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!
Indigenous History Month and Cannabis News
AirMed would like to acknowledge June as National Indigenous History Month in Canada by providing links to Indigenous news and resources related to our industry.
APTN News recently discussed the 2024 federal budget with its cannabis implications for Indigenous communities in a feature on its website. Read it here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/budget-2024-ottawa-federal-government-ontario-money-first-nations-inuit-metis/
Stratcann, the Canadian cannabis news and events platform for industry professionals, published a feature entitled, “Indigenous History Month focus: Indigenous cannabis news.” The post was a review of StratCann news “spotlighting Indigenous voices in both the successes and disputes, which are being heard loudly and clearly. Regardless of the outcome, the recognition of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian cannabis industry is stronger than ever.” Read it here: https://stratcann.com/news/indigenous-history-month-focus-indigenous-cannabis-news/
The Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia published a post recently titled, “Respecting Indigenous Regulation of Cannabis.” With the subtitle, “Time to turn over a new leaf,” the article discusses jurisdictional issues related to cannabis in Canada. Read it here: https://www.cbabc.org/BarTalk/Articles/2024/April/Features/Respecting-Indigenous-Regulation-of-Cannabis
In related news, a Nova Scotia judge rejected constitutional arguments for Indigenous cannabis shops. CityNews in Halifax posted a story about it here: https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/06/14/nova-scotia-judge-rejects-constitutional-arguments-for-indigenous-cannabis-shops/
CBC also discussed the issue here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cannabis-emerging-new-battleground-over-mikmaw-rights-1.7151120
Last year MJBiz Daily published “Canadian panel urges bigger role for First Nations in cannabis industry.” This article recapped a Canadian Senate committee’s recommendations for regulations related to cannabis for First Nations. Read it here: https://mjbizdaily.com/canadian-panel-urges-bigger-role-for-first-nations-in-cannabis-industry/
The First Nations Health Authority offers a variety of resources on its website designed to help Indigenous youth make informed choices by providing information on the health impacts of using cannabis. View the resources here: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/mental-wellness-and-substance-use/non-medical-cannabis
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/
ISO, SCC and the Canadian Cannabis Industry
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 170 national standards bodies.
Through its members, ISO brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
In Canada, the ISO is represented by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). A Crown corporation, SCC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1970 to foster and promote voluntary standardization in Canada. SCC is independent of government in its policies and operations, although it is financed partially by Parliamentary appropriation.
When Canada legalized cannabis in 2018, SCC set about creating standards for the new industry believing that standards are essential for an effectively regulated marijuana market. These standards were considered groundbreaking when published in October of 2022.
ISO IWA-37, “Safety, security and sustainability of cannabis facilities and operations” is available for purchase through ISO in three parts.
Part 1 (ISO IWA 37-1:2022) covers requirements for the safety of cannabis buildings, equipment and oil extraction operations. https://www.iso.org/standard/84023.html
Part 2 (ISO IWA 37-2:2022) covers requirements for the secure handling of cannabis and cannabis products. https://www.iso.org/standard/84024.html
Part 3 (ISO IWA 37-3:2022) covers good production practices (GPP). https://www.iso.org/standard/84025.html
Taken as a whole, these documents provide invaluable direction to legislative bodies and emerging companies and help to create a safe, legal market for adults who use cannabis.
For more information from SCC visit: https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2022/new-guidance-from-iso-international-workshop-safe-cannabis-production
For more information from ISO visit: https://www.iso.org/en/contents/news/2022/10/standards_safe_legal_cannabis.html
To learn more about how AirMed helps you meet these standards, visit our Compliance page.
If you’d like to learn about our quality management and GPP offerings or discuss your specific needs, please give us a call at 1-877-313-2442 or use one of the contact forms.
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/
Happy New Year!
Can you believe that 2024 is the 10th year AirMed has been in business? It’s true. We started in 2014!
A lot has happened in our industry during those 10 years, some good and some not-so-good. But we want you to know that we pledge our commitment to continued hard work and innovation, and we see great things on the horizon.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we send best wishes for a future filled with success and abundance to all our industry. Expect 2024 to be a year of new vistas and exciting possibilities for cannabis in Canada. Here’s to moving forward with positivity and purpose.
From everyone at AirMed, Happy New Year!
Season's Greetings
The staff at AirMed would like to wish all our industry the best this holiday season.
And we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported us this past year. We value the connections we’ve made with clients, future clients and partners as well as with other industry members.
Looking forward to working with you in the future, may this season bring you peace and joy.
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/
Report: What We Heard
The federal government released a report that summarizes what a “five-person expert panel has heard over the past year as it engaged with almost 500 stakeholders in nearly 90 meetings across Canada.”
The report, titled “What We Heard,” describes the scope of the engagement and summarizes the responses in several categories including: public health, impact on young persons, impact on First Nations and more.
Read about the expert panel and review here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/cannabis-act-legislative-review/expert-panel/legislative-review-cannabis-act-report.html
Read the report here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/cannabis-act-legislative-review/expert-panel/legislative-review-cannabis-act-report.html
Stratcann summarized the report in an article published on their website on October 10, 2023, the same day the report was released.
Read the Stratcann article here: https://stratcann.com/other/canada-releases-what-we-heard-report-on-the-cannabis-act-review/
Global News followed up the release of the report with an in-depth article on the state of the cannabis industry in Canada. In the feature published on October 16, 2023, Global News offers commentary by several experts including George Smitherman, president and chief executive of the Cannabis Council of Canada.
Read the Global News article here: https://globalnews.ca/news/10027112/cannabis-act-review-canada/
Stratcann: Micros Could Surpass Standards in Canada Next Year
According to an article published by Stratcann, “At the current pace of licensing, the total number of micro licences could surpass standard licences in 2024.”
Stratcann, an online news publication covering the evolution of the legal cannabis industry in Canada and around the world, reported that “Micro cannabis licences continue to grow in popularity in Canada, at almost 42 percent of all licences issued as of March 31, 2023. Just over half (51 percent) of licences were standard, three percent were nursery licences, and nearly four percent were medical-sales only licences.”
To read the full article, visit: https://stratcann.com/news/new-cannabis-licence-applications-continue-to-come-in-even-as-revocations-increase/
For a list of all the current licensees, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/industry-licensees-applicants/licensed-cultivators-processors-sellers.html
Health Canada Seeks Your Feedback from March 25 to May 24, 2023
In relation to a consultation on potential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations, Health Canada is seeking feedback and comments on potential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations.
The aims of the consultation include clarifying existing requirements, eliminating regulation inefficiencies and duplications and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens, and Health Canada is seeking input from:
- cannabis industry stakeholders
- public health stakeholders, non-governmental organizations
- researchers and research or academic institutions
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and organizations
- law enforcement
- provincial, territorial and municipal governments
For more information including how you can provide feedback until May 24, 2023, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-potential-amendments-cannabis-regulations.html
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/
What to Expect from the Cannabis Act Review
Since the announcement of the Cannabis Act review, people are speaking out about what they hope to see from reviewers.
The review was initially planned to begin in 2021 and look at the public health implications of the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
The CBC reported that the government delayed the start of the review to expand the scope. “The review mandate has been expanded to include an examination of the social and environmental effects of the Cannabis Act, the impact of legalization and regulation of medical cannabis and the impact on racialized communities and women.”
Read more here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/public-health-cannabis-mandated-eview-1.6591442
An article in The Globe & Mail stated that “For George Smitherman, the chief executive officer of the Cannabis Council of Canada, the national industry association, the announcement comes at a critical time. Companies continue to face pressure from the illicit market, as well as excise taxes, provincial distributor markups and regulatory fees.”
Read more here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-health-canada-cannabis-act-review/
The Toronto Star notes that the pot sector wants packaging changes and financial relief from the review. “The industry is frustrated the review’s launch arrived a year later than mandated but is still hoping it can result in enough tweaked restrictions to make cannabis distribution easier, draw in new customers and prevent more staffing and facility cuts.”
Read more here: https://www.thestar.com/news/cannabis/2022/09/22/pot-sector-wants-packaging-changes-financial-relief-from-cannabis-act-review.html
The review is expected to be completed in 18 months, and government officials say that it will consider health issues as well as financial, tax, regulatory and criminal-justice matters.