Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the barcode
The barcode, originally based on Morse Code, was invented and patented in the USA by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in 1952. However, it was more than 20 years before the invention became commercially successful.
Various organizations and companies played a role in the use of the barcode during those 20 years, but the real success began with a meeting of industry leaders in New York city in March 1971. It took another three years before a barcode that could be both printed easily and scanned easily was finally developed. In April of 1973, an industry-wide agreement on that barcode became the basis for GS1.
GS1, which stands for Global Standards, is a not-for-profit international organization that develops and maintains standards for barcodes and packaging identification.
The first barcode was scanned in the USA on the 26th of June 1974. Canada was the second country to introduce the barcode when a grocery store in Dorval, Quebec scanned the very first Canadian barcode.
The barcode was designed to make it easier for products to be tracked, processed, and stored. Today, these barcodes play a critical part in supply chains across the globe.
Available from 116 GS1 offices around the world, GTIN or Global Trade Item Number provides unique codes for a company and its products that can identified using electronic scanners.
GTIN employs a multi-digit number that is primarily used within barcodes. In North American, the UPC (Universal Product Code) is an existing form of the GTIN. In Europe, EAN-13 is the standard.
Cheers to all who had a hand in creating this useful tool that revolutionized the retail industry 50 years ago today.
For more information on GS1 and GTIN, visit,
https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodesFor a history of the barcode, visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode
Indigenous History Month and Cannabis News
AirMed would like to acknowledge June as National Indigenous History Month in Canada by providing links to Indigenous news and resources related to our industry.
APTN News recently discussed the 2024 federal budget with its cannabis implications for Indigenous communities in a feature on its website. Read it here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/budget-2024-ottawa-federal-government-ontario-money-first-nations-inuit-metis/
Stratcann, the Canadian cannabis news and events platform for industry professionals, published a feature entitled, “Indigenous History Month focus: Indigenous cannabis news.” The post was a review of StratCann news “spotlighting Indigenous voices in both the successes and disputes, which are being heard loudly and clearly. Regardless of the outcome, the recognition of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian cannabis industry is stronger than ever.” Read it here: https://stratcann.com/news/indigenous-history-month-focus-indigenous-cannabis-news/
The Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia published a post recently titled, “Respecting Indigenous Regulation of Cannabis.” With the subtitle, “Time to turn over a new leaf,” the article discusses jurisdictional issues related to cannabis in Canada. Read it here: https://www.cbabc.org/BarTalk/Articles/2024/April/Features/Respecting-Indigenous-Regulation-of-Cannabis
In related news, a Nova Scotia judge rejected constitutional arguments for Indigenous cannabis shops. CityNews in Halifax posted a story about it here: https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/06/14/nova-scotia-judge-rejects-constitutional-arguments-for-indigenous-cannabis-shops/
CBC also discussed the issue here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cannabis-emerging-new-battleground-over-mikmaw-rights-1.7151120
Last year MJBiz Daily published “Canadian panel urges bigger role for First Nations in cannabis industry.” This article recapped a Canadian Senate committee’s recommendations for regulations related to cannabis for First Nations. Read it here: https://mjbizdaily.com/canadian-panel-urges-bigger-role-for-first-nations-in-cannabis-industry/
The First Nations Health Authority offers a variety of resources on its website designed to help Indigenous youth make informed choices by providing information on the health impacts of using cannabis. View the resources here: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/mental-wellness-and-substance-use/non-medical-cannabis
European Cannabis Report 2024
The 9th Edition of the longest-standing annual report dedicated to Europe’s evolving and dynamic legal cannabis market is now available.
The European Cannabis Report: 9th Edition offers the most up-to-date insights and analysis on the evolution of key cannabis markets across Europe, including: Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
Published by Prohibition Partners, a free-to-download version of the report is available that excludes market sizing analysis. For market sizing data and analysis, please see the paid-for packages.
For more information, including how to download a free copy of the report, visit:
https://prohibitionpartners.com/reports/the-european-cannabis-report-9th-edition/
ISO, SCC and the Canadian Cannabis Industry
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 170 national standards bodies.
Through its members, ISO brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
In Canada, the ISO is represented by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). A Crown corporation, SCC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1970 to foster and promote voluntary standardization in Canada. SCC is independent of government in its policies and operations, although it is financed partially by Parliamentary appropriation.
When Canada legalized cannabis in 2018, SCC set about creating standards for the new industry believing that standards are essential for an effectively regulated marijuana market. These standards were considered groundbreaking when published in October of 2022.
ISO IWA-37, “Safety, security and sustainability of cannabis facilities and operations” is available for purchase through ISO in three parts.
Part 1 (ISO IWA 37-1:2022) covers requirements for the safety of cannabis buildings, equipment and oil extraction operations. https://www.iso.org/standard/84023.html
Part 2 (ISO IWA 37-2:2022) covers requirements for the secure handling of cannabis and cannabis products. https://www.iso.org/standard/84024.html
Part 3 (ISO IWA 37-3:2022) covers good production practices (GPP). https://www.iso.org/standard/84025.html
Taken as a whole, these documents provide invaluable direction to legislative bodies and emerging companies and help to create a safe, legal market for adults who use cannabis.
For more information from SCC visit: https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2022/new-guidance-from-iso-international-workshop-safe-cannabis-production
For more information from ISO visit: https://www.iso.org/en/contents/news/2022/10/standards_safe_legal_cannabis.html
To learn more about how AirMed helps you meet these standards, visit our Compliance page.
If you’d like to learn about our quality management and GPP offerings or discuss your specific needs, please give us a call at 1-877-313-2442 or use one of the contact forms.
Cannabis Industry Makes Predictions for 2024
While there are no guarantees as to what will happen in the cannabis marketplace, media members and industry analysts have been making predictions for 2024.
Investing News Network published both a year-end review and a forecast for the future that covered Canada, the US and global markets. For the projections, INN reached out to experts to learn about the key trends and challenges they expect to see in 2024.
https://investingnews.com/daily/cannabis-investing/cannabis-market-update/
https://investingnews.com/cannabis-forecast/
The Business of Cannabis published a series of articles in December 2023 and January 2024 with projections by industry stakeholders.
For their North American edition, the Business of Cannabis “spoke with a wide roster of industry stakeholders to discuss everything from the anticipated surge of pre-rolls, poised to surpass flower consumption in both Canada and the United States, to legislative reforms and the emergence of new market opportunities, such as cannabinoid therapeutics.”
https://businessofcannabis.com/looking-ahead-whats-in-store-for-cannabis-in-2024-part-1/
https://businessofcannabis.com/looking-ahead-whats-in-store-for-cannabis-in-2024-part-2/
https://businessofcannabis.com/looking-ahead-whats-in-store-for-cannabis-in-2024-part-3/
For the European edition, the Business of Cannabis focused on Germany and the UK.
https://businessofcannabis.com/whats-in-store-for-the-european-cannabis-in-2024-part-1/
https://businessofcannabis.com/whats-in-store-for-the-european-cannabis-in-2024-part-2/
The research firm Brightfield Group published “Six Insights from 2023 for 2024 Success in Canadian Cannabis.” This blog post offers a brief overview of the state of the Canadian cannabis industry plus trends for the future.
https://blog.brightfieldgroup.com/2024-canadian-cannabis-trends
The Green Market Report, which is focused on cannabis industry financial news, published “Cannabis Industry Executives Share Predictions for 2024.” This short article discusses both US and International reforms.
https://www.greenmarketreport.com/cannabis-industry-executives-share-predictions-for-2024/
The International Cannabis Business Conference blog offered up predictions for various markets around the globe in a post titled, “What Will Happen In 2024 Within The Global Cannabis Industry?”
https://ca.internationalcbc.com/what-will-happen-in-2024-within-the-global-cannabis-industry/
Market research company Technavio published a report titled, “US-Cannabis Market by Derivative Type, Product and Geography-Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027.” While focused on the USA, some of trends are likely the same as those that will affect the Canadian market. “The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry influencers.”
https://www.technavio.com/report/us-cannabis-market-analysis
GS1 Trend Report 2023/2024
Selling any product, including cannabis, starts with a unique identification number from GS1. The GS1 (Global Standards 1) organization is a neutral, global collaboration platform that brings industry leaders, government, regulators, academia, and associations together to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange.
GS1—which has local Member Organisations in 116 countries, over two million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day—helps ensure that there is a common language of business across the globe. GS1 manages the Global Trade Item Number or GTIN, which identifies companies and their products and services using barcode data.
“Trend Research 2023-2024” is a report published recently by GS1 that discusses the top business trends in the world. Topics include data privacy, supply chain digitalisation, traceability and new technologies.
“A cornerstone of any digital transformation are the concepts that are core to the GS1 system: globally unique identification, a common data language, a commitment to interoperability and a firm belief that business value achieved through data sharing is amplified through the use of standards.”
For more information and to download the report visit:
https://www.gs1.org/resources/articles/trend-research-2023-2024-innovation-world-continuous-disruption
Alberta Loosens Cannabis Regulations
Alberta is changing provincial cannabis regulations to “give retailers more time to focus on their business, while ensuring health, safety, and security remain a top priority.”
The Alberta government made the announcement in December 2023 in a media release titled, “Reducing red tape for cannabis retailers.”
On January 31, 2024, the following improvements to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation will come into force:
- Licensed cannabis retailers can operate temporary sales locations at adults-only events like trade shows and festivals.
- Cannabis retailers can keep their products in locked display cases when the store is closed rather than moving everything into a secured storage room at the close of every business day.
- Restrictions are removed on sales and transfers between cannabis retailers and to further allow Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to establish resale markup limits.
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, was quoted as saying, “We’ve been looking at the cannabis market to determine what’s working, what needs to be improved, and what’s redundant or unnecessary while protecting public health and safety. These changes are the result of our latest work to help curb the illegal cannabis industry and continue providing choices Albertans can trust.”
Stratcann, one of Canada’s cannabis news platforms, reported, “…a media representative for the AGLC tells StratCann that the ‘policies and processes to support cannabis licensees who are interested in operating temporary sales locations are in development and will be shared with cannabis stakeholders prior to the implementation date.’”
The CBC reported, “In Edmonton and Calgary, city bylaws already allow smoking or vaping cannabis at outdoor festivals and public events, but only in designated areas. And in those cases, selling cannabis on site isn’t allowed… The changes will allow licensed cannabis retailers to set up temporary sales at adults-only events, like trade shows and festivals. They also ease some of the restrictions around how store owners can transfer product between different locations and lift the requirement to store product in a secure area off the shop floor while the store is closed.”
Cannabis in Alberta is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) ministry.
To read the Alberta government media release visit: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=89500F3BC265B-E9F5-13F7-DA8506A53DD281BE
To read the Stratcann article visit: https://stratcann.com/news/alberta-announces-several-changes-to-retail-cannabis-regulations-through-red-tape-reduction/
To read the CBC article visit: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-to-allow-cannabis-sales-at-adults-only-events-1.7064117
For more information about cannabis in Alberta visit: https://aglc.ca/
Important Cannabis Council of Canada Excise Tax Request
Cannabis Council of Canada surveyed licensed producers and has released their findings in a report that you can access here: https://cannabis-council.ca/files/advocacy/C3-Excise-survey.pdf
But that’s not the end of this story. In fact, it’s just the beginning. CCC announced that after bringing their excise tax survey results to Ottawa during the Grass on the Hill Summit last month, the Department of Finance wants to learn more.
“The Department of Finance would like to get a deeper understanding of how excise tax impacts License Holders’ financial positions, and how different rate models can help the long-term viability of our sector.”
This is where you come in.
CCC is asking Health Canada License Holders who pay excise tax to provide the Canadian government with a confidential look at their financials for 2022. Note that deadline to respond: November 30, 2023.
For details and to access the CCC excise model spreadsheet use the contact information below before the November 30 deadline!
Email CCC directly at hello @ cannabis-council.ca
If the email link doesn’t work, visit the Cannabis Council of Canada website for contact information: https://cannabis-council.ca/
MJBizDaily Publishes Series on Government Funding for Canadian Producers
In the first article of a series, MJBiz Daily reported “More Canadian cannabis companies are tapping government funding sources to finance research and other projects as private-sector capital has become harder to come by.”
That article, written by MJBiz Daily International Editor Matt Lamers, was published September 28, 2023 with the title “Canadian cannabis companies tap government funding programs.”
Lamers wrote, “MJBizDaily found that more than 3 million Canadian dollars ($2.2 million) worth of federal funding was provided to almost two dozen companies over the past year, according to the government’s Grants and Contributions portal.”
The second article, published October 3, 2023, reported that “Cannabis-related agricultural businesses based in Alberta are eligible for provincial funding under two programs if they meet certain requirements, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation told MJBizDaily.”
The latest installment, published November 16, 2023, reported that the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food explained via email that “federally licensed and commercial cannabis production is eligible for many of its programs and services.”
The author wrote, “Federally licensed cannabis producers in British Columbia are eligible to apply for a host of government programs, some of which provide funding, including the provincial portion of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.”
In the News Five Years After Cannabis Legalization in Canada
This month marked the fifth anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in Canada, and news outlets offered various views on the results so far. While some of the articles discussed the challenges and struggles facing the industry, others looked at different aspects.
CTV News reports that “Five years after cannabis legalization, 64 per cent of Canadians are in support of the move.” The article published on the CTV News website was about the results of an online survey conducted by Research Co. “Support for the legalization of marijuana is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (66 per cent),” Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. said in a press release. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (56 per cent) and those aged 18-to-34 (48 per cent).”
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published “Outcomes associated with nonmedical cannabis legalization policy in Canada: taking stock at the 5-year mark.” This scholarly article reported, “Cannabis legalization in Canada appears not to have been the public health disaster anticipated by some of its opponents, but it cannot be described as a comprehensive or unequivocal success for public health either.”
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/195/39/E1351#ref-11
The Royal Gazette published “Canada and cannabis at Year 5,” which focused on three major aspects: the cannabis market, public health and social justice. “Canadian experience demonstrates there have been problems that must be responded to. But the ending of criminalisation that especially burdened Indigenous and Black people, the creation of a legal market providing untainted cannabis — the strength of which is clear — and the confronting of the illicit one that makes vast sums of money, pays no taxes and has no regard for the quality of what it sells must weigh heavily in the balance.”
https://www.royalgazette.com/opinion-writer/opinion/article/20231028/canada-and-cannabis-at-year-5/
What We Heard Report
The federal government released a report that summarizes what a “five-person expert panel has heard over the past year as it engaged with almost 500 stakeholders in nearly 90 meetings across Canada.”
The report, titled “What We Heard,” describes the scope of the engagement and summarizes the responses in several categories including: public health, impact on young persons, impact on First Nations and more.
Read about the expert panel and review here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/cannabis-act-legislative-review/expert-panel/legislative-review-cannabis-act-report.html
Read the report here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/cannabis-act-legislative-review/expert-panel/legislative-review-cannabis-act-report.html
Stratcann summarized the report in an article published on their website on October 10, 2023, the same day the report was released.
Read the Stratcann article here: https://stratcann.com/other/canada-releases-what-we-heard-report-on-the-cannabis-act-review/
Global News followed up the release of the report with an in-depth article on the state of the cannabis industry in Canada. In the feature published on October 16, 2023, Global News offers commentary by several experts including George Smitherman, president and chief executive of the Cannabis Council of Canada.
Read the Global News article here: https://globalnews.ca/news/10027112/cannabis-act-review-canada/
Complete C3 Excise Tax Survey of Licence Holders before Sep 1
Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) is conducting a study on the Canadian cannabis excise tax framework and are looking for input from licensed producers and processors from across the country.
Are you a Health Canada Licence Holder? Please take 10 minutes to fill out an anonymous survey (or forward to your CFO) before September 1st and join C3 August 31st for a virtual discussion with other leaders in the cannabis sector.
“Your input will be invaluable in shaping our conversations with government decision-makers at an upcoming lobby day and in advance of the Fall Economic Statement. All responses are anonymous and will be reported in aggregate.”
Not a licence holder? C3 encourages you to share this survey link with LPs whose operations might be impacted by a change to the excise tax framework.
Use the link below to complete the survey:
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25f1c7xf8k9fhoqOr visit C3 for more information:
https://cannabis-council.ca/
Stratcann: Micros Could Surpass Standards in Canada Next Year
According to an article published by Stratcann, “At the current pace of licensing, the total number of micro licences could surpass standard licences in 2024.”
Stratcann, an online news publication covering the evolution of the legal cannabis industry in Canada and around the world, reported that “Micro cannabis licences continue to grow in popularity in Canada, at almost 42 percent of all licences issued as of March 31, 2023. Just over half (51 percent) of licences were standard, three percent were nursery licences, and nearly four percent were medical-sales only licences.”
To read the full article, visit: https://stratcann.com/news/new-cannabis-licence-applications-continue-to-come-in-even-as-revocations-increase/
For a list of all the current licensees, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/industry-licensees-applicants/licensed-cultivators-processors-sellers.html
Report: Medical Cannabis Access and Experiences in Canada
The Medical Cannabis Access Survey Summary Report, issued in April of 2023, provides an in-depth view of individuals currently taking medical cannabis in Canada and their access experiences.
Topics covered by the report include:
- Changes in Medical Cannabis Use Since Implementation of the Cannabis Act
- Retention of the Medical Cannabis Program and Needed Improvements
- Perceived Improvements to the Medical Cannabis Program
This report was formulated from results drawn from the Medical Cannabis Access Survey, which received ethical approval from the University of Manitoba Research Ethics Board 1 and McGill University Research Ethics Office of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
For more information and to download a copy of the summary report, visit: https://www.medicalcannabissurvey.ca/report
The European Cannabis Report for 2023
Published by Prohibition Partners, The European Cannabis Report: 8th Edition, 2023, provides the latest information and analysis on the development of the cannabis markets across Europe.
“Included in the report are deep dives into all key sectors and geographic regions in the European cannabis industry, with many data sources which have been exclusively obtained by Prohibition Partners, or else remain un-reported to date.”
For more information, including how to download a free copy of the report, visit:
https://prohibitionpartners.com/reports/the-european-cannabis-report-8th-edition/
Health Canada Seeks Your Feedback from March 25 to May 24, 2023
In relation to a consultation on potential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations, Health Canada is seeking feedback and comments on potential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations.
The aims of the consultation include clarifying existing requirements, eliminating regulation inefficiencies and duplications and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens, and Health Canada is seeking input from:
- cannabis industry stakeholders
- public health stakeholders, non-governmental organizations
- researchers and research or academic institutions
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and organizations
- law enforcement
- provincial, territorial and municipal governments
For more information including how you can provide feedback until May 24, 2023, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-potential-amendments-cannabis-regulations.html
Congratulations Headstone Finalist in 2023 Canadian Cannabis Championship
On March 21, 2023, the Canadian Cannabis Championship named 13 Flower Finalists — and AirMed client Headstone Cannabis has made the list.
The CCC competition is being held in conjunction with the Grow Up Conference & Expo happening May 28-29, 2023 in Edmonton, Alberta.
“The top flower finalists include industry leaders such as Great Gardener Farms, Truth Holdings, Distinkt Cannabis, Headstone Cannabis, Stewart Farms, North 40 Cannabis, JustFire, Black Rock Cannabis, Palm Gardens, Northside Grow Co., Origine Nature, Vertical 7, and Into the Weeds.”
Judging will take place at the conference on May 28 with winners announced live on Tuesday, May 30.
For more about the Canadian Cannabis Championship, click here: https://canadiancannabischampionship.com/2023-finalists/
For more about Grow Up, click here: https://growupconference.com/
For more about Headstone Cannabis, click here: https://headstonecannabis.com/
Canadian Cannabis: State of the Industry Report
The industry analysts at Ernst & Young have published a state of the industry report for the Canadian cannabis industry. Covering until the end of 2022, this report was “intended to highlight the key issues facing the cannabis industry and provide the supporting evidence.”
The executive summary highlights:
1. Successes of legalization;
2. Key issues facing the industry;
3. Key implications and takeaways, and
4. Future policy considerations
The methodology used to create the report including secondary and primary research to identify high-level successes and issues since inception of the Cannabis Act.
For more information about this report, visit:
https://www.ey.com/en_ca/cannabis-centre-of-excellence/canadian-cannabis-state-of-the-industry
Read about Great White North Growers in Cannabis Prospect Magazine
AirMed client, Great White North Growers, has been profiled in a feature article in the December 2022 edition of Cannabis Prospect magazine.
The article, titled “The French Connection: How Great White North Growers Became Synonymous with Quebec Cannabis” features an interview with company co-founder George Goulakos.
The author writes, “In a few short years, Great White North Growers has gone from a licensed producer of its house brand and 514 Cannabis to a powerhouse working with over 30 growers in the province to get its products in SDQC stores.”
In the interview, Goulakos describes his company’s history, business model and future plans. “My partner Peter Schissler and I realized that there was a fantastic opportunity in this exciting new industry, and we decided to get in early… We were one of the first Licensed Producers in Quebec to be granted all Health Canada licenses and saw an opportunity to assist Quebec-based micro cultivators bring their products to market… Our mission is to be a proud Canadian company with strong values and a social conscience.”
To read the full article visit: https://issuu.com/cannabisprospectmag/docs/cannabis_prospect_magazine_dec._22_issue_-_digi/10
For more information on Great White North Growers, visit: https://gwng.ca/
Cannabis Prospect Magazine is Canada’s premier trade publication for cannabis industry professionals. Cannabis Prospect Magazine showcases the people and companies forging this new industry with articles written by industry experts and advisors that make up this new and dynamic marketplace. For more information visit: https://cannabisproonline.com/
Read about AirMed client Rogue Processing at Stratcann
AirMed client Rogue Processing has been profiled on Canada’s legal cannabis news platform, StratCann.
The article features Graham Taylor, the President and CEO of Rogue Processing, which is located in Niverville, Manitoba, about 20 km south of Winnipeg. Rogue offers state-of-the-art co-packing services to Canadian cannabis companies looking for a client-focused, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and tech-savvy alternative to current service providers.
“It’s sustainable not only because we’re using more environmentally friendly packaging, it’s also a more financially sustainable model where customers keep more profits in their pocket allowing them to…grow their business.” Graham Taylor
Stratcann covers the evolution of the legal cannabis industry in Canada and around the world, publishes news, company features and brand profiles.
To read the full Rogue Processing profile on the Stratcann website visit:
https://stratcann.com/profiles/rogue-processing/For more information on Rogue Processing, visit: https://rogueprocessing.com/