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
Report: Cannabis Packaging Market 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
Report: Global Cannabis Market 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.
Report: North America Legal Cannabis Market 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/
Cannabis in Canada: Get the Facts
Do you have questions about cannabis in Canada? Would you like to understand the laws that govern the Canadian cannabis industry? Are you considering applying for a license to cultivate, process or sell cannabis?
The federal government has a webpage that outlines what industry needs to know about cannabis in Canada. This information covers the basics related to doing business in the cannabis industry including:
Impact of the new law and regulations on industry
- Applying for or amending a federal licence
- Packaging and labelling requirements
- Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System requirements
- Compliance and enforcement under the Cannabis Act
- Prohibitions on promotions
- and more
The page provides links to relevant sections of the federal government website where you can find more information on each topic.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/industry.html
For more information on how AirMed helps you meet compliance, visit our Compliance page or our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you’d like to discuss your specific needs, please give us a call at 1-877-313-2442 or use one of the contact forms to start the ball rolling.
Market Researcher Says Canadian Cannabis Industry Exceeded $2.6 billion in 2020
According to BDSA, a market research firm specializing in the cannabis industry, global cannabis sales exceeded $21 billion in 2020. Based in Boulder, Colorado in the United States, BDSA made this announcement on March 5, 2021 in a blog post highlighting statistics from a market forecast.
The post noted, “Legal cannabis sales in Canada totaled an estimated $2.6 billion in 2020 and are forecast to grow to nearly $6.4 billion in 2026, a CAGR of 16%… During the year, BDSA Retail Sales Tracking data in Alberta and British Columbia showed rapid growth in shares of new Cannabis 2.0 product categories.”
The market research company also made predictions for the market into 2026. “Global cannabis sales reached nearly $21.3 billion in 2020, an increase of 48% over 2019 sales of $14.4 billion. BDSA forecasts global cannabis sales will grow from $21.3 billion in 2020 to $55.9 billion in 2026, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 17%. This growth is expected to be steady, roughly $6 billion annually.”
For more information visit:
https://blog.bdsa.com/cannabis-sales-in-2020
New BC Cannabis Sales Programs Announced for 2022
September 30, 2020, Victoria, BC: The British Columbia provincial government announced new sales programs to benefit cannabis producers and Indigenous businesses.
A media release yesterday announced that cannabis producers in B.C. will have greater access to local retailers and consumers, thanks to new direct delivery and farm-gate sales programs that are in development by the Provincial government.
These changes come as a result of input and recommendations from long-time cannabis growers, Indigenous leaders and other stakeholders. The government is giving Health Canada-licensed small-scale producers, including nurseries, the option of delivering cannabis directly to licensed retailers.
“We’ve heard clearly how important these kinds of sales are for smaller cannabis producers trying to get a foothold in a market currently dominated by larger players,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Now more than ever, our government is committed to supporting B.C. businesses and encouraging people to buy local, and that includes creating conditions for cannabis businesses of all sizes to succeed.”
The Province has also promised to develop a farm-gate sales program that will give cannabis growers in B.C. the option to sell their products from storefronts located at their production facilities.
The targeted launch for these new programs is 2022.
The BC Ministry of Attorney General’s Liquor Distribution Branch will also launch an Indigenous Shelf Space Program. This program, expected to start sometime in 2021, is designed to help consumers easily identify products from local Indigenous producers in BC Cannabis Stores.
“These steps will help grow the legal cannabis industry in B.C. in an inclusive way,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “By making it easier to know more about the product, those who choose to use cannabis can make careful decisions about what types of product they want to buy and what sectors of the industry they want to support.”
(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)
The ‘highlighted’ products should be available at private B.C. cannabis retail locations, as well as through the government-run BC Cannabis Stores online site.
For more information contact:
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Media Relations
250 213-3602
New sales programs to benefit cannabis producers, Indigenous businesses | BC Gov News
Cannabis Helps Canadian Agriculture Industry in 2020
According to the newspaper Moosejaw Today, Statistic Canada reported farm cash receipts of $16.7 billion increased 5.2 per cent in 2020 over 2019.
The newspaper article, published September 13, 2020, stated, “Without a 62 per cent increase — $685 million — in cannabis sales, farm cash receipts would have increased a mere .8 per cent… Led by surging cannabis sales, farm cash receipts in the first half of the year bucked the general decline caused by the coronavirus.”
To read the original article, visit: https://www.moosejawtoday.com/local-news/cannabis-steers-healthy-increase-in-agriculture-income-2706446
Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
As of October 17, 2018, cannabis is legal in Canada for both recreational and medical use. If you want to know exactly what that means for you, there are plenty of articles available online to help you. Following are a few from Canada and around the world:
CBC News: Cannabis is legal in Canada — here’s what you need to know
CNN: Canada just legalized recreational pot. Here’s what you need to know
Pot 101: Everything you need to know about marijuana legalization
New York Times: Canada is Legalizing Marijuana. Here Are Some Questions, Answered.
Prohibition 2.0 Begins October 17, 2018
ACMPR and the licensed cannabis producer
What does ACMPR cover?
For the cannabis industry in Canada, the most critical compliance implications are those covered by the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. This legislation covers every aspect of marijuana production and sale. Overseen by Health Canada, these regulations must be adhered to at every stage of cannabis business from propagation through to sale. As of August 24, 2016, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) replaced the previous Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).
ACMPR is designed to provide an immediate solution for Canada to meet legal requirements. But Health Canada is continuously evaluating how a system of medical access to cannabis should function alongside the government’s commitment to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis. As a result, laws and regulations may change.
Currently, the legislation contains four parts.
Part 1 sets out a framework for commercial production by licensed producers responsible for the production and distribution of quality-controlled fresh or dried marijuana or cannabis oil or starting materials (i.e., seeds and plants) in secure and sanitary conditions.
Part 2 sets out provisions for individuals to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes or to designate someone to produce it for them.
Parts 3 and 4 include transitional provisions, consequential amendments to other regulations, and provisions repealing the MMPR.
All those wishing to produce cannabis in Canada must apply to Health Canada to become a licensed producer under the ACMPR legislation, and all licensed producers MUST comply with the ACMPR regulations.
What are the specific ACMPR regulations that affect software and record keeping?
The ACMPR has many regulations that apply to the medical marijuana industry in Canada as a whole. Not all of those have implications for record keeping or to the method (software) used for that record keeping. (For links to the different websites that cover ACMP download our Seed-to-Sale Software Buyer’s Guide.)
How do I meet ACMPR compliance?
To be ACMPR compliant, your organization must have ways of meeting all of the regulations listed above.
Many of the regulations listed above apply to processes, so you’ll need to be utilizing best practices and documented standard operating procedures. You’ll also need to be able to prove to Health Canada that you have used best practices. That’s where seed-to-sale software comes in. Your cannabis business management software should provide you with the means to meet compliance when it comes to record keeping and reporting.
To support you in this process, a viable software vendor will supply you with a document that outlines exactly how the system they provide meets those requirements.
For a free demo to learn how AirMed meets these and other regulations, please email info @ airmed.ca.