Profile: Cannabis Council of Canada
The Cannabis Council of Canada (C3) is the national and international voice for Canada’s licensed cannabis producers and processors, advocating for a safe, competitive, and responsible industry. We promote high standards, foster economic growth, and work to ensure integrity within the regulated market. By advocating for fair regulations, high-quality standards, and economic opportunities, we work to ensure public safety, and foster a legal market that benefits communities, businesses, and consumers alike. Committed to eliminating the illicit market, we strive to strengthen Canada’s legal cannabis sector while driving innovation and economic opportunities. As the trusted national resource on the Canadian Cannabis industry, we engage with stakeholders to support the industry’s continued development and responsible use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The mission of the Cannabis Council of Canada is to advocate for and promote a healthy, trusted, and competitive cannabis market that empowers Canada’s Licensed Producers to deliver high-quality, rigorously tested products to consumers while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
The C3 Advocacy Roadmap
C3’s mission in 2026 is built on three specific pillars of reform aimed at stabilizing the sector:
The 10% Ad Valorem Cap: C3 is lobbying to replace the $1-per-gram minimum with a hard cap at 10% of the producer’s selling price. This would immediately restore margins and allow legal producers to compete fairly on price.
National Stamp Harmonization: Currently, producers must navigate a logistical nightmare of province-specific excise stamps. C3 is pushing for a single national stamp to streamline supply chains and reduce operational costs.
The Medical Exemption: A renewed effort to eliminate excise tax on medical cannabis, ensuring that patients aren’t taxed for accessing their medication.
The Cannabis Council is committed to advancing the interests of its members by providing essential industry resources, engaging with policymakers to shape fair and progressive regulations, and championing policies that encourage sector growth while reducing unnecessary operational and financial burdens.
Through collaboration with industry stakeholders, government bodies, and the public, the Council fosters an environment where innovation, consumer safety, and responsible business practices drive the future of Canada’s legal cannabis industry.
For more information please visit: https://www.cannabis-council.ca/
Stratcann’s Growing Relationships B2B Series: Calgary and Winnipeg
Hosted by StratCann, an organization dedicated to providing news and resources for the Canadian cannabis industry, the Growing Relationships event series returns this spring with one-day B2B gatherings in Calgary and Winnipeg.
These events are designed to foster direct connections between licensed producers, regional retailers, and industry service providers. Unlike larger trade shows, these regional sessions focus on intimate networking, brainstorming solutions for current industry challenges, and participating in community-led discussions.
The Calgary event takes place on April 29, 2026, at the Calgary Italian Cultural Centre.
The Winnipeg event follows on May 13, 2026, at the Norwood Hotel in the Promenade Ballroom.
For more information visit: https://stratcann.com/growing-relationships/
Profile: C-45 Quality Association
The C-45 Quality Association is committed to advancing excellence in Canada’s cannabis industry by promoting quality production practices, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, and driving innovation. Through education, industry events, and strategic partnerships, we provide platforms for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and networking. We educate and inform consumers, producers, and regulators about the benefits of high standards, host events that bring together industry leaders and emerging voices, and offer resources that empower professionals at all levels to thrive. Our mission is to build a collaborative and resilient industry that reflects the highest quality, integrity, and continuous learning.
The Association strives to protect the public interest by engaging its members in the cannabis industry to arrive at sound practices that strengthen the industry and ensure safe and effective cannabis management throughout all of Canada, and globally, as the industry matures. The Association also endeavours to provide members with access to valuable knowledge, networks and resources that will assist members in improving and advancing their careers.
For more information please visit: https://www.cannabis-council.ca/
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
Profile: AQIC (Association québécoise de l'industrie du cannabis)
With over 120 members, the Quebec Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (AQIC) is committed to working with government and stakeholders to advance the Quebec hemp and cannabis industry to its full potential and encourage innovation through science and technology.
The AQIC provides a space to share information and reflect upon common challenges and opportunities. The Association was founded in 2019, on the principle that we can accomplish more together. And by working together as one voice, we can advance our common goals of raising the bar on a safe and sustainable industry in Quebec.
The association’s mission is to represent the Quebec hemp and cannabis industry and contribute in a constructive and responsible manner to its development.
The AQIC also plays an educational role by educating the general public about hemp and cannabis consumption. We also monitor and analyze current policies, advocate for changes in the cannabis and hemp legislation and provide recommendations to provincial and federal government officials.
For more information please visit: https://aqic.ca/
Pivoting After Health Canada’s CBD NHP Ruling
Why the Medical Channel is Now the Primary Path for CBD
The start of 2026 has brought a significant shift for the Canadian cannabis industry. In a move that surprised many stakeholders, Health Canada recently removed the long-awaited proposal for Natural Health Products (NHPs) containing CBD from its forward regulatory plan. For years, producers and consumers alike hoped for a “third stream” for CBD—one that would allow non-intoxicating cannabidiol to be sold on pharmacy shelves and in health food stores alongside vitamins and supplements. With that pathway now effectively stalled, the industry must pivot.
Here is what the removal of the CBD NHP proposal means for your business and how you can navigate this “Medical-First” landscape.
What Happened?
On January 8, 2026, industry news outlets reported that the regulatory framework designed to create a “pathway for health products containing cannabidiol” had been stripped from the government’s upcoming agenda. This follows years of consultations that began back in 2019.
Is the Medical Channel the Only Way Forward?
For producers focused on the wellness and therapeutic benefits of CBD, the answer is increasingly “yes.” Without an NHP pathway, CBD remains locked behind the same regulatory requirements as THC.
However, this isn’t necessarily a setback—it’s a clarification of the market. The Medical Cannabis Channel remains the only legal way for producers to provide CBD to patients with professional healthcare oversight and without the “recreational” stigma of the adult-use retail environment.
How AirMed Supports Your Pivot to Medical
If your business strategy relied on CBD NHPs, now is the time to double down on your medical sales infrastructure. AirMed was built from the ground up to support the complex requirements of medical cannabis sales in Canada.
1. The AirMed WordPress Medical Plugin
Your website needs to be more than a digital brochure; it needs to be a secure patient portal. Our WordPress Medical Plugin allows you to:
- Manage Patient Registration: Streamline the intake of medical documents and healthcare practitioner (HCP) authorizations.
- Secure Product Catalogs: Show your CBD-dominant products only to verified medical clients, ensuring you stay compliant with strict promotion and advertising regulations.
2. Encrypted Patient Messaging
Health-focused CBD consumers often have more questions than recreational users. AirMed provides secure, encrypted messaging between your staff and your clients, allowing you to provide high-touch customer service while protecting sensitive patient data.
3. Seamless Fulfillment & Shipping
Transitioning to a direct-to-patient model requires a robust logistics engine. AirMed integrates directly with carriers and fulfillment tools (like ShipStation) to ensure that your wellness-focused clients receive their CBD products discreetly and efficiently.
The Bottom Line
The removal of the CBD NHP proposal from the 2026 regulatory plan is a reminder of the volatility of the Canadian regulatory environment. However, the demand for high-quality, health-focused CBD has never been higher. By leveraging the Medical Channel, producers can bypass the uncertainty of the NHP path and start serving patients today.
Official Context: You can monitor the current Health Canada Forward Regulatory Plan for updates here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/legislation-guidelines/acts-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan.html
Industry Commentary: StratCann reported that this move leaves CBD strictly under the Cannabis Act, rather than the Natural Health Products Regulations: https://stratcann.com/news/health-canada-removes-cbd-nhp-regulation-proposal-from-forward-regulatory-plan/
And for a demonstration of our medical plugin in action, please visit: https://airmeddemo.com/
Happy New Year!
As we close the book on 2025 and welcome a new year, the team at AirMed pauses to reflect on the depth and complexity of Canada’s cannabis journey.
Turning the calendar page to a new year, we take this moment to recognize the perseverance demonstrated by all members of the Canadian cannabis community.
The New Year, as always, offers an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed focus. We send our best wishes for a future filled with sound insights and resilience for you and your organizations.
May your year be marked by strength, clarity, and well-deserved moments of success. From all of us at AirMed, we wish you a Happy New Year!
Profile: Ontario Cannabis Association
The Ontario Cannabis Association (OCA) is a non-profit organization that represents licensed producers and processors in the province. The association’s mission is to be a collective voice for its members, working to strengthen the cannabis industry in Ontario using the guiding principles: Unite, Advocate, and Elevate.
The OCA’s work is based on several key pillars:
Advocacy: It actively champions the interests of its members by engaging with government officials and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) to influence policy and regulation.
Collaboration: The association fosters partnerships with other organizations, including the Ontario Farmers Association and legacy market participants, to help them transition into the legal market.
Business Support: The OCA facilitates networking and knowledge-sharing among its members and leverages its relationships with suppliers to secure exclusive benefits and discounts.
Quality Assurance: The organization is developing a quality assurance labeling system to distinguish its members’ products and promote high standards of business practices and product quality.
The association is working to build a more inclusive, diverse, and economical cannabis industry in Ontario while ensuring the long-term success of its members and establishing a trusted and reputable legal market.
For more information please visit:
https://www.ontariocannabisassociation.ca/
Profile: Alberta Cannabis Micro Licence Association
The Alberta Cannabis Micro Licence Association (ACMLA) is a non-profit organization that provides a unified voice for small-scale cannabis producers in Alberta. The association’s membership is comprised of micro-license holders, applicants, and other industry supporters.
The ACMLA’s mission is centered on advocacy, education, and collaboration. The group works directly with all levels of government to support the growth of the province’s craft cannabis sector. Key goals include shaping the industry’s future through policy reform, promoting low-cost sales channels like farm-gate operations, and reducing barriers for new entrants. The association also focuses on improving business practices and quality control for its members by sharing resources and best practices.
Beyond industry support, the ACMLA aims to foster broader economic opportunities, such as promoting cannabis tourism within Alberta. The association is also dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding cannabis through evidence-based education. By uniting its members, the ACMLA strives to create a more competitive and vibrant cannabis landscape that benefits small producers and the broader community.
For more information please visit:
https://acmla.ca/
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/
Stratcann’s Growing Relationships Event Series
Growing Relationships is StratCann’s signature event series that brings together producers, retailers, and service providers in the cannabis industry for conversation, innovation, and collaboration. This B2B event is a full day experience, with a focus on the region’s independent cannabis brands and businesses.
Upcoming events in 2025 include:
- July 28: Mission BC
- August 15: Moncton NB
- August 19: Ottawa ON
- September 19: Nanaimo BC
- October 6: Kelowna BC
For more information visit: https://stratcann.com/growing-relationships/
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/
Health Canada Revises Certain Cannabis Regulations
For the purposes of streamlining requirements, Health Canada has amended certain regulations concerning cannabis.
Canadian cannabis news site Stratcann published an article on March 12 discussing the revisions.
“The regulation changes focus on five key areas: licensing, production, packaging and labelling, security, and record keeping. The government’s goal with these changes is to address some of the challenges expressed by the industry while maintaining the key public health and safety concerns within the federal Cannabis Act.”
In the new regulations, which were made official in February and took affect last week, production limits for micros increased, and requirements for non-human and non-animal research testing decreased.
Another revision omitted the printed “Consumer Information Document” requirement that in the past had to accompany every shipment of cannabis in Canada.
There were also revisions for hemp producers.
Read a summary revised regulations here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/summary-changes-following-streamlining-regulations.html
Read the Stratcann article on the changes here: https://stratcann.com/other/updates-cannabis-rules-regulations-now-public/
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/
Happy New Year!
As we enter our second decade in business, we can’t help but look back on our industry’s history. Cannabis in Canada has certainly had its ups and downs, and we at AirMed have watched it from the inside, as have many of you. And as we welcome another new year, we do so with renewed commitment to Canada’s cannabis industry, to our partners and especially to our clients. May the New Year bring fresh insights, renewed energy, and exciting opportunities to you and to us.
We wish you a year filled with boundless opportunities, achievements and growth. Cheers to moving forward with positivity and purpose in 2025. From all of us at AirMed, Happy New Year!