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…
Week in Weed – February 17, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 17, 2024
BC micro files notice of claim alleging non-payment from processing partner
A micro producer in BC has filed a notice of claim in provincial court alleging a third-party processor did not pay him for products they…
Recall of BonBon Turkish Delight cannabis edibles in Ontario
Health Canada has issued a recall for two lots of WellCann Intl. Inc.’s BonBon Turkish Delight – Lokum edible cannabis sold in Ontario.
BC allows smoking, vaping cannabis on public patios, cannabis stores can now promote places to consume
BC has announced changes to its cannabis regulations that allow retail cannabis stores to promote a place to consume cannabis or to spend time after…
BC CSU raids cannabis stores on K’ómoks First Nation
BC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) conducted several raids of cannabis stores operating in K’ómoks First Nation on Wednesday, February 14.
SQDC sold more than $200 million worth of cannabis in Q3 2023
Quebec’s Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) brought in $33 million for its third quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year, which ended December 30.
Ontario’s independent cannabis retailers band together to tackle predatory pricing
Independent cannabis retailers in Ontario are fighting back against LPs selling products at what they say are predatory prices in discount chain stores.
Organigram reports $15 million loss due to lower international revenue and medical sale
Organigram reported a net loss of $15.8 million in Q1 2024 and a 16% decrease in net revenue compared to the same period last year.
Manitoba announces several new cannabis distributors
On February 9, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries announced five companies that successfully applied to provide cannabis distribution services in the province.
Christina Lake Cannabis completes acquisition of Midway farm
Christina Lake Cannabis (CLC) first announced the deal on February 5, which included the acquisition of outdoor cultivation facilities in Southern British Columbia, related harvesting…
Health Canada confirms cannabis samples are allowed
Despite some concerns posted online recently, Heath Canada has confirmed that cannabis producers can provide samples to provincially licensed cannabis retailers and their employees.
Cannabis Jobs Update – February 2024
Interested in joining the cannabis industry? Numerous cannabis job opportunities await across Canada. Check out just a few of them below in our February roundup
Week in Weed – February 10, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 10, 2024
314 Pure Cannabis engaged in a Sales Process
314 Pure Cannabis, a cultivation and hydroponic growing cannabis facility located in Alberta, is engaged in a Sales Process.
Evidence, charges thrown out after Hamilton police found to violate Charter rights in “no-knock” raid
The case against a woman related to a 2021 raid by police in Ontario has been thrown out of court, along with collected evidence, after…
Canopy Growth reports $216 million loss in most recent quarterly report
Canopy Growth Corporation, the company behind brands like Tweed, reported another loss this quarter of 216.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.
Beaumont, Alberta passes new rules for medical cannabis production
The city of Beaumont, Alberta recently passed new rules to restrict the production of medical cannabis to agricultural land or light industrial areas.
Net loss of $25 million for Aurora Cannabis in most recent quarterly report
Aurora Cannabis Inc. saw a net revenue of $64.4 million and a net loss of $25.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Canadian cannabis nursery to import unique New Zealand genetics
Canadian cannabis producer Apollo Green will carry genetics supplied by a New Zealand medical cannabis company, Rua Bioscience.
Quebec closing cannabis store in Montreal
Quebec will have one less cannabis store in Montreal soon, as an SQDC location is expected to close on March 2.
Formerly dry municipalities put dispensaries in industrial zones to test the waters
Municipalities that reversed their ban on cannabis dispensaries have used industrial zones as a testing ground for their first store, and two owners offered differing…
SQDC needs better online payment options, says police captain
A police Captain in northern Quebec says the provincial government’s limits on payment options for online cannabis orders are pushing people to the illicit market.
Navigating the world of bankruptcy, restructuring in the cannabis industry
Five years into Canada’s legal non-medical cannabis market, industry maturation is evident, with many companies closing despite ongoing licence issuances.
Pure Sunfarms’ sister company receives approval to begin building cannabis greenhouse in the Netherlands
Canadian owned Village Farms will be one of a handful of companies producing cannabis for Dutch coffee shops as part of a new program in…
Week in Weed – February 3, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending February 3, 2024.
Radicle Femmes celebrates women in cannabis on March 8
Unite & celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women in the cannabis industry with Radicle Femmes in Toronto on March 8th, 2024. Sponsored by the OCS,…
Nextleaf Solutions announces they are debt-free, cash flow positive
BC-based cannabis processor Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. says it achieved four quarters of consistently positive cash flow in the past fiscal year.
Canada’s cannabis production rallied in second half of 2023
Cannabis production in Canada rallied in the second half of 2023 after a seven-month decline following a high water mark in November 2022.
Alberta makes changes to cannabis sampling rules, event sales, and more
AGLC made several changes related to authorizations to sell cannabis at age-gated events, new guidance for cannabis sampling, and cannabis sales between retail stores, among…
C3’s George Smitherman steps down, organization seeks new President & CEO
The Canadian Cannabis Council (C3) announced today that its President & CEO is stepping down.
Trees Corporation seeking investment or buyers
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered them to pay a $7,000 fine for an employee…
BC’s cannabis market continues to mature, as sales appear to plateau
The figures were released as part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) Q3 report for 2023, covering October, November, and December.
Report: Price of legal cannabis almost on par with black market
A new report compares Canada’s legal and illegal cannabis markets, highlighting the advantages and challenges that the legal market faces.
Week in Weed – January 27, 2024
StratCann’s weekly round-up of news headlines in the cannabis industry for the week ending January 27, 2024.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic teams up with Mother Labs to tackle powdery mildew
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has partnered with Saskatchewan-based cannabis nursery Mother Labs on a breeding program focussing on screening for mildew resistance.
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
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered them to pay a $7,000 fine for an employee…
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
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered them to pay a $7,000 fine for an employee…
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
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered them to pay a $7,000 fine for an employee…
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
It was an expensive Valentine’s Day for one cannabis store in Kelowna when a judge ordered them to pay a $7,000 fine for an employee…
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…