Canada’s Cannabis Sector Contributes $11.6 Billion to National GDP
Recent economic data from Stratcann and other sources indicates that the cannabis industry continues to be a significant driver of the Canadian economy.
In 2025, the sector’s total contribution to the national GDP reached approximately $11.6 billion. Notably, the licensed production and processing segment accounted for the vast majority of this impact, contributing $10.6 billion. This represents a steady increase over previous years, highlighting the industry’s maturation and its role as a more substantial economic contributor than several other traditional agricultural and beverage sectors.
The data underscores the long-term viability of the sector and provides a factual basis for ongoing discussions regarding industry regulation and economic policy. Licensed production now contributes more to the national GDP than industries such as air transportation and meat product manufacturing.
The data is primarily derived from Statistics Canada. The 11.6 billion dollar figure for 2025 is based on real-time and monthly gross domestic product data tracked by industry. These figures are calculated using chained 2017 dollars to provide a consistent comparison over time across various economic sectors. Another major source for these figures is a comprehensive economic study released in September 2025 titled High Impact, Green Growth: The Economic Footprint of Canada’s Cannabis Industry. This report was a collaborative effort between the Business Data Lab at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Organigram Global. While the study found an even higher total economic impact of 16 billion dollars when including indirect and induced effects, it used the raw underlying data provided by Statistics Canada to perform its modeling.
Framework for Clinical Trials: Government of Canada Consultation
Health Canada is seeking feedback on the proposed Clinical Trials Regulations for drugs (pharmaceuticals, biologics and radiopharmaceuticals) and on multiple guidance documents related to the proposal. The proposed framework would replace the clinical trial regulatory schemes for drugs in the following sections of the regulations:
Part C, Division 5 of the Food and Drug Regulations and
Part 2 of the Clinical Trials for Medical Devices and Drugs Relating to COVID-19 Regulations
This proposed framework aims to improve access to new and innovative therapies for people in Canada while maintaining strong safety protections for participants.
This initiative is part of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s work to streamline processes and enhance regulatory efficiency.
The consultation is open until March 20, 2026.
- For more information visit: Government of Canada
- To read a legal discussion about this visit: Pharmain Brief
- To read the official announcement visit: Government of Canada Gazette
The Rise of Craft and Quality: A Reflection on 2025
As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect on the evolution of our industry. This year has not only marked another milestone since legalization but has also demonstrated a profound shift in consumer expectations. We are moving past the initial phase of simply supplying volume; the market is maturing, demanding more sophistication and quality than ever before. This reflection leads us directly to the single most compelling growth strategy for the coming year: embracing the niche for premium, craft cannabis.
The Shift from Bulk to Boutique
Seven years into legalization, the Canadian cannabis consumer is no longer a novice. Consumers are sophisticated, educated, and increasingly selective. This maturation has fundamentally changed the domestic market, shifting the focus away from volume and toward quality, novelty, and differentiation.
While large producers compete on price in the value segment; smaller, nimble producers can find profitability in the premium craft segment. Consumers are demonstrating a willingness to pay a premium for products that offer a superior experience, unique strain profiles, and transparent production ethics.
Survival in 2026 requires more than just a licence; it requires a “Craft” badge. Provinces like Ontario (OCS) have set strict criteria for this designation, which micros are uniquely positioned to meet. By meeting these standards, micros can charge a premium that offsets their higher cost-of-production compared to “Standard” producers who rely on machine-trimming and volume.
The Craft Advantage
Recent regulatory adjustments by Health Canada are directly enabling this shift by reducing red tape and empowering smaller operators through expanded micro licensing, co-packing and flexible labelling.
To capitalize on the demand for craft and quality, producers should focus on:
- Cultivation Excellence: Embrace traditional, hands-on methods such as hand-trimming, hang-drying, and specialized curing processes that preserve terpene profiles and visual appeal.
- Genetics and Uniqueness: Differentiate your brand by cultivating rare or unique genetics that can’t be found on every store shelf. Consumer loyalty is built on exceptional, repeatable experiences.
- Authentic Storytelling: Consumers want to know where their product comes from. Be transparent about your grow methods, your team, and the care that goes into each batch. This authenticity fosters trust and commands a premium price point.
The era of undifferentiated, mass-market cannabis is fading. The future belongs to the producers who are committed to quality and who understand that, in a competitive market, craftsmanship is the ultimate differentiator.
To read more about the micro movement in Canada, read this article on the Stracann website: https://stratcann.com/news/micros-continue-to-be-the-most-popular-cannabis-licence-type-in-2025/
AirMed was designed for just such craftsmanship and commitment to quality. For more information visit our Software page.
And for information on our micro licensing programme visit: https://www.airmedmicro.com/
Beyond Borders: Positioning Canadian Cannabis for the Global Export Market
The Global Opportunity: Why Canadian Cannabis is Primed for Export Growth
Canada has long held a first-mover advantage in the global cannabis ecosystem. Since federal legalization, Canadian producers have established world-class cultivation and processing standards that are highly valued on the international stage. As more countries open their doors to medical cannabis—particularly in Europe, Australia, and Israel—exporting is becoming a vital strategy for those looking to diversify revenue and mitigate challenges in the saturated domestic market.
The demand for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis continues to rise globally. For Canadians, the international stage is not just a secondary market; it’s a critical component of long-term economic sustainability.
Bridging the Compliance Gap: From Health Canada to the World
While Health Canada’s licensing is the foundation, accessing most international markets requires an extra layer of compliance, most notably Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification. The critical points in this process are as follows.
- Certification: For producers targeting Europe, obtaining EU-GMP certification or an equivalent international standard (such as IMC GAP/GACP) is essential. This signals to global buyers that your product meets the strict quality assurance and control standards required for medical products.
- Leverage Quality: Canadian-produced cannabis is often seen as a premium product. Producers should lean into this advantage by emphasizing specialized genetics, consistency, and stability testing, which are paramount for long-term supply contracts.
- Strategic Partnerships: Working with GMP-certified distributors, logistics experts, and experienced global consultants can streamline the complex process of international customs, tariffs, and differing regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
By intentionally building an export-ready operation today, Canadian producers can move beyond domestic competition and solidify their role as reliable, high-quality suppliers in the expanding global market. The time to look outward is now.
AirMed was designed for export markets and meets GMP and GACP standards.
For more information visit our Software page.
Or visit our Compliance page.
Deloitte Report: Six Years of Legalization
The industry analysts at Deloitte have released a new report titled Six Years of Legalization: The Economic and Social Impact of Canada’s Cannabis Sector. This report examines the industry’s economic contribution from legalization through 2024, with a focus on both Ontario and the broader Canadian economy. The report finds that over the six-year period, the industry invested $42.0 billion in capital expenditures, and generated $28.7 billion in sales nationwide, primarily driven by the sales of recreational cannabis products.
Read more about the report here: https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/Industries/consumer-products/research/an-industry-makes-its-mark.html
Profile: BC Cannabis Alliance
The BC Cannabis Alliance (BCCA) is a non-profit organization that serves as a collective voice for British Columbia’s licensed craft cannabis producers. Rooted in the province’s tradition of high-quality, small-batch cannabis, the BCCA advocates for a sustainable and thriving industry that supports rural economies and creates skilled jobs.
The alliance operates on a cooperative model, with a mission to help maintain BC’s status as a global leader in cannabis innovation. It works to provide small and medium-sized producers with a safe, legal, and sustainable alternative to the illicit market. Key goals include accelerating market access, establishing a retail network for its members, and achieving economies of scale to ensure these producers can compete with larger corporations.
A core function of the BCCA is government advocacy. The organization works to reform provincial and federal policies by addressing issues like excessive taxation, regulatory burdens, and competition from the unregulated market. It actively pushes for changes such as a more equitable excise tax structure, direct delivery reporting reforms, and grants for cannabis manufacturing. By championing causes like fair farm status exemptions and aligning licensing fees with other agricultural sectors, the BCCA aims to create a more supportive environment for BC’s craft cannabis industry.
For more information including how you can help, visit:
https://www.bccannabisalliance.com/
Cannabis 2.0 in Canada
“Cannabis 2.0” describes the expansion of the legal Canadian cannabis market beyond the initial offerings of dried flower, oils, and seeds. This new era is the result of the legalization of derivative products like edibles, vapes, beverages, topicals, and concentrates in Canada, which happened back in 2019. The shift has been significant in the Canadian industry, as it has attracted a new segment of consumers who may not be interested in smoking or vaping.
Consumer Behavior
Initially, dried flower dominated the cannabis market, but consumer tastes are evolving. New users in particular are seeking discreet, convenient, and predictable ways to consume cannabis. Cannabis 2.0 products directly address this demand. Edibles like gummies and chocolates as well as ready-to-drink beverages offer a familiar format, making them appealing to those who were previously hesitant to try cannabis. This trend is causing a gradual decline in the market share of dried flower, while other categories, especially vapes and edibles, are seeing significant growth.
Product Innovation and Market Diversification
The rise of Cannabis 2.0 has sparked a wave of innovation. Canadian licensed producers are developing a wide variety of products with different cannabinoid profiles (THC, CBD, and CBN) and terpene blends. This lets them create products with targeted effects, such as those for relaxation, sleep, or creativity. Some of the most exciting innovations include:
- Fast-acting edibles and beverages: Technology has been developed to create products that deliver effects much faster than traditional edibles, which often took hours to kick in. This is a game-changer for consumer experience and predictability.
- Minor cannabinoid products: Beyond THC and CBD, producers are now creating products that highlight minor cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol) for sleep, or CBG (cannabigerol) for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Craft and gourmet products: The market is seeing a rise in high-end, carefully crafted products, such as artisanal chocolates and specialty beverages, that are designed to compete with premium mainstream goods.
Attracting a Broader Audience
The diverse product offerings of Cannabis 2.0 are helping to destigmatize cannabis use and attract new customers. Many consumers who are not traditional cannabis users are drawn to topicals for pain relief, beverages as an alternative to alcohol, or low-dose edibles for a gentle introduction.
This expansion of the consumer base is vital for the long-term health and growth of the legal industry. It’s moving cannabis out of the shadows and into the mainstream, positioning it as a lifestyle product for a variety of purposes and demographics.
For more information visit our Software page.
Profile: Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance
The Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA) is at the forefront of establishing Canada as the world’s premier cannabis tourism destination. This dynamic organization comprises business owners, advocates, and cannabis professionals united by a common goal: to build a vibrant and sustainable cannabis tourism industry nationwide.
The CCTA is actively engaged in advocating for crucial policy changes, pushing for regulations that would enable everything from cannabis sales at public events to the establishment of consumption lounges. Their forward-thinking approach, evident in their 2024 plan to position Canada as the global cannabis tourism hub, highlights their commitment to shaping a responsible and thriving sector.
Beyond advocacy, the CCTA fosters industry growth through education, partnership development, and facilitating new business opportunities. They’ve already showcased their dedication with events like the “420 Cannabis Tourism ExtravaGanja” in Niagara Falls in April 2025, demonstrating their practical efforts to bring cannabis tourism experiences to life for consumers and professionals alike.
For more information including how to join, visit:
https://www.canadiancannabistourism.com/
Health Canada Seeks Feedback on Natural Products with Cannabidiol by June 5
A consultation is under way by Health Canada called: Towards a pathway for health products containing cannabidiol. The goal of this public consultation is to consider permitting cannabidiol (CBD) as a medicinal ingredient in natural health products. This would require amendments to Schedule 2 of the NHPR and the PDL.
“If these amendments are made, Health Canada would have the ability to regulate NHPCCs under the NHPR [natural health products containing cannabidiol]. Provided that a product licence application for an NHPCC meets the licensing requirements in the regulations, such products could then receive a natural product number (NPN). This number indicates that Health Canada has reviewed and authorized a product.”
In the consultation document, Health Canada states, “There has been continued interest from stakeholders to include CBD in health products available without a prescription and consumers who want to access them. As a result, Health Canada committed to looking at a potential regulatory pathway for NHPCCs that may be accessed without a prescription.”
The consultation began in March and the deadline for submission of feedback is June 5, 2025.
For more information on this consultation including how to participate visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-towards-pathway-products-containing-cannabidiol/natural-health-products.htmlFor an in-depth analysis of this consultation visit Stratcann:
https://stratcann.com/news/health-canada-seeks-more-feedback-on-cbd-as-a-natural-health-product-and-cbd-for-pets/
Still Proudly Canadian-Owned and Operated
After more than 10 years in business, we are incredibly proud to remain 100 percent Canadian-owned and operated. From day one, our mission has been clear: to provide world-class products and services while staying true to our Canadian roots.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to support the Canadian cannabis industry — from Cape Scott to Cape Spear and every point in between.
With hard work, innovation, and the continued loyalty of our customers, we’ve built something truly special and truly Canadian.
Through our second decade in business, we hope to continue serving you with the same passion, dedication, and Canadian pride that has defined us since 2014.
Take a tour of AirMed to see what homegrown can do for you. Call us today at (877) 313-2442 or use the Request Demo button at the top of the page.
In the meantime, visit our Software page.
10 Ways to Increase Cannabis Profits in 2025
High taxes, market saturation, and increased competition are cutting into profit margins for cannabis producers in Canada. In some areas, oversupply has driven prices down, affecting profitability for both growers and retailers.
With so many challenges complicating efforts for legitimate businesses to thrive, what can cannabis producers do to increase profits? We’ve compiled 10 strategies to help you cultivate success in the upcoming new year.
1. Diversify Product Selection: Broadening your offerings to include edibles, topicals, oils, and tinctures can create a wider customer base.
2. Target Niche Markets: Focusing on specific demographics or consumer needs, such as organic or medical cannabis, can establish a unique selling proposition.
3. Expand Distribution Channels: Export markets can offer new channels for Canadian cannabis, but be aware that meeting compliance in other regions can be costly. There are, however, alternatives. Selling to GMP-compliant organizations is one. Another is boosting your reach in Canada by partnering with retailers or large distributors and by selling online through direct delivery programmes.
4. Educate Consumers: Providing educational materials about product benefits and applications can strengthen customer engagement and drive sales.
5. Enhance Quality Control: Establishing high-quality cultivation practices can lead to superior products allowing for premium pricing and inspiring customer loyalty.
6. Optimize Processes: Creating formulas for cultivation or manufacturing by developing repeatable plans, templates, and recipes can ensure success again and again and trim waste.
7. Operate Efficiently: Streamlining through automation, standard operating procedures and improved resource management can reduce costs and increase output.
8. Minimize Risks: Active prevention through workforce management, approval workflows, and incident tracking lowers expenditures resulting from errors and damages.
9. Systemize Compliance: Having a system in place to administer compliance and stay ahead of regulatory changes can protect profits.
10. Improve Decision Making: Utilizing business intelligence and data analytics to track operations and consumer trends can help you make better decisions toward future success.
By implementing these strategies, cannabis producers can position themselves for greater financial success in a competitive market.
For information on the many ways AirMed can help you improve profitability, click the Request Demo button at the top of the page and a team member will be in touch. In the meantime, visit our Software page.
Cannabis Industry Forecast for 2025
What’s in the cards for cannabis in 2025? We’ve rounded up some of the predictions.
A report from insurance brokerage Hub International states that “In a volatile marketplace, risk mitigation will separate success from failure.” The document contains results from HUB’s Executive Outlook Survey, which polled 900 C-Suite and VP-level executives on the issues facing them on profitability, employee vitality and organizational resilience. “Outlook 2025 Cannabis” discloses that 80% of Canadian cannabis companies identified rising costs as the biggest challenge to profitability, but only 65% feel prepared to address it. https://www.hubinternational.com/en-CA/insights/outlook/2025/cannabis/
BNN Bloomberg posted a video titled, “Challenges in Canada’s Cannabis Sector,” featuring an interview with Ben Kaplan, author of Catch A Fire: The Blaze and Bust of the Canadian Cannabis Industry. Kaplan, a Brooklyn-born and Toronto-based writer and editor and the founder of KIND Magazine distributed in Canada’s legal weed shops, claims the industry is currently “right-sizing”. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/video/shows/the-open/2024/12/24/challenges-in-canadas-cannabis-sector/
Ben Kaplan also penned an opinion piece for the Globe & Mail titled, “Forgotten in the cannabis crash is how the industry is a Canadian success story.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-forgotten-in-the-cannabis-crash-is-how-the-industry-is-a-canadian/
Investing News Network published “Cannabis Market Forecast: Top Trends That Will Affect Cannabis in 2025.” While mostly focused on the U.S. market, the article mentions Canada. Overall, INN predicts that “2025 could be a year of transformation for the cannabis industry.” https://investingnews.com/cannabis-forecast/
For general and breaking news on the Canadian cannabis industry, visit one of the sites below.
Cannabis in Canada Review for 2024
There’s something about the end of one year and the beginning of another that makes people want to look back as they leap forward. End-of-year recaps are common in the news. But when we looked, we found many covering the U.S. cannabis industry and the process of decriminalization. But there were almost none about Canada. So we turned to ChatGPT, a type of artificial intelligence trained on large amounts of text data that uses an algorithm called a transformer to generate text. After scouring the Internet, ChatGPT came up with the following key developments for the Canadian cannabis industry in 2024.
Maturing Legal Market
The legal cannabis industry in Canada is entering its fifth year since the nationwide legalization in 2018. While the initial enthusiasm has settled, the market is now focusing on consolidation, innovation, and consumer education. Cannabis sales remain strong, but growth rates have slowed compared to the initial years. There is now a greater emphasis on quality and differentiation rather than simply expanding the market.
Industry Challenges
Despite initial optimism, the cannabis industry faces significant challenges:
- Profitability Issues: Many cannabis companies continue to struggle with profitability due to oversupply, high taxation, and competition from the illegal market. Prices have come down, but not always enough to outcompete illicit operators.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Companies are still navigating complex regulations, particularly around packaging, labeling, and marketing. The government has been slow to adjust some of these regulations to allow for more dynamic industry growth, such as expanding retail hours or reducing restrictive rules for cannabis advertising.
- High Taxes and Licensing Fees: The federal and provincial governments have kept taxes high on cannabis, which has affected margins for producers and retailers.
Expanding Product Offerings
In 2024, cannabis companies have expanded their product offerings, with a continued shift towards innovative products beyond dried flower, including:
- Edibles and Beverages: Cannabis-infused beverages and edibles have gained significant traction, providing a more discreet and enjoyable consumption method. These products are now a larger portion of the legal cannabis market.
- Vapes and Concentrates: Vaping continues to be popular among cannabis consumers, though it faces some regulatory scrutiny due to health concerns. Concentrates, like hash and distillates, are also on the rise.
- Medical Cannabis: Medical cannabis is still a crucial market, with more people accessing it for health-related reasons. New research and trials have also driven more interest in medical products, particularly those with a focus on CBD.
Consumer Trends
Consumer preferences have become more sophisticated. In 2024, Canadian cannabis consumers are looking for quality, consistency, and variety. This includes an increased demand for:
- Sustainable and Organic Products: Consumers are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly cannabis options, pushing producers to adopt sustainable farming practices.
- Microdosing: With more people seeking subtle, controlled experiences, microdosing has become a prominent trend, especially in edibles and tinctures.
- Brand Loyalty: As the market matures, consumer brand loyalty is becoming more pronounced, with established companies gaining recognition for their quality and reliability.
Legal Developments
The Canadian government continues to tweak the legal framework around cannabis in 2024. Several provinces are exploring the possibility of relaxing some restrictions:
- Expansion of Retail Stores: While Ontario leads in retail outlets, provinces like British Columbia and Alberta are increasing their number of licensed dispensaries, making cannabis more accessible to consumers.
- Home Cultivation Rules: Discussions around expanding personal cultivation rights are ongoing, with some provinces exploring allowing more plants to be grown for personal use, while others remain restrictive.
- International Market Opportunities: As Canada’s domestic market stabilizes, there’s growing attention on international markets for cannabis exports. Canadian companies are positioning themselves to benefit from the global cannabis boom, especially in Europe and emerging markets.
Social and Cultural Changes
Cannabis is now more ingrained in Canadian culture than ever. Public attitudes have become more accepting, especially regarding medical and wellness use. However, some societal issues remain:
- Concerns about Youth Access: Despite strict age restrictions, there are concerns about the accessibility of cannabis to minors, particularly through online sales or in neighborhoods with high retail density.
- Workplace Policies: As cannabis becomes more mainstream, workplaces are adapting to accommodate employees who consume cannabis. Employers are grappling with issues surrounding cannabis use, workplace safety, and testing.
The Black Market’s Continued Impact
The illicit cannabis market remains a significant challenge. Although legalization has greatly reduced illegal cannabis sales, the black market still exists, driven by lower prices, a wider selection of products, and a lack of trust in the legal system. Tackling the black market through regulation adjustments and lowering taxes is seen as a key area for future policy development.
Conclusion
Overall, the cannabis industry in Canada in 2024 is in a phase of refinement. While there are still challenges like profitability, regulatory barriers, and competition from the illicit market, the industry is maturing and diversifying its offerings. Consumer trends are shifting towards quality, sustainability, and innovation, while legal and regulatory adjustments are set to shape the market in the coming years. As Canada’s cannabis market continues to stabilize, the industry is positioning itself for long-term growth, both domestically and internationally.
Thanks ChatGPT! Content courtesy of https://chatgpt.com/.
If you are looking for media reviews of the cannabis industry that include some information on Canada, please click the links below:
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/cannabis-2024-year-review-2024-11-13/
https://investingnews.com/daily/cannabis-investing/cannabis-market-update/
Canadian Cannabis Leadership Summit: Oct 1 in Ottawa
Join the Cannabis Council of Canada for an afternoon of insightful discussion about the top issues facing the Canadian cannabis industry.
Bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as experts in medical research and financial services, this event will collectively advance issues which represent a risk to a properly functioning sector. Panel topics include in-depth conversation about the excise duty, the excise stamp, as well as reducing the regulatory burden. Following the conference, ticket holders will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a private reception, providing a unique chance to network and deepen discussions on the most pressing issues. Secure your place at this event and ensure your voice is part of the conversation as we drive the Canadian cannabis industry forward.
Hosted in the O’Born Room at the National Arts Center (NAC) in Ottawa, just steps from Parliament Hill, this panel-style conference will run from 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. For more information visit: https://cannabis-council.ca/events
Cannabis Consumption in Canada
Stats Canada published an article on April 19, 2024 that discusses various aspects of cannabis in Canada including production, sales, consumption, crime and even wastewater. The article combines government statistics with information from Canadian consumers.
The government agency reported that more than one in three Canadians adults are using cannabis. “In 2023, more than one-third of adults aged 18 to 24 years (38.4%) and 25 to 44 years (34.5%) reported using cannabis in the previous 12 months, compared with 15.5% of adults aged 45 years and older. About 1 in 10 adults aged 18 to 24 years (8.7%) and 25 to 44 years (10.3%) reported using cannabis daily or almost daily in the previous 12 months, compared with 4.8% of adults aged 45 and older.”
In a surprising statistic, the article also reports that out of every five dollars spent on legal cannabis, two dollars went straight into government coffers.
“Federal and provincial governments received $1.9 billion from the control and sale of recreational cannabis in 2022/2023, up by almost one-quarter (+24.2%) from a year earlier.”
To read the full article, visit Statistics Canada:
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6091-cannabis-consumption-canada
Business of Cannabis Leadership Summit: April 24 in Toronto
Business of Cannabis: Toronto will bring together influential Canadian business leaders spearheading the industry, key investors and on the ground policy makers to discuss the next 5-years of business in the country and how imminent reform might affect the shape of the market there.
In this leadership summits, Business of Cannabis brings together global players, alongside financial and political figures for half-day laser focused program and high-level networking — to utilise data, insights and knowledge in order to arm businesses to best navigate the next phase of Canadian cannabis.
For more information visit: https://www.cannabistoronto.live/
FREE Seed-to-sale Software Buyer's Guide
Record keeping is an essential part of Health Canada’s compliance regulations. From the advent of legal medical marijuana in Canada, legal producers of cannabis have been required to track every seed, rooted plant, gram of waste material, final dried product, as well as interactions with customers and more. Due to the sheer volume of information, an electronic record-keeping system is the only practical way to manage the process. The software industry has responded to this need by creating seed-to-sale management software systems designed to help producers track their operations and report to Health Canada to meet compliance.
To help you through the process of purchasing seed-to-sale software in the Canadian Cannabis marketplace, we’ve produced a 20-page guide that answers the following questions:
- What is a seed-to-sale software solution and why do I need one?
- How do I choose one software platform over another?
- What should I be looking for in the software?
- How does the software fit into my business?
- How is my data stored and secured?
- What happens if regulations change?
To download this guide courtesy of AirMed, please visit the following page and complete the form. Once you submit the form, you’ll be able to download the guide.
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
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/
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.”