Profile: Cannabis Council of Canada
The Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) is the national and international voice for Canada’s licensed cannabis producers and processors, advocating for a safe, competitive, and responsible industry. We promote high standards, foster economic growth, and work to ensure integrity within the regulated market. By advocating for fair regulations, high-quality standards, and economic opportunities, we work to ensure public safety, and foster a legal market that benefits communities, businesses, and consumers alike. Committed to eliminating the illicit market, we strive to strengthen Canada’s legal cannabis sector while driving innovation and economic opportunities. As the trusted national resource on the Canadian Cannabis industry, we engage with stakeholders to support the industry’s continued development and responsible use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The mission of the Cannabis Council of Canada is to advocate for and promote a healthy, trusted, and competitive cannabis market that empowers Canada’s Licensed Producers to deliver high-quality, rigorously tested products to consumers while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
The C3 Advocacy Roadmap
C3’s mission in 2026 is built on three specific pillars of reform aimed at stabilizing the sector:
The 10% Ad Valorem Cap: C3 is lobbying to replace the $1-per-gram minimum with a hard cap at 10% of the producer’s selling price. This would immediately restore margins and allow legal producers to compete fairly on price.
National Stamp Harmonization: Currently, producers must navigate a logistical nightmare of province-specific excise stamps. C3 is pushing for a single national stamp to streamline supply chains and reduce operational costs.
The Medical Exemption: A renewed effort to eliminate excise tax on medical cannabis, ensuring that patients aren’t taxed for accessing their medication.
The Cannabis Council is committed to advancing the interests of its members by providing essential industry resources, engaging with policymakers to shape fair and progressive regulations, and championing policies that encourage sector growth while reducing unnecessary operational and financial burdens.
Through collaboration with industry stakeholders, government bodies, and the public, the Council fosters an environment where innovation, consumer safety, and responsible business practices drive the future of Canada’s legal cannabis industry.
For more information please visit: https://www.cannabis-council.ca/
Grow Up Toronto 2026 Conference: June 1-3
The Grow Up Conference and Expo returns to Toronto this June, providing a focused environment for cannabis growers, brands, and retailers to connect. This event is widely regarded as one of Canada’s largest gatherings for the cultivation and extraction sectors. Attendees can expect a comprehensive schedule that includes over 60 sessions and panels led by more than 140 industry experts covering the latest in cultivation technology, regulatory changes, and market trends.
The 2026 edition features several high-value zones and workshops specifically for producers. The Brands and Buyers zone is designed to facilitate direct meetings between licensed producers and retail purchasing agents to streamline wholesale opportunities.
Additionally, the event offers Masterclass technical workshops that provide in-depth training on advanced cultivation and extraction techniques. The CannaVision Executive Summit on June 1st will also address strategic leadership and global market shifts for C-level executives and decision-makers.
This event is hosted by Grow Up Conference and Expo, a Canadian-owned and operated organization that has been focusing on the cannabis industry’s growth and innovation since 2017. The event will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto.
For more information visit: https://growupconference.com/
How Automation in Cannabis Operations Can Save Time and Reduce Costs
Automation in cannabis operations can streamline a variety of repetitive, time-consuming tasks—from inventory tracking to compliance reporting—helping businesses operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of human error. By automating these tasks, companies can free up valuable time and resources, which can then be focused on growing the business and improving customer experiences.
Reducing Time-Consuming Manual Processes
For many cannabis businesses, managing inventory is one of the most complex and time-consuming tasks. Manual tracking of inventory, product movements, and sales data can result in errors, delays, and inefficiencies. Automation solves this problem by enabling real-time updates of inventory levels, tracking product movements from seed to sale, and generating automatic alerts when stock is low or when products need restocking. This ensures that businesses have an accurate view of their inventory at all times, reducing the likelihood of stockouts or overstocking, both of which can have negative financial implications.
Simplifying Compliance and Reporting
Cannabis businesses are subject to numerous regulations, and staying compliant is essential. However, manually tracking compliance requirements can be overwhelming, especially with the constant changes in laws and regulations. Automation makes compliance easier by automatically generating the necessary reports, tracking product testing, and ensuring all documentation is in order. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of non-compliance, which can lead to hefty fines or even the loss of business licenses.
Scaling Operations Without the Added Overhead
As businesses grow, manual processes can become bottlenecks that prevent further scaling. Automation helps cannabis companies scale operations without the need for additional staff or resources. Whether it’s automated inventory management, sales reporting, or compliance checks, automation allows businesses to expand without the added overhead of manual systems. This scalability makes it easier for businesses to meet the demands of a growing market while keeping costs under control.
How AirMed Can Help
Our cannabis management software is designed to automate many of the time-consuming tasks that businesses face. From inventory tracking and sales reporting to automated compliance checks, AirMed helps you streamline your operations. By eliminating manual processes, you can not only save time and money but also ensure that you remain compliant with ever-changing regulations. AirMed lets you focus on what matters most—growth and customer satisfaction—while we take care of the back-end operations.
With AirMed, automation is no longer a luxury. By automating routine tasks, AirMed can help your cannabis businesses reduce costs, minimize human error, and scale operations more efficiently. Investing in automation tools is an investment in the future of your business.
Read more about our inventory management here: https://airmedcloud.com/airmed-inventory-management/
Learn about the AirMed automation features here: https://airmedcloud.com/airmed-5-templates/
For more information visit our Software page.
Canadian Cannabis Research Summit 2026: May 27-29 in Toronto
Canada’s most comprehensive forum on the science behind cannabis, its potential therapeutic benefits and the societal and health impacts of legalization of non-medical cannabis from leading researchers and physicians in the field.
Join the largest national gathering of Canadian cannabinoid medicine researchers, clinicians, trainees and allied healthcare practitioners that will showcase research being conducted from coast to coast. This event will also continue detailed discussions on the latest cannabinoid research, clinical care and future government policies.
This event is co-hosted with the Toronto Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Consortium and is being held at Chestnut Conference Centre, 89 Chestnut St, Toronto, Ontario.
For more information visit: https://ccic.net/ccic-conference/
Report: Global Medical Cannabis 2026-2030
The Global Medical Cannabis Market Review examines the status and dynamics of the international medical cannabis supply chain, highlighting emerging developments and trends in key international markets.
Published by Prohibition Partners, the report provides country-specific data and analysis, comparing countries based on relevant metrics including volumes of exports and imports, market size, domestic production, product and distribution landscape.
Prohibition Partners was founded in 2017 with a vision for a legal cannabis industry where the abundant economic, societal and health benefits of the plant can be realised by people around the world. This report includes market sizing and patient population forecasts for 14 key international markets – from 2026-2030. Also included is graphical and narrative analysis of the market size and the driving forces behind growth. In addition, scenario forecasting for Australia & Germany will also be included.
The Review delves deeper into the driving forces behind international import and supply chain dynamics, as well as factors such as: domestic production capabilities in various countries, the impact of telemedicine on patient access and care, and recent regulatory changes that shape the landscape of medical cannabis. By analysing these elements, the Review aims to offer insights into market growth potential and the evolving global context of medical cannabis supply and demand.
For more information about this report, including a 45-page free download, visit:
https://prohibitionpartners.com/reports/global-medical-cannabis-market-review-2026/
Cannabis Europa London 2026: May 26-27
Join 1500 attendees, 70 speakers and 50 exhibitors in London this May for Cannabis Europa London 2026.
Cannabis Europa brings together the brightest minds in cannabis policy, business, and investment. Over two days in London, you’ll engage with policymakers, investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-evolving markets.
The speakers are global thought-leaders driving change in policy, research, and commerce. Hear their insights, challenge your thinking, and leave with actionable strategies.
From high-level policy debates to practical market strategies, Cannabis Europa London 2026 is designed to give you the knowledge and connections you need to lead.
For more information visit: https://www.cannabis-europa.com/
Meeting Health Canada Inspections in 2026
For Canadian licence holders, the “honeymoon phase” of legalization is firmly in the rear-view mirror. Health Canada recently finalized its compliance data for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. With nearly 900 inspections conducted, the data reveals a clear shift in regulatory focus. There was a marked increase in enforcement, with 37 non-compliant reports issued—nearly double the previous year.
What is driving this? While physical security and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) remain stable, the majority of “Major Observations” now stem from Record Keeping and Data Integrity. Inspectors are no longer just checking if you have a record; they are checking if that record is contemporaneous and attributable.
Common pitfalls identified include the following
Incomplete Batch Records: Gaps in the “narrative” of a batch, specifically around sanitation and nutrient applications.
Traceability Lag: The inability to produce a full “seed-to-sale” history for a specific SKU within a reasonable timeframe during an unannounced visit.
Validation Gaps: Discrepancies between physical inventory and digital logs that suggest a lack of real-time data entry.
Compliance in 2026 is less about avoiding “bad” behaviour and more about proving “good” behaviour through data. As the regulator moves toward a risk-based model, facilities that can demonstrate a “system-first” approach to record-keeping are seeing fewer targeted inspections and smoother license renewals.
Moving forward, achieving a seamless Health Canada inspection requires a shift from reactive data management to a digital-first, continuous compliance model. AirMed software is specifically engineered to provide a unified system of record. Not only does our system let you track every action within the data fields, but we provide bi-directional traceability. And our Custom e-Form Builder provides further traceability, ensuring your facility remains in a state of permanent audit-readiness.
Our system is designed to eliminate the risk of human error and data discrepancies that often trigger regulatory flags. AirMed provides inspectors with immediate, transparent access to your operational history, item-by-item and action-by-action.
To read the Health Canada inspection data, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/research-data/compliance-enforcement-report-cannabis-inspection-data-summary/2024-2025.html
For more information about Health Canada inspections visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis-regulations-licensed-producers/inspections-what-expect-information-package.html
For more information about how AirMed can help, visit our Software page or our Compliance page.
Stratcann’s Growing Relationships B2B Series: Calgary and Winnipeg
Hosted by StratCann, an organization dedicated to providing news and resources for the Canadian cannabis industry, the Growing Relationships event series returns this spring with one-day B2B gatherings in Calgary and Winnipeg.
These events are designed to foster direct connections between licensed producers, regional retailers, and industry service providers. Unlike larger trade shows, these regional sessions focus on intimate networking, brainstorming solutions for current industry challenges, and participating in community-led discussions.
The Calgary event takes place on April 29, 2026, at the Calgary Italian Cultural Centre.
The Winnipeg event follows on May 13, 2026, at the Norwood Hotel in the Promenade Ballroom.
For more information visit: https://stratcann.com/growing-relationships/
Beyond the Plant: Managing Consumables & Nutrients for True Profitability
In the early days of legalization, the focus for most Canadian producers was simple: “How many grams can we grow?”
But as we move further into 2026, the question has evolved. In a market where quality is now the baseline and price compression is a constant reality, the most successful producers aren’t just tracking their plants—they’re tracking every drop of nutrient and every square inch of substrate.
To truly understand your cost-per-gram, you have to look beyond the plant. Here is how managing your consumables and nutrients with AirMed can turn “hidden costs” into your biggest competitive advantage.
The Hidden Cost of Guesswork
Nutrients, pesticides, and growing media represent one of the largest ongoing expenses in a facility. Yet, many producers still manage these using manual whiteboards or separate spreadsheets. This creates a “data silo” where you know how much you spent on nutrients this month, but you don’t know exactly which batch consumed them.
Preventing the “Friday Afternoon Stockout”
There is nothing more stressful than realizing you are out of a critical bloom booster or beneficial insect treatment on a Friday afternoon. For Micro Producers, who often operate with leaner inventories to preserve cash flow, a stockout can be devastating to a harvest cycle.
AirMed provides real-time visibility into your non-cannabis inventory. This ensures you only “pay for what you need,” keeping your capital focused on growth rather than sitting on a shelf as excess.
Sustainability & Environmental Reporting
Effective nutrient management isn’t just about saving money; it’s about social responsibility. By using AirMed to track your nutrient applications and runoff data, you create a digital trail that proves your commitment to 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place). When it comes time for environmental reporting or applying for “Craft” or “Organic” certifications, your data is already organized and export-ready.
ROI: Linking Inputs to Outcomes
The ultimate goal of tracking consumables is to find your “sweet spot.” Does that expensive new terpene-enhancer actually result in a higher wholesale price for the final product? By linking your Inventory Ledgers with your nutrient logs, you can run an ROI analysis: Batch A (Standard Nutrients) vs. **Batch B (Premium Additives). Which one yielded a higher profit margin after all input costs were deducted?
Conclusion: Data is the New Fertilizer
In 2026, the producers who thrive will be the ones who treat their nutrients and consumables with the same level of scrutiny as their THC percentages. By integrating your consumable tracking into your AirMed workflow, you gain a 360-degree view of your facility’s health—and your bottom line.
Read more about our inventory management here: https://airmedcloud.com/airmed-inventory-management/
Learn about the AirMed Micro advantage for small producers: airmedmicro.com
For more information visit our Software page.
Profile: C-45 Quality Association
The C-45 Quality Association is committed to advancing excellence in Canada’s cannabis industry by promoting quality production practices, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, and driving innovation. Through education, industry events, and strategic partnerships, we provide platforms for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and networking. We educate and inform consumers, producers, and regulators about the benefits of high standards, host events that bring together industry leaders and emerging voices, and offer resources that empower professionals at all levels to thrive. Our mission is to build a collaborative and resilient industry that reflects the highest quality, integrity, and continuous learning.
The Association strives to protect the public interest by engaging its members in the cannabis industry to arrive at sound practices that strengthen the industry and ensure safe and effective cannabis management throughout all of Canada, and globally, as the industry matures. The Association also endeavours to provide members with access to valuable knowledge, networks and resources that will assist members in improving and advancing their careers.
For more information please visit: https://www.cannabis-council.ca/
International Cannabis Business Conference 2026: April 13-15 in Berlin
The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) Berlin 2026, held April 13–15 at the Estrel Berlin, remains the premier nexus for the global cannabis industry. As Europe’s largest business-to-business gathering, the event attracts over 5,000 participants from 80 countries, including high-level investors, policymakers, and medical professionals. Against the backdrop of Germany’s significant legal milestones, the conference offers a high-energy environment filled with expert-led panels on pharmaceutical innovation, adult-use regulations, and the latest cultivation technology. From the exclusive VIP opening reception to the sprawling trade show floor, ICBC provides an essential platform for networking, allowing attendees to secure international partnerships and navigate the complexities of a rapidly maturing market.
Cannabis policy modernization is sweeping across the European continent and Germany is at the forefront. Already home to the largest medical cannabis industry in Europe, Germany’s adult-use industry is ramping up after the first components of the CanG law were implemented at the start of April 2024. The International Cannabis Business Conference is once again bringing our flagship event to Berlin. This event is being held at Germany’s largest hotel and convention center, the Estrel Berlin Hotel.
For more information visit: https://ca.internationalcbc.com/
Canada’s Cannabis Sector Contributes $11.6 Billion to National GDP
Recent economic data from Stratcann and other sources indicates that the cannabis industry continues to be a significant driver of the Canadian economy.
In 2025, the sector’s total contribution to the national GDP reached approximately $11.6 billion. Notably, the licensed production and processing segment accounted for the vast majority of this impact, contributing $10.6 billion. This represents a steady increase over previous years, highlighting the industry’s maturation and its role as a more substantial economic contributor than several other traditional agricultural and beverage sectors.
The data underscores the long-term viability of the sector and provides a factual basis for ongoing discussions regarding industry regulation and economic policy. Licensed production now contributes more to the national GDP than industries such as air transportation and meat product manufacturing.
The data is primarily derived from Statistics Canada. The 11.6 billion dollar figure for 2025 is based on real-time and monthly gross domestic product data tracked by industry. These figures are calculated using chained 2017 dollars to provide a consistent comparison over time across various economic sectors. Another major source for these figures is a comprehensive economic study released in September 2025 titled High Impact, Green Growth: The Economic Footprint of Canada’s Cannabis Industry. This report was a collaborative effort between the Business Data Lab at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Organigram Global. While the study found an even higher total economic impact of 16 billion dollars when including indirect and induced effects, it used the raw underlying data provided by Statistics Canada to perform its modeling.
Framework for Clinical Trials: Government of Canada Consultation
Health Canada is seeking feedback on the proposed Clinical Trials Regulations for drugs (pharmaceuticals, biologics and radiopharmaceuticals) and on multiple guidance documents related to the proposal. The proposed framework would replace the clinical trial regulatory schemes for drugs in the following sections of the regulations:
Part C, Division 5 of the Food and Drug Regulations and
Part 2 of the Clinical Trials for Medical Devices and Drugs Relating to COVID-19 Regulations
This proposed framework aims to improve access to new and innovative therapies for people in Canada while maintaining strong safety protections for participants.
This initiative is part of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s work to streamline processes and enhance regulatory efficiency.
The consultation is open until March 20, 2026.
- For more information visit: Government of Canada
- To read a legal discussion about this visit: Pharmain Brief
- To read the official announcement visit: Government of Canada Gazette
The Paperless Cannabis Facility: Why 2026 is the Year to Ditch the Binders
For years, the “compliance binder” has been a staple of the Canadian cannabis facility—a growing mountain of paper containing sanitation logs, visitor sign-in sheets, and equipment maintenance records. With Health Canada’s audit processes becoming more data-intensive and the margin for operational error shrinking, the risks of a paper-based system outweigh the perceived simplicity of a clipboard.
At AirMed, we believe that compliance shouldn’t be a chore that halts production. Here is how you can transform your facility into a streamlined, paperless operation using the advanced tools within the AirMed ecosystem.
The Power of the Custom e-Form Builder
One of the most transformative features of AirMed is our Custom e-Form Builder. While we introduced this functionality to help automate workflows, its true value in 2026 lies in total facility digitization.
Instead of manual logs that can be lost, stained, or misfiled, AirMed lets producers create digital versions of essential documents. For example, ensure staff are prompted to complete cleaning tasks at the right intervals, with digital timestamps that prove compliance. You can also track the “health” of your HVAC, irrigation, and lighting systems. And so much more.
By moving to a digital format, you don’t just save paper; you create a searchable database. If an auditor asks for the sanitation history of Room 4 from six months ago, you are a click away from a professional report, rather than a frantic search through a dusty filing cabinet.
Audit Readiness: From “Days of Prep” to “Real-Time”
We’ve often discussed the importance of Data-Driven Decision Making, but in the context of a paperless facility, data is your best defense. A traditional paper system is “reactive”—you only find errors when you review the logs.
AirMed shifts your facility to a “proactive” stance. Because our software is cloud-based and supports fully customizable tables, management can see in real-time which tasks have been completed and which are overdue. This level of transparency is exactly what Health Canada looks for during an inspection.
Scaling for Micros: Professionalism on a Budget
For micro-cultivators, the move to paperless is even more critical. AirMed Micro was purpose-built to provide the same award-winning platform used by Canada’s largest LPs but at a price point that fits a smaller scale. By utilizing the modular add-ons for Quality Management and Custom Forms, a micro producer can operate with the same level of regulatory sophistication as a large enterprise, without the need for a dedicated compliance department.
Integrating the Whole Operation
A paperless facility isn’t just about the grow rooms. It’s about how that data flows through the rest of your business. As we highlighted in our 2025 updates, AirMed’s integration with tools such as QuickBooks ensures that your records match your production perfectly. With our Inventory Ledgers and intelligent backdating, there’s no need to cross-reference a paper log with a digital sales order; the system does the heavy lifting for you.
Conclusion: A Competitive Advantage
In 2026, the most successful Canadian producers—whether large or small—will be those who treat compliance as a digital asset rather than a regulatory burden. Transitioning to a paperless facility with AirMed reduces human error, slashes the time spent on reporting, and ensures that when an auditor knocks, your facility is ready.
For more information visit our Software page.
You can also read a blog post about our form builder here: https://airmedcloud.com/custom-eform-builder-airmed-5/
And learn more about our inventory management here: https://airmedcloud.com/airmed-inventory-management/
Profile: AQIC (Association québécoise de l'industrie du cannabis)
With over 120 members, the Quebec Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (AQIC) is committed to working with government and stakeholders to advance the Quebec hemp and cannabis industry to its full potential and encourage innovation through science and technology.
The AQIC provides a space to share information and reflect upon common challenges and opportunities. The Association was founded in 2019, on the principle that we can accomplish more together. And by working together as one voice, we can advance our common goals of raising the bar on a safe and sustainable industry in Quebec.
The association’s mission is to represent the Quebec hemp and cannabis industry and contribute in a constructive and responsible manner to its development.
The AQIC also plays an educational role by educating the general public about hemp and cannabis consumption. We also monitor and analyze current policies, advocate for changes in the cannabis and hemp legislation and provide recommendations to provincial and federal government officials.
For more information please visit: https://aqic.ca/
CCX Bulk Wholesale Cannabis Pricing Report
The Canadian Cannabis Exchange (CCX), a privately held cannabis exchange, has released a new report with cannabis pricing data.
The report provides settled pricing data on wholesale cannabis flower, trim, extracts, and genetics. The data for this report comes from the 2025 records of GCX and its subsidiary, the Canadian Cannabis Exchange (CCX), which operates a cannabis wholesale trading platform.
Stratcann, Canada’s cannabis media and events platform, reviewed the report and wrote, “Entering 2026, the Canadian wholesale cannabis market is expected to be more volatile and competitive due to rapid supply growth, moderating domestic demand, and rising global competition…”
To read the Stratcann review of the report visit: https://stratcann.com/news/2025-canadian-wholesale-cannabis-pricing-and-2026-market-outlook/
To learn more about this report and download a sample visit: https://canadiancannabisx.com/product/2025-ccx-bulk-wholesale-cannabis-pricing-report/
CV Technology Excellence Award for AirMed
We are pleased to announce that AirMed Canada Systems Inc. has been recognized in the 2026 CV Technology Excellence Awards by Corporate Vision. AirMed has been named “Best Integrated Cannabis Compliance & Seed-to-Sale Management Platform” for 2026.
“We’re proud to receive this award from Corporate Vision,” said AirMed CEO Justin Hearn. “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s dedication to solving the most complex hurdles in the cannabis supply chain. AirMed has always tried to meet the needs of our industry by continuously innovating. We don’t do it for the recognition, but we are grateful for the acknowledgement. This award reinforces our position as a leader in creating seamless, integrated solutions for the Canadian producer.”
In an industry where the regulatory landscape is constantly shifting, our mission has always been to provide producers with a stable foundation. This recognition by CV Technology magazine highlights our commitment to building tools that don’t just track data, but actively protect our clients’ businesses.
As we appear in the CV Technology winners’ listing this year, our focus remains exactly where it has always been: on the software. We are incredibly grateful to those who trust us to manage their most critical data every single day.
Corporate Vision is a platform dedicated to showcasing the future of better business. With its monthly publications, the platform has a mission to deliver insightful features from across the global corporate world. CV’s awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have shown innovation and excellence in the corporate world. The CV Technology Excellence Awards honour the companies and entrepreneurs redefining industries and setting new standards for technological advancement. CV Technology Excellence Awards recognize those turning today’s ideas into tomorrow’s solutions.
Visit the Corporate Vision website here: https://www.corporatevision-news.com/
View our award listing here: https://www.corporatevision-news.com/winners/airmed-canada-systems-inc/
Cannabis Europa Paris 2026: Feb 19
Returning to the heart of Europe, Cannabis Europa Paris 2026 brings together leaders from business, policy, healthcare, and investment to shape the future of cannabis on the continent. As regulatory landscapes shift and patient demand continues to rise, Paris becomes the stage for open dialogue, fresh perspectives, and new opportunities.
Dialogue drives progress. By bringing together regulators, investors, and industry leaders, we create a platform where bold ideas and informed debate translate into commercial opportunity. Every conversation moves Europe’s cannabis industry closer to sustainable growth and mainstream recognition.
Through high-level discussion and networking, these events drive the dialogue that informs regulation, attracts capital, and sets the agenda for what is to come in Europe’s legal industry.
For more information visit: https://www.cannabis-europa.com/
Pivoting After Health Canada’s CBD NHP Ruling
Why the Medical Channel is Now the Primary Path for CBD
The start of 2026 has brought a significant shift for the Canadian cannabis industry. In a move that surprised many stakeholders, Health Canada recently removed the long-awaited proposal for Natural Health Products (NHPs) containing CBD from its forward regulatory plan. For years, producers and consumers alike hoped for a “third stream” for CBD—one that would allow non-intoxicating cannabidiol to be sold on pharmacy shelves and in health food stores alongside vitamins and supplements. With that pathway now effectively stalled, the industry must pivot.
Here is what the removal of the CBD NHP proposal means for your business and how you can navigate this “Medical-First” landscape.
What Happened?
On January 8, 2026, industry news outlets reported that the regulatory framework designed to create a “pathway for health products containing cannabidiol” had been stripped from the government’s upcoming agenda. This follows years of consultations that began back in 2019.
Is the Medical Channel the Only Way Forward?
For producers focused on the wellness and therapeutic benefits of CBD, the answer is increasingly “yes.” Without an NHP pathway, CBD remains locked behind the same regulatory requirements as THC.
However, this isn’t necessarily a setback—it’s a clarification of the market. The Medical Cannabis Channel remains the only legal way for producers to provide CBD to patients with professional healthcare oversight and without the “recreational” stigma of the adult-use retail environment.
How AirMed Supports Your Pivot to Medical
If your business strategy relied on CBD NHPs, now is the time to double down on your medical sales infrastructure. AirMed was built from the ground up to support the complex requirements of medical cannabis sales in Canada.
1. The AirMed WordPress Medical Plugin
Your website needs to be more than a digital brochure; it needs to be a secure patient portal. Our WordPress Medical Plugin allows you to:
- Manage Patient Registration: Streamline the intake of medical documents and healthcare practitioner (HCP) authorizations.
- Secure Product Catalogs: Show your CBD-dominant products only to verified medical clients, ensuring you stay compliant with strict promotion and advertising regulations.
2. Encrypted Patient Messaging
Health-focused CBD consumers often have more questions than recreational users. AirMed provides secure, encrypted messaging between your staff and your clients, allowing you to provide high-touch customer service while protecting sensitive patient data.
3. Seamless Fulfillment & Shipping
Transitioning to a direct-to-patient model requires a robust logistics engine. AirMed integrates directly with carriers and fulfillment tools (like ShipStation) to ensure that your wellness-focused clients receive their CBD products discreetly and efficiently.
The Bottom Line
The removal of the CBD NHP proposal from the 2026 regulatory plan is a reminder of the volatility of the Canadian regulatory environment. However, the demand for high-quality, health-focused CBD has never been higher. By leveraging the Medical Channel, producers can bypass the uncertainty of the NHP path and start serving patients today.
Official Context: You can monitor the current Health Canada Forward Regulatory Plan for updates here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/legislation-guidelines/acts-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan.html
Industry Commentary: StratCann reported that this move leaves CBD strictly under the Cannabis Act, rather than the Natural Health Products Regulations: https://stratcann.com/news/health-canada-removes-cbd-nhp-regulation-proposal-from-forward-regulatory-plan/
And for a demonstration of our medical plugin in action, please visit: https://airmeddemo.com/
The Rise of Craft and Quality: A Reflection on 2025
As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect on the evolution of our industry. This year has not only marked another milestone since legalization but has also demonstrated a profound shift in consumer expectations. We are moving past the initial phase of simply supplying volume; the market is maturing, demanding more sophistication and quality than ever before. This reflection leads us directly to the single most compelling growth strategy for the coming year: embracing the niche for premium, craft cannabis.
The Shift from Bulk to Boutique
Seven years into legalization, the Canadian cannabis consumer is no longer a novice. Consumers are sophisticated, educated, and increasingly selective. This maturation has fundamentally changed the domestic market, shifting the focus away from volume and toward quality, novelty, and differentiation.
While large producers compete on price in the value segment; smaller, nimble producers can find profitability in the premium craft segment. Consumers are demonstrating a willingness to pay a premium for products that offer a superior experience, unique strain profiles, and transparent production ethics.
Survival in 2026 requires more than just a licence; it requires a “Craft” badge. Provinces like Ontario (OCS) have set strict criteria for this designation, which micros are uniquely positioned to meet. By meeting these standards, micros can charge a premium that offsets their higher cost-of-production compared to “Standard” producers who rely on machine-trimming and volume.
The Craft Advantage
Recent regulatory adjustments by Health Canada are directly enabling this shift by reducing red tape and empowering smaller operators through expanded micro licensing, co-packing and flexible labelling.
To capitalize on the demand for craft and quality, producers should focus on:
- Cultivation Excellence: Embrace traditional, hands-on methods such as hand-trimming, hang-drying, and specialized curing processes that preserve terpene profiles and visual appeal.
- Genetics and Uniqueness: Differentiate your brand by cultivating rare or unique genetics that can’t be found on every store shelf. Consumer loyalty is built on exceptional, repeatable experiences.
- Authentic Storytelling: Consumers want to know where their product comes from. Be transparent about your grow methods, your team, and the care that goes into each batch. This authenticity fosters trust and commands a premium price point.
The era of undifferentiated, mass-market cannabis is fading. The future belongs to the producers who are committed to quality and who understand that, in a competitive market, craftsmanship is the ultimate differentiator.
To read more about the micro movement in Canada, read this article on the Stracann website: https://stratcann.com/news/micros-continue-to-be-the-most-popular-cannabis-licence-type-in-2025/
AirMed was designed for just such craftsmanship and commitment to quality. For more information visit our Software page.
And for information on our micro licensing programme visit: https://www.airmedmicro.com/