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Analytical chemists at Stellenbosch University have identified the presence of flavoalkaloids in cannabis leaves, a rare class of phenolic compounds. Phenolics—and flavonoids in particular—are attracting considerable interest in the pharmaceutical industry due to their recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

In 2024, the cannabis industry contributed $16 billion to Canada's GDP and supported nearly 227,000 jobs across the country. As Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram Global, explains, “The legal cannabis sector is a high value-added industry that already meets the Prime Minister's vision for a unique Canadian economy: an integrated, high value-added national industry, built in Canada, employing Canadians, and competitive on a global scale.”

Between 2021 and 2023, cannabis use among Americans over the age of 65 jumped by 46%. According to a study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine, there has also been a significant increase in the number of users from high-income households in this age group.

The SQDC posted net income of $27.7 million for its first quarter, up from $23.9 million last year. In addition, it generated $68 million in tax revenue, of which $76.5 million was paid into the Addiction Fund.

Since August 25, Google has been testing a pilot program in Canada that allows certain licensed producers to advertise through Google Ads. This is a major opportunity for the industry, which could finally reach adults where they are already looking for information.

In a context marked by inflation, budget deficits, and significant global instability, the AQIC has submitted a brief to highlight the crucial issues facing our industry and emphasize the urgent need for pragmatic and diversified thinking to ensure the sustainability of the hemp and cannabis sector in Canada.

A comprehensive new report, “Economic Analysis of the Hemp and Cannabis Industry,” takes an in-depth look at the economic landscape of Quebec’s burgeoning industrial hemp and cannabis sectors. 

The report, commissioned by the Quebec Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (Association Québécoise de l’Industrie du Chanvre et du Cannabis—AQIC), highlights the industry’s significant growth since cannabis legalization in 2018, while also looking at some of the persistent regulatory barriers and the ongoing headwinds of social acceptability and stigma.

The federal government has begun a review of administrative burdens. By August 8, all departments will take stock of their operations in order to eliminate redundancies, simplify procedures, and promote innovation. This process offers hope to the cannabis industry, which is hoping for harmonization of excise stamps, elimination of double reporting between Health Canada and the CRA, and relaxation of packaging and labeling requirements.

The AQIC commissioned AppEco, a firm specializing in economic and strategic analysis, to conduct an in-depth study of Quebec's hemp and cannabis industry. The study reveals its growing importance within the Quebec economy, both in terms of jobs created and sustained and in terms of revenue for workers and the Quebec government.

As part of the review of the administrative burden for all Government of Canada departments and agencies with regulatory responsibilities undertaken on July 9, the AQIC submitted a brief with 5 recommendations.

The AQIC is pleased to launch this call for interest to explore the possibility of partnering with one or more providers specializing in transportation, warehousing and regulated logistics, with a view to implementing a shared solution for its members.

The Canadian cannabis retail landscape remains a patchwork, with each province adopting its own approach. One constant, however, is that Ontario continues to lead the way with the highest number of outlets.