023
Exploring the impact of the changes and evolution in Canadian cannabis rules and regulations during 2023.
A recap of Ingestible Extracts in 2023
Explore the 2023 story of ‘ingestible extracts’, as we track and analyze its impact on the evolving landscape of oral products exceeding federal regulations.
Week in Weed – December 23, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 23, 2023.
Cannabis stores in Canada continue to be targets for robbers and burglars
Cannabis stores in Canada continue to be targets for robbers and burglars.
BC First Nation files lawsuit against group it says is using its land to grow and sell cannabis without licence
A First Nation in British Columbia has filed a lawsuit against individuals it says are, among other activities, using the Nation’s land for growing and…
Auxly recalls one lot of Mandarin Cookies in Manitoba due to minor labelling error
Auxly Ottawa has recalled one lot of its Back Forty Sativa Mandarin Cookies dried cannabis sold in Manitoba, due to a labelling and packaging error.
Organigram posts net loss of $248.6 million in 2023
Organigram reported an 11% increase in net revenue, but still a net loss of $248.6 million, according to its new fiscal report.
This Works doesn’t work for Canopy any more, sells to UK company for a loss
In an effort to become more “asset-light”, Canopy says it has sold off its ownership in a skincare and wellness brand for a fraction of…
Alberta announces several changes to retail cannabis regulations through Red Tape Reduction
Alberta has announced several changes to their retail cannabis regulations that will come into force on January 31, 2024, including allowing cannabis retailers to operate…
Eight Canadian cannabis labs team up to test accuracy of dried flower, pre-rolls, infused pre-rolls
A new research project looking at THC levels in different products on the Canadian market is once again highlighting the lack of reliably labelled dried…
Health Canada detects four new synthetic cannabinoids in Canada
Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service (DAS) identified 29 new psychoactive substances in 2022, including four cannabinoids.
Week in Weed – December 16, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 16, 2023.
First regulated cannabis makes its way to Dutch coffeeshops in new pilot project
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
OCS continues to grow, with nearly $1.5 billion in wholesale sales in 2022-23
The Ontario Cannabis Store helped facilitate $1.43 billion in wholesale cannabis sales through the distribution of 315,000 kilograms of cannabis products across a network of…
Ontario township has spent more than $800,000 fighting legal cannabis producers
An Ontario township has spent close to a million dollars trying to fight legal cannabis, says Mayor Randy Greenlaw.
Health Canada approves a novel EEG-driven research model to study non-therapeutic effects of cannabis
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Even as hype fades from the Canadian cannabis industry, jobs are plentiful
A scan of public listings shows that cannabis producers and retailers across Canada continue to seek people to fill an array of positions, from budtenders…
Week in Weed – December 9, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 9, 2023.
Judge sides with First Nation in ownership dispute over cannabis store
The owners of a chain of cannabis stores that operate on First Nation land in Canada had one of their stores appropriated by a BC…
Wholesale cannabis prices appear to be rebounding
While an excess supply of wholesale cannabis flower has been driving prices down over the past few years, it is possible cannabis sellers are beginning…
BZAM enters into agreement to acquire Final Bell’s Canadian operation
BZAM announced today it has entered into a definitive share exchange agreement to acquire Final Bell Canada Inc. a hardware, packaging and brand development company…
Industry mixed on new OCS THC testing program
Many are supportive of the recent OCS announcement about testing some cannabis flower products that come through its central distribution warehouse, some say the provincial…
Total unpackaged cannabis inventory, production space continue to decline
The amount of unpackaged inventory cannabis producers are sitting on has continued to decline from a peak in late 2022, while approved indoor grow space…
Health Canada releases guidance document on intoxicating cannabinoids, including CBN
Health Canada has released guidance for cannabis producers on cannabis products with intoxicating cannabinoids other than delta-9-THC, including CBN.
BC Supreme Court puts pause on province’s efforts to seize $12 million in properties connected to illegal cannabis, psilocybin dispensaries
BC’s Director of Civil Forfeiture wants to seize a number of properties, a vehicle, and money they say are connected to a group illegally selling…
Week in Weed – December 2, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending December 2, 2023.
Victoria cannabis store sharing profits with employees
Starting December 1, Pineapple Victoria retail store owners have decided to become a profit-sharing business with their half-dozen employees.
Ontario to allow retailers to own up to 150 cannabis stores, proposing to ban cannabis cultivation in home-based child care facilities
New legislation in Ontario will, if passed, double the number of cannabis stores a retailer can operate from 75 to 150 and will ban the…
OCS to begin temporary THC testing program in 2024
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) will be testing high-THC cannabis products sold in Ontario as part of a new pilot program launching in January.
BZAM brought in $1.6 million in gross profit in Q3 2023
BZAM Ltd. reported its third-quarter financial results for 2023 posting $21 million in revenue, with $1.6 million in direct gross profit.
OCS announces first round of Social Impact Fund partnerships
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Cronos enters into deal to sell, leaseback Peace Naturals Campus
Cronos Group Inc. says it has entered into an agreement to sell and lease back its Stayner, Ontario facility known as the “Peace Naturals Campus.”
Week in Weed – November 25, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 25, 2023.
Cannabis sales declined in September
Retail cannabis sales in Canada declined 4.9% in September, from a high of $589 million to $560 million, although sales continue to increase annually.
Calgary Police investigating string of cannabis store robberies
Calgary Police confirm they are investigating a string of recent armed robberies in the city.
New study suggests cannabis users may have greater “emotional comprehension”
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience earlier this month found that cannabis users have greater emotional comprehension, a form of cognitive empathy.
PEI sold nearly $23 million worth of cannabis in 2022-23
PEI sold nearly $23 million worth of cannabis, the equivalent of 4,094 kg, in the 2022-23 fiscal year period from April 1, 2022, to March…
Toronto city councillor asking Ontario where additional promised cannabis tax revenue went
A Toronto city councillor wants to know why Ontario has not shared the additional promised tax revenue from cannabis sales with the city.
Week in Weed – November 18, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 18, 2023.
SQDC sold more than $150 million worth of cannabis this summer
Quebec brought in $61.4 million from cannabis sales and taxes in the second quarter of this year from $151.7 million in sales.
Health Canada collected $60 million in cannabis fees in past year
Israel’s Ministry of Economy has sent notice to cannabis producers in Canada that it is initiating an anti-dumping investigation concerning the importation of medical cannabis…
Petition to increase THC limit for edibles gains traction, MP support
NORML Canada is petitioning the government of Canada to raise the THC limit on edibles from 10 mg per package to 100 mg THC.
Strike at dozens of SQDC stores now coming to an end
A strike that had impacted dozens of cannabis stores in Quebec for more than a year is coming to an end.
Engaging budtenders for long-term sustainability
Regulatory guidelines have clamped down on some of the most obvious means of brand differentiation. What’s not limited is brand building.
Week in Weed – November 11, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 11, 2023.
Canopy Growth operating at less of a loss than a year ago
Canopy Growth brought in $39 million from its Canadian cannabis businesses in the past three months, down from $52 million in the same quarter in…
Strike at SQDC locations could be ending soon
A strike that has been affecting 24 SQDC cannabis retail outlets across Quebec could be ending soon, says the union behind the action.
Aurora Cannabis’ growth buoyed by increased medical exports, cut flower business
Aurora Cannabis is seeing an increase in sales of cannabis for medical purposes, buoyed by export markets, as well as a decline in sales in…
Canada’s cannabis regulations continue to evolve
Health Canada’s 2022–2023 Departmental Results Report shows the cannabis industry in Canada continuing to evolve and expand.
High taxes, regulatory fees, low margins meant the end of the road for OGEN
The race to the bottom in prices is good for consumers but bad for growers, says Darren Brisebois, President of OGEN cannabis, which closed the…
Nova Cannabis sees increasing revenue from data licensing, private label partnerships
Nova Cannabis Inc., a retail chain with 92 locations in three provinces, says it’s beginning to see consistent green on its spreadsheet through market stabilization,…
OGEN latest Alberta cannabis company to close
Another Alberta cannabis producer is shutting its doors. On November 3, Calgary-based OGEN Cannabis closed its facility, laying off 87 people as a result.
Global tobacco giant ups investment in Canadian cannabis producer Organigram
British American Tobacco (BAT) announced today that it will invest nearly $125 million into New Brunswick’s Organigram and more than doubling its equity position in…
No more “ingestible extracts” means some BC consumers discovering cannabis capsules
The brief appearance of ingestible extracts on cannabis shelves and their subsequent disappearance has potentially introduced more consumers to cannabis oil capsules, say some BC…
Week in Weed – November 4, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending November 4, 2023.
Sales, stores continue to increase in BC as prices continue to drop
The number of stores and the amount of cannabis sold in BC has continued to increase while the price of cannabis products continues to drop.
Health Canada still says cannabis intended to be consumed as food is not an extract
Health Canada says it is currently in the “redetermination process” regarding its initial ruling on Edison Jolts from Organigram.
BC has seized more than $38 million in illicit cannabis since 2019
The BC Community Safety Unit has seized $3 million worth of cannabis so far this year, for a total of $38.18 million since it began…
Cannabis sales continue to grow across Canada
Cannabis sales continue to climb in Canada, with more than $460 million sold by the 3,600+ cannabis retailers nationwide.
New research suggests that the effect of terpenes on cannabis aroma is overhyped
A study published recently in the America Chemical Society’s (ACS) journal Omega suggests that terpenes are only part of the picture when determining what compounds…
Cannabis companies are drowning in paperwork
Within Canada’s cannabis industry, the paperwork requirements are placing a significant burden on smaller cultivators and processors.
Week in Weed – October 28, 2023
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending October 28, 2023.