This past week at StratCann, we looked at new draft requirements for Canadian cannabis imports from the Colombian Agricultural Institute, a new pilot project in Alberta between Plantlife, Token Naturals, and Metrc, and the popularity of the terms “cannabis” or “marijuana” in different countries around the world.
Meanwhile: Canada’s largest Women-in-Weed Networking Event returns to Toronto; a BC cannabis company is shifting its focus to the crypto market; Decibel entered into a new supply agreement in Israel; and HYTN and A1 Cannabis announced a collaboration agreement.
And in law enforcement news, Toronto police arrested five men following a violent cannabis store robbery.
In other cannabis news
The Toronto Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research Consortium and the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids will co-host the Canadian Cannabis Research Summit from April 30–May 1, 2025, at Victoria College in Toronto.
On March 22, the Humber Polytechnic Centre for Social Innovation, in partnership with the Ontario Cannabis Store and SEED Initiative, will host an all-day job skills training event for people looking to join the cannabis industry.
HYTN Innovations Inc. announced the launch of its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Stability Program and the validation of its cannabis vape cartridges for international distribution. This builds upon HYTN’s announcement on January 21, 2025, of its strategic partnership with SNDL Inc. to develop GMP-compliant vape products.
Statistics Canada released their newest retail sales numbers for December 2024, with cannabis sales reaching almost $475 million, a record high. When looking at these figures in their unadjusted form, this was actually just under $500 million. It’s important to note that Stats Canada’s most recent figures are often later updated as new data comes in, so these numbers can change. More from us here at StratCann on these sales numbers next week.
Insolvency Insider posted a recap from their recent cannabis insolvency conference.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced new chewable candy “pastille” offerings in the Australian market.
A 16-year-old female in Winkler, Manitoba, was issued a fine of $2,542 for selling cannabis vape cartridges to other minors. She had purchased them online.
The cannabis company QcGoldtech, founded by former Montreal police chief Yvan Delorme, has just sought protection from its creditors, reports the Montreal Journal. Revenu Québec claims more than $685,000 in GST and QST, while the balance for the Canada Revenue Agency amounts to $1.6 million in excise taxes.
The fifth report of the monitor in the CCAA proceedings for Freedom Cannabis outlined the details of a stalking horse bid from a company connected to their largest creditor, JL Legacy Ltd, for a price estimated to be in the range of approximately $16.5 million to $20.5 million, with a closing date of June 30, 2025. The current stay period expires on February 28, 2025. The applicant is seeking an extension of the stay period to April 30, 2025, in order to implement an SISP. Freedom is also seeking authorization to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $4.5 million for ongoing expenses through the process.
A Sackville, New Brunswick man has lost his bid to overturn his conviction for robbing a former cannabis dispensary in Fredericton in 2018 and to lessen his prison sentence for the crime. The case arose from a violent incident at Buddy’s Cannabis Clinic on King Street in Fredericton, during which the man led three other men and his wife, Christina Melanson, on a mission to get back $25,000 he’d invested in the unlicensed business.
The theft of a commercial motor vehicle led to the seizure of 186 kilograms of cannabis in Revell Township, according to the OPP.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted a passenger arriving from Canada attempting to smuggle 142 parcels of cannabis, popularly known as “Canadian Loud”, valued at ₦290 million.
International cannabis news
MedMen’s collapse was ‘a smoke and mirrors show,’ says ousted CEO in an upcoming memoir.
The Mercury News looked at the current state of legalization efforts around the world.
Finally, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize the personal possession and use of recreational cannabis, although the measure does not legalize sales of cannabis. The final passage of the bill is not considered likely due to Republican opposition.
