(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Toronto – The Good Supply cannabis brand is launching a new product lineup just in time for the holidays. Good Supply’s holiday release celebrates the expansion of its fan-favourite product lines across Canada and includes new, high-potency formats crafted for cannabis enthusiasts.
Good Supply’slatest innovationsinclude:
JUICED XTREME Resin Infused Pre-rolls: A New Kind of Elevation. Produced 100% in-house with Good Supply’s hang-dried whole flower, the JUICED Xtreme pre-rolls feature a double infusion of full spectrum resin and naturally flavoured distillate. With its larger sized 0.6g cone, JUICED Xtreme offers a smoother, full spectrum entourage and delivers exceptional value with more cannabis content and higher THC per product than the existing JUICED collection.
JUICED XTREME’s first launch features two tropical blends produced from a full spectrum resin infusion and naturally flavoured distillate:
Guava Sunrise (Indica): Free your mind with the infinite layers of guava and orange.
Maui Mango (Sativa): A taste of the tropics with every puff of mango and passion fruit notes.
Good Supply’s JUICED XTREME full spectrum resin infused pre-rolls are now available in multipacks of 3 x 0.6g at select retailers across Canada.
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2g 510 Vapes: With bigger carts and bolder flavours, the 2g vapes reflect the latest trends among Canadian cannabis consumers seeking longer-lasting, innovative products. Offering up to 4x the fruity flavours of the original 1g carts, these 2g vapes also have double-distilled and double-filtered THC distillate for a total of 1,600mg of uniquely blended cannabinoids. Each 2g vape has 1,000mg THC, 300mg CBG, and 300mg CBD – a first-of-its-kind combination for Good Supply. The vapes feature robust hardware with sustainable hemp-based mouthpieces2 and wider airflow designed for smoother sessions. Good Supply’s first series of 2g 510 vapes features two key fruity flavours with another on its way later this winter:
Peach Bum (Sativa) featuring a peach, fruity, decadent profile.
Purple Monkey (Indica) with grape, citrus, and fruity aromas.
Blueberry Yum (Indica) – coming soon.
Monsters: ‘The Grump’Holiday Limited-Edition Pre-rolls, Canada’s powerful 1,000mg infused pre-roll returns. Packed into a hall-decking hybrid, present with festive packaging, Good Supply presents the second edition of its Grump Monster series. This year The Grump pre-rolls feature two new strain inputs featuring:
Alien OG (Milled Flower).
Green Monster (Butane Hash Oil, “BHO”).
The Monsters are coated in extract and dipped in kief, resulting in 1,000mg of THC in 2.38g of infused pre-rolls. Each one packs a potent kick of 420mg/g, complemented by its sweet, spicy and diesel flavours. Monsters Grump Pre-rolls are available in single tubes at 2.38g nationwide at select retailers in Canada.
JUICED XTREME, the new 2g Vapes and the limited-edition Grump Monsters are a testament to the brand’s dedication to providing consumers with the finest cannabis products on the market. All three products are available in select regions and retailers across Canada, with expected national expansion in the new year.
For more information on Good Supply’s latest launches, visit @GoodSupplyCannabis on Instagram.
About Good Supply
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Good Supply is one of Canada’s leading cannabis brands and has been recognized as #1 in flower, and best-selling pre-rolls, vapes, and concentrates, and has become a favourite among consumers and budtenders. At Good Supply, good is the new great. Rooted in classic strains that punch above their weight, Good Supply delivers consistent, hard-hitting quality at affordable prices. Explore classic cannabis strains, innovative formats, and new flavours – we are always up for a good time.
New changes to cannabis regulations in Germany could be good news for Canadian cannabis exporters, say some in the industry.
A new research project could allow for cannabis to be sold in retail stores in up to 25 different German cities, supplied by authorized cannabis wholesalers in the country.
The program will allow applications for retail, adult-use, and non-medical cannabis sales in partnership with German municipalities and supply partners, with a focus on research.
Because the program is built around scientific research, it will also avoid EU and UN restrictions that would otherwise prevent the import of cannabis from outside of Germany, says Finn Age Hänsel, managing director and founder of Sanity Group GmbH, a cannabis-focused company based in Berlin. Similar to EU and UN rules, Health Canada only allows the export of cannabis for medical or research purposes.
Sanity Group operates as a wholesaler in Germany’s medical cannabis market, as well as partaking in a similar retail pilot project in the Netherlands. As such, Hänsel says he’s already in the process of securing supply deals with different international cannabis brands, from suppliers ranging from their partner Organigram to independent Canadian producers like Cake and Cavair, Lyonleaf, and Miracle Valley, and US brands like Kalifa Mints and Alien Labs.
Hänsel says there’s a demand in the market for both value-priced and craft products, noting that this is an opportunity for any Canadian craft growers who want to see their products sold through the pilot project.
“To be honest, because I am an enthusiast myself, I would rather work with smaller companies who really have an eye on quality and are craft cannabis producers compared to working with large companies,” says Hänsel.
“I like some of the large companies. We let Organigram invest because we like them. But in general I think we are a company who [prefers] the smaller growers.”
The research side of the project, he explains, will require customers to register with the company and fill out surveys on their consumption habits at six-month intervals. This research will be collected over two years in a five-year project, seeking to better understand the public health impacts of such a model.
The research will be in coordination with local universities and the municipalities in which they are located. Cities will also receive €0.50-€1 per gram of cannabis sold from the stores under their purview. He expects cannabis to be sold for around €10 a gram, which he says is similar to typical black market prices. One Euro is about $1.50 Canadian.
Deepak Anand, a Canadian industry consultant who assists cannabis companies with exports, also sees significant potential for Canadian growers if the pilot project is successful.
“If this is couched as a scientific research project then it would meet the definition of medical or scientific purposes. Why I think this is important for Canadian companies is this would allow them to sell cannabis for both medical and scientific purposes. So I think it opens up and expands the reach of our market.”
Although Hänsel is unsure what types of cannabis products they will be allowed to sell in their stores, if licensed, he hopes to offer dried flower and edibles, with a focus on seeing if survey respondents report moving from mixing cannabis with tobacco to using cannabis only, or even shifting from inhalation to edibles.
The change was announced on December 11, when the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BMEL) was tasked by the German Parliament (the Bundestag) with appointing the responsible body for processing research applications on consumer cannabis and industrial hemp.
The regulation that has now been issued—the Consumer Cannabis Science Responsibility Regulation—requires the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food to examine relevant research applications and monitor the approved projects.
This moves this specific type of work away from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), which remains the responsible authority for research into medical cannabis.
Germany legalized cannabis in March 2024. The law came into effect in two main phases: the first phase, which allowed for personal cannabis cultivation and possession, came into force on April 1, and cultivation clubs were allowed in July.
Because the new pilot project was created as an enactment of parliament rather than as legislation, Hänsel says a new government could stop the project, but he does not believe any applications already approved and initiated can be stopped.
His own organization plans to apply very soon, and facing several months of application process and site selection and other logistical issues, he encourages others to do the same.
“If you don’t get the applications in December, it will be very tight to be approved before the new government has formed.”
On Friday, November 29, 2024 members of Durham Regional Police North Division in Ontario recovered more than 60 pounds of stolen cannabis and approximately 550 cannabis plants.
The information was shared in a post on December 6 by Durham Regional Police. The cannabis was found during a traffic stop that led to a search of the vehicle while patrolling in the area of Scugog Line 14 and Highway 12 in Brock.
An investigation revealed that an “out of region” licensed cannabis grow operation had been broken into and the cannabis was stolen. All items were seized and the two men were arrested.
A 30-year-old male from Richmond Hill was charged with Criminal Code and Cannabis Act offences, including: Break and Enter – Commit; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 and Adult Possess Illicit Cannabis. He was released on an Undertaking.
A 57-year-old male from Toronto, is charged with Criminal Code and Cannabis Act offences, including: Break and Enter – Commit; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000; Fail to Comply – Release Order and Adult Possess Illicit Cannabis. He was held for a bail hearing.
On Friday, November 29, 2024 members of North Division were proactively patrolling in the area of Scugog Line 14 and Highway 12 in Brock.
A traffic stop was conducted, leading to a search of the vehicle. Approximately 550 marijuana plants and over 60lbs of dried processed… pic.twitter.com/TgzDqoupZW
“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” –Nietzsche
In a world that is constantly trying to tell you who you are, it is vital that you have within you the capacity to push back and declare who you really are. Creating your own philosophy is a way to do that.
When you have your own philosophy, you are a force to be reckoned with rather than a thing to be forced. You live on purpose, with purpose. You’re a candle in the dark, or maybe even a blacklight in the blinding light. You put the world, the universe, even “God” on notice. Everything is put on blast. Nothing is off limits. Everything is put under the blade of your fierce inquiry.
Religions dissolve around you. Politics fall apart before you. Ideologies implode because of you. Philosophy itself is taken aback. Armed with your own philosophy you become a tempest, a force of nature first, a person second. You become the eye of the storm of the human condition. Everything is caught in your spinning vortex and found wanting.
Self-inflicted Philosophy:
“It’s impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” ~Epictetus
There is no better method toward creating your own philosophy than Self-inflicted Philosophy. Self-inflicted Philosophy refers to the practice of individuals engaging in philosophical inquiry and introspection without formal guidance or external influence. It involves:
Personal Reflection: Deliberately pondering life’s big questions, ethical dilemmas, or personal beliefs independently.
Autodidactic Learning: Seeking out knowledge through self-study, drawing from various sources like books, online resources, or personal experiences rather than only structured education.
Critical Self-Examination: Questioning one’s own beliefs, biases, and assumptions, often leading to personal growth or changes in worldview.
Application in Daily Life: Using philosophical insights to navigate personal challenges, ethical decisions, or to better understand the human condition from one’s unique perspective.
This approach can be seen as a form of philosophical DIY, where the individual crafts their understanding and application of philosophy tailored to their own life’s context. It emphasizes autonomy in thought, encouraging people to think for themselves rather than adopting the philosophies of others wholesale.
Why “Inflicted”?
“What I understand of “philosopher”: a terrible explosive in the presence of which everything is in danger.” ~Nietzsche
The “inflicted” aspect of self-inflicted Philosophy underscores several key elements that make this approach unique and potent…
Active Engagement:
“Inflicted” implies an active, sometimes even forceful, engagement with one’s thoughts and beliefs. It’s not about passively receiving ideas but actively challenging, questioning, and shaping them. This active process ensures that the philosophy developed is deeply personal and reflective of one’s true self rather than just an echo of external teachings.
Self-Imposed Challenge:
Philosophy, in this context, is not just an intellectual exercise but a self-imposed challenge or burden. It suggests that delving into philosophical inquiry can be uncomfortable or demanding because it requires confronting one’s prejudices, fears, and ignorance. This self-inflicted challenge is vital for growth, pushing individuals out of their comfort zones to achieve deeper understanding and self-awareness.
Accountability and Ownership:
By “inflicting” philosophy upon oneself, there’s an inherent sense of accountability. You own your philosophical journey, including the mistakes and insights. This ownership fosters a more genuine commitment to the philosophical principles one develops, as they are not borrowed or imposed but self-crafted through personal struggle and reflection.
Introspection and Painful Truths:
The term “inflicted” also hints at the sometimes painful nature of self-discovery. Philosophical introspection can uncover uncomfortable truths about oneself or the world, leading to moments of existential crisis or profound change. This aspect is crucial as it’s through facing these harsh realities that one can truly evolve their understanding and philosophy.
Motivation for Change:
The act of inflicting philosophy on oneself can be a catalyst for personal change. When you decide to confront life’s big questions, you’re motivated to not only think differently but also to act differently, aligning your life with your evolving philosophy.
Resilience Through Struggle:
The process of self-inflicted philosophy builds resilience. Much like physical exercise strengthens muscles, the mental and emotional struggle of philosophical inquiry strengthens one’s ability to think critically, remain open-minded, and persist through intellectual and existential challenges.
Authenticity:
Finally, the “inflicted” nature ensures authenticity in one’s philosophical stance. It’s not philosophy for the sake of sounding wise or fitting into a particular school of thought; it’s philosophy born from a personal need to understand, to make sense of existence, or to live ethically. This authenticity makes the philosophy more relevant and impactful in one’s life.
In essence, the “inflicted” part of self-inflicted philosophy highlights the self-driven, often strenuous, yet ultimately rewarding process of creating a personal philosophy. It’s about taking responsibility for one’s intellectual and moral development, acknowledging that this journey might be as difficult as it is enlightening.
The Eight-Fold Path to creating your own philosophy:
“In the act of provoking people to think differently, philosophers make it clear that we are not fated to live within the often-stifling systems of thought that we inherit. We can change the subject.” ~Raymond Guess
To create your own philosophy using self-inflicted philosophy, follow these eight steps:
1.) Self-Questioning:
Begin by asking yourself fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge, and human nature. For example: What do I believe is the purpose of life? What constitutes a good life? How should I treat others and why? Do I have free will, or is it just an illusion? Is it worse to fail at something or to never make the attempt? Is there such a thing as a moral absolute or is morality relative? How do I square the circle of knowing I will die? Am I ready to accept that everything I believe is a lie? Document these questions and your initial thoughts to track your philosophical journey.
2.) Reading and Reflection:
Engage with a wide array of philosophical texts, but don’t limit yourself to traditional philosophy. Look into literature, science, art, and even personal narratives for insights.
Reflect on how these ideas resonate or conflict with your own views. Keep notes or a journal where you can argue with these ideas, agree, or expand upon them.
3.) Experience as Philosophy:
Use life experiences as case studies for your philosophical inquiry. Every interaction, decision, or event can be a source of philosophical insight. Ask how these experiences challenge or affirm your beliefs. For instance, facing an ethical dilemma in real life might push you to refine your moral philosophy.
4.) Critical Thinking:
Apply critical thinking to your thoughts and beliefs. Challenge your assumptions by asking why you believe what you do. Consider the opposite of your beliefs to understand their weaknesses or to see if they hold up under scrutiny.
5.) Synthesis of Ideas:
Start synthesizing your thoughts into a coherent framework. This doesn’t need to be systematic like traditional philosophy but should reflect your personal truth. You might find that your philosophy is eclectic, borrowing from various schools of thought while adding your unique perspective.
6.) Iterative Refinement:
Philosophy is not static; it evolves with you. Revisit and revise your philosophy as you grow, learn, and experience more of life. Engage in dialogues with others about philosophy to test and refine your ideas. This can be through discussions, writing, or debates.
7.) Practical Application:
Test your philosophy in daily life. How does it guide your actions, decisions, and interactions?
If your philosophy doesn’t serve you well or fails in application, adjust accordingly. Philosophy should be a tool for living, not just an abstract concept.
8.) Personal Manifesto:
Eventually, you might feel compelled to write down your philosophy. This could be in the form of a manifesto, a set of principles, or even a narrative that encapsulates your worldview.
By following this process, you’ll create a philosophy that is uniquely yours, one that reflects your life’s journey, your moral compass, and your understanding of the world. Remember, self-inflicted philosophy is about the journey of understanding yourself in relation to everything else, so be open to change and growth.
Gary Z McGee, a former Navy Intelligence Specialist turned philosopher, is the author of Birthday Suit of God and The Looking Glass Man. His works are inspired by the great philosophers of the ages and his wide-awake view of the modern world.
This article (How to Create Your Own Philosophy) was originally created and published by Self-inflicted Philosophy and is printed here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Gary Z McGee and self-inflictedphilosophy.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this statement of copyright.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) has urged the global community to reconsider punitive and criminal approaches to drug policy, declaring that the “war on drugs” has been a profound failure.
Speaking at a Warsaw conference that brought together experts and leaders from across Europe, Commissioner Volker Türk noted that current strategies have neither curbed drug use nor deterred drug-related crimes. He called for a shift toward evidence-based policies that center on human rights and prioritize compassion over punishment.
Türk argued that treating drug use as a criminal issue rather than a health matter has marginalized and discriminated against individuals struggling with substance use. He highlighted how punitive approaches often strip people of their rights and dignity, leaving them excluded from society.
According to Türk, these individuals should be included in the policy-making process to create strategies that genuinely reduce harm. Without their input, he warned, efforts to address drug-related issues are unlikely to succeed.
In a video shared on social media, Türk reiterated these views, condemning the destructive impact of punitive drug policies on individuals and communities worldwide. He noted that these policies have failed to address the root causes of drug use while exacerbating harm for those already at risk.
The Commissioner called for transformative solutions guided by the International Guidelines on Drug Policy and Human Rights. He advocated for evidence-driven, gender-sensitive measures rooted in public health, including voluntary access to social and healthcare services. Scapegoating and stigmatization, he emphasized, only deepen the challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by drug use.
Türk’s remarks align with a statement issued earlier by UN experts, working groups, and special rapporteurs. That statement criticized the war on drugs for contributing to severe human rights abuses documented by various UN entities. The experts called for a shift from punishment to support and urged governments to invest in evidence-based programs like prevention, harm reduction, and treatment. These efforts, they stressed, must adhere to human rights norms and prioritize community welfare.
The UN experts also referenced reports encouraging governments to move away from criminalization and adopt harm-reduction strategies. These include drug-checking services, supervised consumption areas, and the availability of naloxone and other overdose-reversal medications. The reports suggested that over-criminalization and stigma are significant barriers to achieving better health outcomes. By addressing these systemic issues, policymakers can develop more effective approaches to drug-related challenges.
Switching from prohibition to legalization and allowing companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) to operate can be a good beginning which can then be followed by other measures to undo the harms caused by prohibition policies.
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As the Canada Post strike nears its 4-week mark, it has created a ripple effect across the country, disrupting the delivery of countless essential goods and services at the busiest time of year.
For many Canadians, the strike has been an inconvenience; for others, particularly those who rely on medical cannabis, it has become a critical issue.
Medical cannabis patients, many of whom depend on reliable and timely delivery for symptom management, are now facing significant delays and uncertainties. Canada Post remains the primary shipping method for the majority of licensed cannabis producers, and the strike has exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, leaving patients scrambling for alternatives.
“This strike has added another layer of complexity to an already difficult medical cannabis access process”
Dr. Karolina Urban, Avicanna
This disruption has not only delayed access to medication but has also raised questions about the resilience of Canada’s medical cannabis system. With limited options for same-day or in-person delivery in many regions, patients have found themselves stuck in a system unprepared for such logistical challenges.
“It’s another hurdle in an already complicated system,” said Ajay Chahal, Pharmacist and Co-Founder of Apothecare, a company that consults with both patients and doctors on cannabis access and use. “Medical patients who are enrolled with an LP and a doctor who prescribes [are experiencing] delays in getting access to their cannabis.”
Chahal added that various LPs are switching to Purolator and other delivery services, but because of the Canada Post strike, there have been significant delays even with those companies as they are overrun.
A further wrinkle are customers who don’t have a traditional address to deliver to. This has been an issue with providers including Avicanna, a biopharma company based in Toronto.
“This strike has added another layer of complexity to an already difficult medical cannabis access process,” said Dr. Karolina Urban, Avicanna’s executive VP of Medical Affairs. “One of the biggest issues is patients who are in areas where delivery is only available to PO boxes, currently serviced by Canada Post.”
“I see medical patients just leaving altogether, especially if they are more elderly. They need access, and if they are not getting it, if it’s getting delayed, or not coming at all, they will need to get it somewhere. Once they see how it’s easily accessible they might not come back.”
Ajay Chahal, Apothecare
Confusion and the illicit market
One of the challenges that comes along with Canadians not being able to access their cannabis prescriptions is that they are forced to seek out alternatives by using recreational stores. “If the products are not the same, there might be some difficulty in making sure they transition to an equivalent product,” said Chahal.
He added that a further issue lies within the ongoing illicit market retailers. Some patients have trouble determining the difference between legal and illegal stores, both in-person and online, and some access illicit market cannabis unknowingly.
“Black market stores are rampant. A lot of my patients had no idea they were going into a black market store or ordering online from a black market store. We [then] help navigate them to a legal store.”
Confusion over where to get products during this time aside, the strike is also not helping the growth of the medical cannabis sector in Canada at a time when that part of the industry could use some expansion. Active client registrations for medical cannabis with a federal license holder have gone from 345,520 in 2018 to 180,878 in 2024.
“I see medical patients just leaving altogether, especially if they are more elderly. If they’re dealing with pain and a lot of significant conditions, they can’t just stop. They need access, and if they are not getting it, if it’s getting delayed, or not coming at all, they will need to get it somewhere. Once they see how it’s easily accessible they might not come back.”
As for the effect this will have on the cannabis sector and its reliance on Canada Post, Urban believes the landscape will change out of pure necessity for patients to receive their medicine. This however, will come at a cost.
“We believe many companies will move away from primarily relying on Canada Post,” she said. “Unfortunately, the reality is that the cost of shipping with alternative carriers is still higher and this will ultimately impact patients.”
An ounce of prevention
Nothing can stop the current situation regarding the Canada Post strike this time around. But is there a way the government and the industry can put something in place to ensure the medical cannabis sector is not affected if and when this happens again? Chahal believes there is.
“I would like to see the government integrating medical and retail. That would be a fantastic way to solve access issues,” he said. “What that could mean is patients being able to access medical prescriptions at retail stores. There would have to be additional checks and balances [like the] integration of healthcare professionals in the retail stream, but the infrastructure is there.”
Police in Ontario seized 345 kilograms of cannabis and thousands of cannabis plants from an address in Elgin County after a referral from Health Canada.
The referral from Health Canada’s cannabis inspectors noted that the address was associated with three expired Health Canada registrations to produce or designate someone to produce cannabis for medical purposes.
In total, investigators found 6,060 cannabis plants with 529 recently harvested outdoor plants, as well as 345 kilograms of dried, processed cannabis. The seizure took place at an address on Talbot Line in Elgin County.
Images shared by the OPP online show a large greenhouse full of cannabis plants.
The investigation remains ongoing. A statement online from the OPP says that “cannabis is a lucrative commodity, attracting those involved in organized crime. Profits from illegal cannabis sales are often laundered to finance other criminal activities.”
Members of the #OPP Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team seized a significant quantity of illegal cannabis at an address on Talbot Line in Elgin County, following a @GovCanHealth referral. The investigation remains ongoing. Cannabis is a lucrative commodity,… pic.twitter.com/gmUHiB5LeJ
Inspections of these types of licence sites have increased in the past few years, as Heath Canada continues their efforts to put more scrutiny on personal and designated medical production licences used to divert cannabis into the illicit market.
There have long been concerns from different levels of government over the potential for misuse and diversion of cannabis from these types of licences associated with high gram totals.
Health Canada has ramped up inspections of such licences, more than 300 in the last two years. The most recent annual report also included 20 compliance and enforcement activities (other than inspection) for registered personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes, such as conducting seizures and destructions.
Of the 160 inspections of registered personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes locations in 2023-2024, 74 were in British Columbia, 63 in Ontario, 18 in Quebec, and five in New Brunswick. In the previous year, the majority of such inspections (115 out of 170) were in Ontario. In the previous year, the majority were conducted in Ontario.
The federal agency also sends notices to provincial colleges of physicians informing them of health care practitioners connected to numerous high gram-a-day authorizations. In 2020, the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons levied a $15,000 disciplinary action against a Saskatchewan doctor found to be profiting from issuing medical cannabis licences in 2018.
In 2021, a medical cannabis patient who had been authorized 100 grams a day had a court reject an allowance for the patient to possess up to 1000 grams in public at a time.
In a memo from October 2022, Health Canada said that since it began a new process to address high authorization amounts through the medical cannabis program, the agency had observed a decrease of more than 50% in the number of individuals registering to produce cannabis for medical purposes.
The memo continued that in September 2021, approximately 47,000 individuals registered with Health Canada. As of September 30, 2022, the number of registered individuals had dropped to approximately 21,700.
Health Canada says it has also refused or revoked more than 1,400 registrations, including over 700 for public health and safety reasons. This represents a 113% increase in refusals and revocations and a 423% increase in the number of refusals and revocations made on the grounds of public health and public safety since March 2022.
While 4,728 healthcare practitioners were associated with registrations made with federally licensed sellers in the previous twelve months, 1,105 were associated with active personal/designated production registrations.
Of those 1,015, there were 233 healthcare practitioners associated with authorizing amounts equal to or above 25 grams per day, and just ten authorized amounts equal to or above 100 grams per day.
Most (78%) healthcare practitioners who authorized more than 25 grams a day were in BC or Ontario. All who authorized more than 100 grams a day were in BC and Ontario. An authorization of 100 grams a day would equate to a limit of 487 plants at any given time. Such licences can also be combined to up to four per location, meaning a designated grower with several authorizations could be growing hundreds or even thousands of cannabis plants with the potential to produce in the hundreds of kilograms of cannabis a year.
As the cannabis industry takes stock of 2024 and looks ahead to potential opportunities in 2025, many marijuana experts believe interstate commerce and mergers & acquisitions will be major trends in cannabis next year. America’s marijuana industry has dealt with constant change right from its infancy and the sector is slated to experience even more major changes in 2025 amidst shifting consumer preferences, changing regulations, and a challenging business environment.
The MJBiz Factbook estimates that cannabis sales in states with legal cannabis markets will hit a whopping $58 billion by 2030, meaning the industry still has significant room for growth. Cannabis industry stakeholders recently convened at MJBizCon 2024 to discuss the most significant challenges and opportunities available to America’s marijuana sector, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) as well as interstate commerce emerged as among the most notable opportunities in 2025.
Marijuana mergers and acquisition deals are poised to surge in 2025 as cannabis companies with stronger finances gobble up over-leveraged firms, vice president of originations for private-market investment firm Chicago Atlantic and MJBizCon speaker Steven Ernest said.
Companies with more robust balance sheets and the capacity to expand their operations will be able to secure great M&A deals as the market sheds some players, making now the best time for marijuana companies to purchase assets that can still generate cash flow.
Ben Gelt, an advisor of Greenspoon Marder, a firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, notes that companies in good financial shape will be able to purchase struggling cannabis businesses cheaply in 2025. ‘Struggling’ companies include those that are still trudging along but lack the robust management they need to pull through or those that don’t have what it takes to ‘hang on’ in the current climate.
Interstate cannabis trade may also take some notable steps forward next year as more M&A deals are signed. The Panther Group’s chief operating officer, Michael Teller, predicts that the increase in mergers & acquisitions will allow established players in the U.S. cannabis market to cross state borders and enter new markets.
According to Teller, their ability to acquire equity and debt makes it easier for established cannabis players to complete these M&A deals as investors and lenders typically prefer cannabis operators that have a rich history of success. Established players who can obtain debt and equity usually have the operational strength and expertise required to scale businesses past state lines and thrive.
Since U.S. federal law prohibits cannabis trade between different states, larger players usually have to invest in building a separate operation from the ground up if they want to trade in a second state. Mergers and acquisitions make this unnecessary as they help firms to purchase already existing facilities, hardware, and even expertise in other states, allowing them to hit the ground running and set up interstate operations at a much faster pace.
Leading cannabis firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) will most likely be looking out for opportunities to expand their footprint across the U.S. and other international markets that promise opportunities for growth.
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This year, 2024, marked the sixth anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada.The cannabis industry has evolved rapidly over this time.After initial distribution challenges were overcome, the Canadian adult use market has steadily grown, buoyed by an increasing number of licensed retail stores across Canada.
With Canadian adult use sales decreasing from a year ago, through August 2024, licensed producers and brands are adapting to serving the evolving cannabis consumer.Fresh contenders are steadily entering the market, driving up the number of listings with regulated distributors, intensifying pricing pressure and setting the stage for fierce competition.
As markets mature, sales growth slows and industries are often faced with a shakeout period. Subject to slow growth, focus shifts to expense reductions, cost savings and cash flow.Bankruptcies and industry consolidation are natural symptoms of a challenging and crowded market.
Ontario (-5%) and British Columbia (-12%) lead the way with year over year sales drops, while Alberta (+5%) and Quebec (+11%) tallied increasing sales over a year ago.With different provincial mandates and regulations, the provinces and territories have varying approaches to cannabis and public safety.
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While leaders in Canadian cultivation, Quebec has taken the most cautious approach to regulating cannabis.This is exemplified by requiring consumers be 21 year of age or older, limiting edibles to 5mg per discrete unit, and opting out of the extracts category by restricting the sale of products with greater than 30 per cent THC content. The sales mix breakdown by product category has dried flower reporting at 35%, pre-rolls at 35%, concentrates and extracts at 4.8%, edibles at 4.8% and vapes at just over 16% of sales.Notably, 2024 has seen continued growth in both the pre-roll and infused pre-roll categories.
Princess Buds
Erika Bustos, owner of Princess Buds – a retailer in Stouffville, Ont., shared: “our customers are becoming more educated on cannabis overall. They now frequently ask about terpenes and the terpene percentage, but high THC does seem to still reign.”
2024 has revealed the rise of the more discerning consumer, as customers are becoming educated, expecting more from products.From packaging dates to exotic genetics, and high THC cultivars, consumers are seeking products that meet their desired effects and in their preferred product format.
“For new products, there are all-in one vapes, some are live resin while others are distillate based.Some people don’t care… with a higher THC content vape, customers are often expecting them to last longer or in the very least get them higher,” says Bustos.“As a female business owner, I understand the importance of offering a welcoming environment where customers are comfortable to ask questions.”
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“People are always looking for new products… the same thing but different. Sampling really helps us to decide if something is a good product and worth bringing into the store. If it’s a quality product and consistent, then we want to talk about it and share it with customers,” she says.
The cannabis sales game has always been built on marketing, hype, and chasing the next big thing.Successful retailers have cultivated an on-going dialogue with their customers, offering up the new drops of the week and serving up education that their regulars value.Most critically, seem to want consumers want quality cannabis and a consistent experience.
A taste of the North
Boreal Cultivation, The Northwest Territories’ only LP, was founded by a group of longtime friends and epitomizes the virtue of small business and community. “When legalization happened, it seemed like the North was a dumping ground for subpar product… so it was really important for us to grow some good weed. That’s everything to us. Ultimately, the most important thing,” says co-founder Jordan Harker.
“We are most proud of our breeding and genetics, as we’ve found a couple winners.In the Artic, our things is to find that unique smoke for the people.The best way to do that, is to create it,” he preaches.“Our main focus was supplying locally grown flower to the North…it’s a small market and the population is quite low, so we also have to supply other markets.Ontario has been buying anything that we can grow.”
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“Shouting out the growers on the label, I think is a nice touch. To recognize all of the hard work that they put in growing the flower, that the people are enjoying,” says Harker.“It only seemed right to put their name on the bag.”
With early success, Boreal is planning to increase volume while maintaining their craft approach and authenticity unique to the North.
New in concentrates from 1 Above
In 2019, cannabis 2.0 products consisting of edibles, concentrates and extracts were rolled out.The concentrates category has been steadily growing, but it is one of the remaining areas where the legacy market remains competitive.
1 Above is a new Canadian brand launching a 73u live rosin, a 2 gram “hash hole” infused pre-roll and an all-in-one rosin based vape.Chas Sibbett, founder of 1 Above, is excited about the continued evolution of the concentrates market.“We are doing a hand rolled hash hole joint.That’s going to be a two-gram joint with 1.6 grams of flower and 0.4 grams of rosin.The rosin would be in a snake right down the middle of the joint, so that when you burn it, it creates that hash hole effect. It is almost like a cigar. They smoke really smooth and have the best flavour ever,” he says.
“We are bringing to market the Juice Bar Live Rosin all-in-one vape.It is a half gram of decarbed rosin in a really high-end device.It has a glass cart with a ceramic heating element, opposed to the standard plastic with a cotton wicking heating element,” shares Sibbett.“They have been dialed specifically for rosin, so the temperature is relatively low and keeps the flavour high.”
With dabbable concentrates, proper temperature control, along with handling and storage throughout the supply chain, are all crucial to ensure that the product is delivered into the consumers’ hands as intended.“It is enlightening to show people the difference between rosin that has been kept in the fridge for six months and rosin that hasn’t been kept in the fridge for six weeks and seeing how rapid that degradation can be,” says Sibbett.
Programs such as BC’s Direct Delivery and Ontario’s Flow-Through were designed to better address these issues and get fresher product from the LPs to retail faster and more frequently.
Looking ahead, the cannabis industry will also continue to evolve with stakeholders petitioning for the allowance of consumption lounges and increased opportunities for cannabis tourism, which to date remains a largely untapped market in Canada.
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Toronto – Tilray Brands, Inc. today announced a new Holiday campaign spotlighting a series of cannabis-infused beverages from two of its renowned beverage brands, XMG and Mollo. This holiday season, XMG and Mollo invite consumers to explore a new tradition with their unique cannabinoid combinations and premium formulations from sodas, non-alcoholic brews, and seltzers to elevate the season’s festivities.
Featured XMG and Mollo Infused Beverages for the Holiday Season:
XMG Cream Soda (10mg THC): The brand’s #1 selling beverage nationally – featuring the original dreamy blend of vanilla and caramel flavours in a 355mL can.
XMG Zero Cherry Cola (10mg THC): A refreshing rollercoaster of nostalgic cherry cola vibes. This is peak refreshment in a bubbly beverage that’ll leave your tastebuds tingling. With nano-emulsified THC, XMG has elevated the fizzy, nostalgic magic of cherry cola in 355mL cans great for consuming when relaxing or unwinding after a long day.
Mollo 10 (10mg THC, 10mg CBG): This first-of-its-kind cannabis brew was one of the first drinks to hit the ground running for Mollo; it’s double-brewed for a well-balanced taste, serving up a classic clean and crisp, non-alcoholic lager profile best served in a chilled glass.
Mollo Pineapple Seltzer (10mg THC, 20mg CBG): The seltzer revolution continues with Mollo’s latest innovations. Best sipped slowly, Mollo Seltzers are nano-emulsified, cannabis-infused, non-alcoholic beverages formulated with high-purity THC and high cannabigerol (CBG) content. Take a sip of the tropics with Mollo’s Pineapple flavour.
Blair MacNeil, President, Tilray Brands Canada, says, “Tilray’s dedication to innovation and consumer satisfaction shines through with our latest Holiday campaign featuring the tasty offerings of XMG and Mollo. Both brands have been consistent favourites among Canadian consumers. With their unique cannabinoid combinations and premium formulations, these drinks highlight our commitment to delivering diverse, high-quality brand experiences that bring consumers together for unforgettable moments.”
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XMG continues to dominate the ready-to-drink cannabis beverage space with its new releases from XMG Zero and XMG+, providing consumers with a variety of flavours and cannabinoid options to explore.
About XMG XMG is the #1 cannabis beverage brand in Canada focused on delivering high intensity and full flavour. Every beverage is maxed out at 10mg of nano-emulsified THC for a powerful and fast-acting experience. XMG is bold and unapologetic – our mission is to be straight-up, bold, and rebellious in creating beverages that are unique, intense, and fun. With multiple product lines ranging from XMG+, with naturally occurring caffeine, to XMG Zero, with zero calories and zero sugar, and a range of flavours across nostalgic sodas and refreshing fruit flavours, there’s something for everyone and every occasion.
About Mollo Mollo was one of the first cannabis-infused beverages launched in the Canadian market and continues to be a top five beverage brand nationally. Mollo is dedicated to crafting beverages for every social occasion and to offer Canadians healthier alternatives to alcohol-based beverages. Mollo is inviting, easygoing, and confident in helping consumers slow down and take it all in where chilling and connecting are the focus. Mollo 10 continues to be the top beer-analogue cannabis-infused beverage in the market, and Mollo has launched Ciders and Seltzers so that Canadians can have a variety of non-alcoholic options for every season and celebration!
About Tilray Brands Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment, elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray’s mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy and create memorable experiences. Tilray’s unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages.
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