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/
Research Predicts International Cannabis Market Increases Across Globe
A new research report forecasts increases over 2021 cannabis sales from 16 percent in Europe and 22 percent in Asia to 45 percent in Latin America.
The report titled “International Cannabis Refresh: The impact of shifting global regulatory environments” was published in October 2022 by the Brightfield Group.
The researchers state that growth in Europe “can largely be attributed to the commencement of adult-use sales, both in trial programs and in formal regulation…” But they also say that domestic cultivation could boost market sizes, “with many countries currently relying on imports from other nations.”
The Asia Pacific & Middle East region shows even higher forecasted increases over 2021 – as much as 22 percent. Israel has the largest market with Australia in second place.
In Latin America, cannabis sales are expected to increase by as much as 45 percent over 2021. This is attributed to the expectation that Mexico and Costa Rica will enter the marketplace by 2025.
The publishers of this report, Brightfield Group, is a research firm specializing in emerging categories including CBD, cannabis, and wellness.
For more information visit: Brightfield Group.
What to Expect from the Cannabis Act Review
Since the announcement of the Cannabis Act review, people are speaking out about what they hope to see from reviewers.
The review was initially planned to begin in 2021 and look at the public health implications of the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
The CBC reported that the government delayed the start of the review to expand the scope. “The review mandate has been expanded to include an examination of the social and environmental effects of the Cannabis Act, the impact of legalization and regulation of medical cannabis and the impact on racialized communities and women.”
Read more here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/public-health-cannabis-mandated-eview-1.6591442
An article in The Globe & Mail stated that “For George Smitherman, the chief executive officer of the Cannabis Council of Canada, the national industry association, the announcement comes at a critical time. Companies continue to face pressure from the illicit market, as well as excise taxes, provincial distributor markups and regulatory fees.”
Read more here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-health-canada-cannabis-act-review/
The Toronto Star notes that the pot sector wants packaging changes and financial relief from the review. “The industry is frustrated the review’s launch arrived a year later than mandated but is still hoping it can result in enough tweaked restrictions to make cannabis distribution easier, draw in new customers and prevent more staffing and facility cuts.”
Read more here: https://www.thestar.com/news/cannabis/2022/09/22/pot-sector-wants-packaging-changes-financial-relief-from-cannabis-act-review.html
The review is expected to be completed in 18 months, and government officials say that it will consider health issues as well as financial, tax, regulatory and criminal-justice matters.
Media Marks the Fourth Anniversary of Cannabis Legalization in Canada
Yesterday, October 17, 2022, was the fourth anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
Canada legalized cannabis on October 17, 2018. Since then, there have been many changes to the cannabis landscape, but some say we need even more reform.
The media took the opportunity to mark the day with reviews of the progress, criticisms of the process and calls for improvement.
Stratcann, an online news publication covering the evolution of the legal cannabis industry in Canada and around the world, chronicled Canadian legalization.
Read the article here:
https://stratcann.com/insight/four-years-later-following-canadas-path-to-legalizing-cannabis/
The Toronto Sun claimed, “Still much to iron out on fourth anniversary of Canada’s legalization of cannabis.”
Read the article here:
https://torontosun.com/news/still-much-to-iron-out-on-fourth-anniversary-of-canadas-legalization-of-cannabis
MJBizDaily, a news source for the cannabis industry in the US and Canada, published that “Canadian marijuana businesses pitch reform on legalization’s 4th anniversary.”
Read the article here:
https://mjbizdaily.com/canadian-cannabis-businesses-pitch-reform-on-legalization-4th-anniversary/
The Toronto Star declared that Canada’s cannabis producers say they’re in crisis.
Read the article here:
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/10/17/canadas-cannabis-producers-say-theyre-in-crisis-heres-what-theyre-asking-the-government-to-do.html
B.C. Enables Cannabis Farm-to-gate Sales
The Province of British Columbia announced last week that it will introduce a new cannabis retail licence that will allow eligible federally licensed cannabis producers to sell non-medical cannabis products from stores located at their cultivation sites.
The producer retail store (PRS) license is expected to go into effect on November 30, 2022.
Standard cultivators, micros and nursery licence-holders will be eligible to apply through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s (LCRB) liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
The media release published on the Province’s website reads, “This licence was created as part of the Province’s commitment to enable farm-to-gate cannabis sales in British Columbia… This launch follows the recent opening of the first farm-gate cannabis facility in B.C. in Williams Lake, which was a result of the government-to-government agreement between the Province and Williams Lake First Nation.”
B.C. currently has 212 federally licensed cannabis producers, which includes 74 micro-producers.
To read the full media release visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0061-001490
Information about cannabis regulation in B.C.: https://www.cannabis.gov.bc.ca
Information about the Buy Legal campaign: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/cannabis/buy-legal
Licensed cannabis producers and retail stores in B.C. interested in participating in direct delivery can find information on the program’s website:
https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/LDBDirectDeliveryProgram
Information about the BC Indigenous Cannabis Product (BCICP) program: https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/BCICP
Government of Canada Launches Cannabis Act Review
On September 22, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the launch of a legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
The announcement stated, “Parliamentarians recognized the need for an early assessment of the Government’s new approach to cannabis control, and included a provision requiring a review in the Act. The review will help ensure that the Act adapts to the current situation and continues to meet Canadians needs and expectations.”
An independent panel of experts will lead what is being called a credible and inclusive review. “The Panel will provide independent, expert advice to both Ministers on progress made towards achieving the Act’s objectives, and will help identify priority areas for improving the functioning of the legislation.”
In conjunction with the legislative review, an online engagement process has been launched.
All Canadians are invited to read Taking Stock of Progress: Cannabis Legalization and Regulation in Canada.
Canadians are also encouraged to share their views via the online questionnaire or through written feedback until November 21, 2022.
Take the survey here: https://ca1se.voxco.com/SE/?st=3KoT2Xgsv4uHJF2%2F0i%2F7oo5IS3ATejUCjIjdJ4lUsME%3D&lang=en
You can also read the original announcement on the Government of Canada website.
Micro licences take off in Quebec
According to a recent post at the cannabis news website, Stratcann, Quebec has seen more new micro licences in 2022 than any other province so far this year.
The CEO of the Association québécoise de l’industrie du cannabis (AQIC), Pierre Leclerc, says believes the recent increase may be a reflection of the maturing market.
“I think Quebec entrepreneurs sat back a little and watched how the market would play out… building a business model around the micro licence production is something that makes sense in Quebec.”
Read the full article here: https://stratcann.com/news/micro-licences-taking-off-in-quebec/
For more information on how AirMed supports micro growers and processors, visit our Software page.
Read about AirMed client Craft Kings at Stratcann
AirMed client Craft Kings has been profiled on Canada’s legal cannabis news platform, StratCann.
The article features Tye Harlock and Kyle Windle, co-founders of Craft Kings, and their approach to micro cultivating at their facility in Sooke on Vancouver Island.
“I really do believe that the industry is going to be heavily reliant on craft. So that’s what we’re focused on. It’s what we know how to do, and the people buying it seem to agree. We just want to keep finding new strains to bring them, and to keep getting better.”
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 Craft Kings profile on the Stratcann website visit:
https://stratcann.com/profiles/vancouver-islands-micro-grower-craft-kings-focusses-on-small-batch-quality/For more information on Craft Kings, visit: https://craftkings.ca/
Survey Shows Decrease in Illegal Cannabis Use in BC
The government of British Columbia recently published a news release stating, “A recent survey is showing positive changes in behaviour among B.C. cannabis consumers, including more responsible use and fewer people purchasing from unlicensed sellers.”
The survey results that were referenced showed a significant decrease in the number of consumers who reported buying from an unlicensed store: from 56% in 2018 to 17% in 2021. The survey also showed that 71% of consumers reported purchasing from licensed retailers.
“Findings suggest that most people in B.C. who choose to use cannabis are doing so responsibly.”
The announcement was issued by the Public Safety and Solicitor General on August 2, 2022, and the 35-page report can be downloaded directly from the government website.
To read the media release on the BC government website, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0055-001202
To download the full 2021 BC Cannabis Use Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/cannabis/2021_bc_cannabis_use_survey_report_final.pdf
Cannabis Packaging Market Report 2022-2027
This report provides Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and 2022-2027 Forecast for the Cannabis Packaging Market.
According to the report, the global cannabis packaging market reached a value of US$ 982.4 Million in 2021. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach a value of US$ 3949.6 Million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 25.40% during 2022-2027.
In this report, IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global cannabis packaging market, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2022-2027.
For more information about the report, visit:
https://www.imarcgroup.com/cannabis-packaging-market
For information on how AirMed helps manage packaging, visit:
https://airmedcloud.com/software/#stock
Cannabis Delivery Options Expanded in British Columbia
As of Friday, July 8, 2022, licensed cannabis retail stores (CRSs) in the province of British Columbia are permitted to deliver non-medical cannabis to consumers through Canada Post and other common carriers.
This change has come about as a result of lobbying by the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) and other groups. Until now, only the government in British Columbia has been able to do this since legalization.
“Since federal legalization of non-medical cannabis, we have continued to look for ways to support the cannabis industry in our province while providing safe and accessible options for British Columbians,” says Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Expanding delivery-service options not only builds equality within the market, it also gives consumers one more reason to buy legal instead of illicit.”
For more on this story visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0047-001079
https://cannabisretailer.ca/2022/expanded-delivery-options-in-bc/
Canadian cannabis sales projected to double over next five years
A “Cannabis Canada Weekly” column published on BNN Bloomberg in March 2022 reports that Canadian cannabis sales are expected to double to $8.8B over next five years.
The article refers to a report published by the market researchers at Brightfield Group and notes, “The pace of sales in Canada’s cannabis market may be slowing down, but it is still expected to double over the next five years, according to a new report.”
Read the article by visiting BNN Bloomberg: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/cannabis-canada-weekly-market-expected-to-double-by-2027-pot-stocks-up-on-u-s-legalization-hopes-1.1743189
Global Cannabis Market Report 2021-2026
The Global Cannabis Market report for 2021-2026 provides Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts.
According to the report, the global cannabis market was Valued at USD 22.10 billion in 2020. The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 13.9% during the forecast period (2021-2026).
“Like every other market, COVID-19 had an adverse impact on the cannabis market as well. The imposition of lockdown limited consumers from visiting brick-and-mortar shops. However, many cannabis companies began relying heavily on social media and e-commerce platforms to market to consumers during the year. Cannabis retail outlets, producers, manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses were deemed essential services by the Alberta Government on March 30, 2020. As a result, cannabis businesses and services continued to serve Albertans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more information on this report, visit:
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4771910/global-cannabis-market-growth-trends-covid-19
For information on how AirMed helps the Canadian cannabis companies, visit:
https://airmedcloud.com/customers/
Health Canada authorizing dried and fresh cannabis sales to licensees
Beginning April 19, 2022, existing holders of micro and standard cannabis licenses in Canada will be granted authorization to sell dried and fresh cannabis products. A notification went out to existing license holders at the end of March that this regulatory change will allow them to sell dried or fresh cannabis products to provincial wholesalers. Prior to this, a sales amendment was required to sell those products.
“Initial licensing came with sales conditions, and the amendment application process could take months,” said Justin Hearn, president and CEO of AirMed Canada Systems, “These changes are designed to reduce the regulatory burden for licensees and help them get their products to market more quickly. We expect this to be especially significant for our micro clients who want to carry out farmgate sales.”
Health Canada will automatically reissue licenses with amended conditions over the next three months. Those who had already applied for an amendment for dried and fresh cannabis sales will be prioritized in the process. Following the regulations, licensees will still need to submit a Notification of New Cannabis Product (NNCP) 60 days in advance of the sale of any new product.
This modification to the license program has been implemented as part of Health Canada’s efforts to improve the cannabis licensing process. According to the notification, “The decision is based on the lower risk associated with producing dried and fresh cannabis products.”
Note that the change applies only to dried and fresh cannabis products. Other products, such as edibles and vape cartridges, are not included in the sales amendment. Licensees planning to sell those products must still apply to Health Canada for a sales amendment.
“While these changes do not apply to the sale of extracts and edibles, it is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Hearn. “We expect edibles and extracts to play a significant role in cannabis sales in the future and have already added support in AirMed for these classes of cannabis.”
For more information about cannabis in Canada, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/industry.html
For information on how AirMed manages the sale of cannabis products for licensees, visit: https://airmedcloud.com/software/#sell
Congratulations to Craft Kings: 2021 Best Craft Cannabis Company
AirMed client Craft Kings has been recognized as “Best Craft Best Craft Cannabis Company” in the Commercial Cannabis Awards for 2021.
Sponsored by Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Magazine, the Commercial Cannabis Awards programme aims to promote and award the globe’s leading businesses and individuals who remain at the forefront of an industry enjoying sustained growth.
A spokesperson for Crafts Kings said, “We are incredibly honoured, humbled, and hyped to receive this award. All our hard work is paying off. We have accomplished so much in just over a year, yet we are just getting started.”
AirMed was also honoured with a Commercial Cannabis Award for 2021, and we are proud to be on the same winners list as Craft Kings.
For more information about Crafts Kings visit: https://craftkings.ca/
To read about AirMed’s Commercial Cannabis Award, visit: https://airmedcloud.com/commercial-cannabis-awards-2021/
Report says Cannabis Contributed $43.5 Billion to Canada’s GDP since legalization
The industry analysts at Deloitte Canada have published an annual report on the Canadian cannabis industry. Posted February 1, 2022, the report is titled, “An industry makes its mark: the economic and social impact of Canada’s cannabis sector.”
The authors of the report wrote, “Canada’s cannabis industry is generating billions for the country’s economy and government coffers… In the span of three years, the Canadian cannabis sector has found its footing and emerged as a thriving new source of economic growth, creating and supporting tens of thousands of jobs in communities countrywide.”
The report is based on a study that uses an input-output methodology to estimate the economic contributions of the Canadian cannabis sector.
To read more about this report visit: Deloitte Canada
To download the full report in PDF visit: An industry makes its mark
Deloitte Report Discusses Retail Cannabis Pricing Dynamics
With the help of BDSA and Hifyre, the analysts at Deloitte Canada examined consumer sales data alongside Deloitte’s recent survey of cannabis consumer preferences. The goal? To better understand pricing dynamics in both the Canadian and American adult-use cannabis markets.
“We discovered some fundamental similarities between cannabis and consumer packaged goods (CPG) markets—and some key differences.”
This report, titled “Price. It’s Complicated,” gives a close look at how cannabis behaves like a typical CPG (consumer packaged goods) market and the dynamics at play when it doesn’t. The report outlines some recommendations for companies looking to stay competitive in the challenging environment of this young industry.
To read more about this report visit: Deloitte Canada
To download the full report in PDF visit: Price. It’s Complicated.
North America Legal Cannabis Market Report 2021-2026
Titled, North America Legal Cannabis Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026, this report is published by IMARC Group.
According to the report, the North America legal cannabis market reached a value of US$ 16 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% during 2021-2026.
In this report, IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the North America legal cannabis market report, along with forecasts at the global and regional level from 2021-2026.
For more information visit:
https://www.imarcgroup.com/north-america-legal-cannabis-market
For information on how AirMed helps legal cannabis producers and processors, visit: https://airmedcloud.com/compliance/