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/
AirMed CEO Invited to Global CanExec Summit
Held annually, the Global Cannabis Executive Summit is a B2B conference designed for executives with leadership roles in the cannabis industry. This invitation-only event is attended by decision-makers from leading producers with 90+ percent of the speakers holding C-suite roles.
Justin Hearn, President and CEO of AirMed Canada Systems, has been invited to participate in the summit, being held this year on October 30 and 31 in Toronto.
While most attendees at this event represent producers, the organizers invited Hearn to provide a software vendor perspective.
“We have clients ranging from large producers to micros plus processors and dispensaries,” said Hearn. “As a result, we work with a cross-section of the industry and are aware of the challenges being faced. In addition to staying ahead of the regulations to ensure our users have the tools to meet compliance, we also try to anticipate what our clients will need in the future to remain competitive. This gives us a broader view of the industry and a distinct perspective that we can share with the CanExec audience.”
This is an in-person event being held October 30-31, 2023 at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada.
For more information about the event, visit https://canexecsummit.com/
Grow Up Conference in Victoria a Success
Grow Up Conference and Expo returned to Victoria BC last week with over 120 high-level industry speakers, 90+ exhibitors and thousands of delegates together on Vancouver Island.
Grow Up Conference is a true B2B cannabis event that focused on cultivation, extraction and psychedelics for industry professionals.
Read the Times Colonist coverage of the event here:
https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/victoria-cannabis-conference-first-in-bc-to-allow-sampling-after-change-to-regulations-7631570This in-person event was held October 1-3, 2023 at the Victoria Convention Centre in downtown Victoria, BC, Canada.
For more information visit: https://growupconference.com/
Cannabis Prospect Interviews AirMed CEO Justin Hearn
Cannabis Prospect interviewed AirMed Canada Systems Inc. president and CEO Justin Hearn for an article published on the magazine’s website on May 15, 2023.
In the feature, titled “How AirMed is Helping Canadian Cannabis Producers Cultivate Success,” Hearn discussed the ways AirMed software is adapting to the changing market conditions.
“Our new AirMed 5 version focuses on streamlining data entry and improving quality management and profitability for cannabis operations… We’ve modelled the workflows on commonly accepted manufacturing procedures and terminology incorporating task-based work orders that let organizations precisely track the costs incurred for running their facilities.”
Hearn goes on to say, “AirMed is adapting its software to support increased insight as well as new strategies to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the bottom line.”
Read the full interview here: https://cannabisproonline.com/article/
Download a PDF of this article: Cannabis Prospect Justin Hearn Interview PDF
For more information on AirMed 5, visit: https://airmedcloud.com/intro-airmed-5/
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/
Read about AirMed in the Commercial Cannabis Awards Booklet
If you read our earlier post, then you know that AirMed has been recognized for a second time in the Commercial Cannabis Awards. This time AirMed was named “Cannabis Management Software Company of the Year.”
Now you can read all about AirMed and why we were given this award in an article in the CCA Awards Booklet. The profile features an interview with AirMed’s CEO, Justin Hearn.
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.
Excerpt:
For those willing to look for gaps in the marketplace as AirMed has, the future holds great potential. Hearn and his team embody the pioneering mindset that aims to make a positive impact on the whole industry.
“The new features in AirMed are designed to give producers the tools they need to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of cannabis production and sale in Canada — and around the world,” says Hearn. “We will continue to respond directly to customer issues and industry trends to support greater performance, productivity and profitability.”
The awards booklet was published this March and is available on the GHP CCA website (find us on page 6): CCA 2022 Awards Booklet
Find a full list of winners in the 2022 awards here: CCA 2022 Winners
Learn more about the GHP Cannabis Awards here: GHP CCA Awards
If you’d like to learn more about AirMed and why it was given this honour, please visit our software page: AirMed Software
And drop by our Customers page to see how we are helping businesses just like yours: AirMed Customers
Report: Canadian Cannabis State of the Industry
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
Another Commercial Cannabis Award for AirMed!
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
We’ve done it again! AirMed has been recognized for a second time in the Commercial Cannabis Awards. This time AirMed was awarded “Cannabis Management Software Company of the Year.”
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.
Read about AirMed in last year’s awards magazine here: https://www.ghp-news.com/issues/commercial-cannabis-awards-2021/10/
Learn more about the GHP Cannabis Awards here: https://www.ghp-news.com/awards/commercial-cannabis-awards/
If you’d like to learn more about AirMed and why it was given this honour, please visit our software page: AirMed Software
And drop by our Customers page to see how we are helping businesses just like yours: AirMed Customers
UPDATE MARCH 6, 2023
The awards booklet has been published! Find a full list of winners plus a link to the booklet with our profile (page 6) here: CCA 2022 Awards
Download a PDF of our profile in the awards publication: AirMed GHP CCA Award for 2022 Profile
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/
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.
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/
Read about AirMed in Global Health & Pharma Magazine
Global Health & Pharma Magazine publishes the latest innovations and advancements within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Sponsored by 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.
AirMed was recognized as “Best Turnkey Cannabis Management System” in GHP’s 2021 Commercial Cannabis Awards, and you can read a profile of AirMed in the GHP Magazine issue dedicated to those awards.
The article features an interview with president & CEO of AirMed Canada Systems, Justin Hearn, where he discusses future plans for the award-winning cannabis management system.
Read about AirMed in the awards issue of GHP magazine here: https://www.ghp-news.com/issues/commercial-cannabis-awards-2021/10/
If you’d like to learn more about AirMed and why it was given this honour, please visit our software page: AirMed Software
And drop by our Customers page to see how we are helping businesses just like yours: AirMed Customers
Stratcann Profiles AirMed
StratCann, an online news publication, has published a profile of AirMed. Stratcann covers the evolution of the legal cannabis industry in Canada and around the world, publishes news, company features and brand profiles.
The profile features quotes from our president and CEO, Justin Hearn, and our Director of Research and Development, Shane Nielsen.
One quote from Hearn read, “When showing our software to prospective clients, they are always blown away by how much information AirMed provides.”
Nielsen elaborated, “Users quickly discover all the different ways they can use the vast amount of information that we track to give them an edge in their business.”
The article concluded with a quote from Hearn, “Solutions like AirMed will need to feature more ERP-related functionality to manage production planning including routing through external organizations… Software solutions will need to evolve from record-keeping compliance to cannabis industry-specific ERP platforms.”
Read the full profile at Stratcann: https://stratcann.com/2022/06/13/airmed-seed-to-sale-business-solutions/
Download a PDF of this profile: Stratcann AirMed Profile PDF
If you’d like to learn more about AirMed, please visit our software page: AirMed Software
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/
AirMed Best Turnkey Cannabis Management System for 2021
MARCH 23, 2022
AirMed has been recognized as “Best Turnkey Cannabis Management System” in the 2021 Commercial Cannabis Awards.
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.
“AirMed is proud to be recognized for the role it plays in the cannabis industry,” said CEO Justin Hearn.
“AirMed was created in 2014 to help Canadian licensed producers meet compliance at all levels of government. Continuously innovating since then, our goal is to provide a responsive solution that not only meets customer needs but anticipates them, regardless of the size or focus of your cannabis business. That has been our driving force since our inception, and after eight years in business, we are still 100% Canadian owned. We’d like to thank Global Health & Pharma for this honour and promise to keep up the good work.”
GHP Awards Executive wrote, “…This award symbolises the hard work, dedication, and effort that institutions such as yourselves have applied throughout the challenges faced in the midst of a global pandemic! Once again, congratulations on your victory!”
GHP Magazine’s aim is to provide support and help showcase the latest developments, most promising innovations and leading companies across the medical and health industries.
The Commercial Cannabis Awards are entirely merit-led, which means that GHP does not go on the number of votes received. The aim is to ensure that GHP rewards businesses of all levels based on their quality of product or dedication to service, from small start-ups to giant behemoths.
Read about AirMed in the awards magazine here: https://www.ghp-news.com/issues/commercial-cannabis-awards-2021/10/
Download a PDF of our profile in the awards publication: AirMed GHP CCA 2021 Profile
Learn more about the GHP Cannabis Awards here: https://www.ghp-news.com/awards/commercial-cannabis-awards/
If you’d like to learn more about AirMed and why it was given this honour, please visit our software page: AirMed Software
And drop by our Customers page to see how we are helping businesses just like yours: AirMed Customers
Introducing the AirMed Ecosystem
To help our clients cultivate success, AirMed is developing strategic partnerships with leading vendors of products and services in the Canadian cannabis industry. We’ve partnered with the best in the industry including compliance consultants, hardware manufacturers, telecommunications and delivery services.
The AirMed Ecosystem provides a turn-key solution with integrated hardware and software to help producers become more productive and profitable. From pathogen detection and environmental analytics through barcoding and label printing to ecommerce and delivery, the AirMed Ecosystem provides the best the industry has to offer for your cannabis business.
If you are a licensed producer or cultivator, visit our partnering page to find out more about what we offer and the awesome companies we’ve partnered with: AirMed Ecosystem
If you provide a complementary product or service in the cannabis industry and would like to collaborate with AirMed, click here for a form to request a conversation with a partnering representative: Partner Form
And if you’d like a product demo of AirMed software, call (877) 313-2442 or email info @ airmed.ca.