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Supreme Court decision on home growing could have broader impact on industry
I have a confession to make – I am a home grower. So, the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision to uphold the Quebec Court of Appeal’s ruling to effectively ban homegrown cannabis in the province caught my attention. Advocates of the practice in Quebec and Manitoba had been waging public relations and legal battles to push back on the efforts of their provincial governments to prohibit the pastime and its products, but they have now run out of legal options.
At first blush, this just seemed like an interesting side story. Then I wondered why Quebec was waging a war on growers. If it was fighting a protracted legal battle, were there broader implications? My first thought was, “how big is this group?” According to StatsCan, it’s about 10 per cent of Canadian cannabis users, excluding licensed medical home growers.
However, the 2022 Canadian Cannabis Survey found that 6 per cent of Canadians, or 14 per cent of those who had used cannabis in the past 12 months said plants had been grown “in or around their home.” Given the tendency to understate cannabis use, the actual figures could be greater. Overall, maybe two million Canadians are involved with home growing, so the Court’s decision affects a substantial number of users.
Unpacking that decision is instructive, too, because it suggests that other provinces could follow Quebec’s example with little need to provide a convincing rationale for policy change. Speaking for the Court in a unanimous decision, Chief Justice Wagner found that the “pith and substance” of Quebec’s law is that it was enacted to maintain the government’s monopoly to protect the public – especially children and youth – from the harms of cannabis use. According to the Justices, Quebec’s prohibitions are intended to steer users to the legal market where “the products offered, education on the risks of cannabis consumption and compliance with rules on the minimum age for purchasing cannabis” are state-controlled.
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No evidence is needed on the efficacy of state policy since achieving these outcomes rests on the assumption that home growers will lay down their garden tools and flock to authorized retailers.
What the decision certainly does accomplish, though, is to re-criminalize home growing in Quebec and Manitoba. Apart from legal purchases, home growers in these jurisdictions have the choice of continuing their hobby illegally and face a fine, or to buy from illicit sources. This is happening at a bad time for Canada’s cannabis industry.
Price compression, oversupply, high taxes, and regulatory costs are triggering business closures and layoffs. One might think that the SCC’s decision provides a needed boost to LPs and retailers, but that’s unlikely. Cheap cannabis is qualitatively different from homegrown flower. People often grow cannabis because they enjoy the process as much as the crop.
The Court’s decision will not prompt home growers who embrace a do-it-yourself craft ethos, using living soil and organic inputs, to suddenly prefer store-bought weed. More likely, they will risk sanctions by continuing to grow at home, or they will buy illegal products. A recent study supports this line of thinking.
The research just published in The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs examines Canadian cannabis consumers with an eye to what is needed to engage them in the legal marketplace. The authors found that only 30 per cent of subjects appear to have their preferences met by legal sources. These consumers prefer pre-rolls over dried flower and consume less cannabis than other users. Another group who buy cannabis more frequently, are attracted by high THC potency and tend to favour illicit products.
A third group, representing 40 per cent of respondents, choose dried flower, seek packaging with detailed product information and appreciate freshness. People defined by these groups regard price differently, with those in the two cohorts least loyal to legal retailers willing to pay more for quality and high THC. Without reading too much into these findings, the results suggest weak allegiance to legal suppliers, with price not the only or even most important factor guiding buying decisions. The good news for legal suppliers is that respondents were willing to pay more for products regulated by Health Canada.
Industry leaders also question if lower prices increase profits, or whether these are doing more harm than good. Recent remarks at this year’s Lift Conference by Ontario Cannabis Store CEO David Lobo contend that the “race to the bottom” is compounding industry issues by squeezing margins, adding cost pressures, and not pulling enough traffic to keep authorized retailers afloat.
Meanwhile, the illicit market still comprises over 40 per cent of the consumer market according to the OCS’s own research, with other estimates stating its share is much greater. Lobo noted that such vulnerabilities expose the industry to future crises, perhaps a major recall due to adverse health effects. Making legal cannabis consumers sick would cancel the moral high ground claimed by the regulated industry, further weakening its position.
The last thing needed by a fragile cannabis sector is a resurgent illegal market augmented by disgruntled home growers. Suddenly 10 per cent doesn’t seem like such as small number.
Denis Gertler is a regulatory consultant, board member, and former government regulato
GOC Nexus and BTAB Solutions Announce Letter of Intent for Cannabis Processing Hubs
Lexaria Bioscience Corp.’s (NASDAQ: LEXX) Patented DehydraTECH(TM) Technology Set to be Used in Multi-Billion Dollar Markets; On Track to have 2023 as Best Year Yet
- Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology enhances the performance of several categories of fat-soluble active molecules and drugs across oral and/or topical product formats
- This unique approach to drug delivery has earned Lexaria a total of 35 patents, with many patents pending worldwide
- The company continues active discussions with multi-billion dollar companies for the potential use of DehydraTECH in their commercial pursuits
- Lexaria is also actively seeking commercial partners during 2023 and 2024
Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, is out on an ambitious move to address conditions with high unmet needs. This focus has allowed them to make strides in the potential treatment of conditions such as hypertension, epilepsy, human hormone delivery, and nicotine replacement; all made possible through its patented technology, DehydraTECH(TM).
DehydraTECH enhances the performance of several categories of fat-soluble active molecules and drugs across oral and/or topical product formats. The technology serves as an additional step that can be easily incorporated into any formulation and manufacturing process, allowing for speedy delivery, an increase in bioavailability, and an increase in brain absorption, among other advantages (https://cnw.fm/LyMIC).
Lexaria’s studies have demonstrated a propensity for DehydraTECH technology to elevate the quantity of drug delivered across the blood-brain barrier by as much as 1,700 percent, which has opened the technology up to new possibilities for improved drug delivery.
One stand-out feature of DehydraTECH is its ability to work symbiotically with existing physiological systems to enable masking oral and olfactory receptors, rendering DehydraTECH-processed compounds mostly flavorless and odorless. This results in formulations not requiring sweeteners or chemical masking agents for flavor and odor blocking, meaning that manufacturers can create low-sugar products with fewer calories while avoiding excessive artificial sweeteners.
Once ingested, the compounds, through the help of fatty acids, permeate the intestinal wall for the active payload, then are transported to the systemic circulation by one of two pathways, typically dependent on the type of fatty acid(s) chosen for a given formulation. For hepatic transport, or where liver metabolism is desirable for biotransformation of the payload, Lexaria’s methodology uses medium-chain fatty acids. For lymphatic transport, on the other hand, Lexaria uses long-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed via the lymphatic lacteals, ultimately diverting them away from the liver and entering the general circulation very quickly.
DehydraTECH and its unique approach to drug delivery have earned Lexaria a current total of 35 patents across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan, India, and the European Union. Although it has already achieved considerable intellectual property protection through its existing patent portfolio, the company has a number of additional patents pending worldwide. These achievements have sparked interest across various industries. Lexaria’s CEO, Chris Bunka, has noted the company’s active discussions with multi-billion dollar companies for the potential use of its technology in their commercial product pursuits.
“Our applied R&D is paying off in spades because we are currently in active discussions with several multi-billion dollar companies around the world for the potential use of Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology in their commercial product pursuits,” noted Mr. Bunka.
“These discussions are ongoing and have thus helped us to meet one of our primary objectives of the last year, which is to introduce DehydraTECH to world-leading potential collaborators,” he added (https://cnw.fm/yQagb).
Lexaria is ambitious in its push for DehydraTECH and is currently seeking commercial partners to use the technology in what are usually multi-billion-dollar markets. The company is taking steps to have multiple choices in how to fund its operations, and so far, it is on track to have 2023 as its best year ever.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/LEXX
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420 with CNW — Ohio Adds IBS to Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions List
Regulators in Ohio have added irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to the state’s medical marijuana list of qualifying conditions. During the recent Ohio State Medical Board meeting, lawmakers made irritable bowel syndrome the 26th qualifying condition for a medical marijuana license in the state.
IBS is one of the most common chronic conditions in America, affecting an estimated 25 to 45 million people in the country and costing the U.S. a whopping $1.3 billion in medical costs annually. The chronic condition is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, gas and bloating, and affects roughly 5% to 10% of the global population.
According to Charlie Trefny, the director of government affairs at the Ohio Medical Cannabis Industry Association, adding IBS to the Ohio list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana will “expand patient access” and help numerous Ohio residents living with the chronic condition.
Experts break irritable bowel syndrome into three categories: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M).
A report from the Columbus Dispatch notes that while people with chronic IBS could already access medical cannabis because of chronic pain, the addition of IBS to the list of qualifying conditions will make medical cannabis accessible to significantly more IBS patients.
However, the board refused to add autism to the list of approved conditions for the third time. Trefny noted that she was disappointed in the board for not approving the addition of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder.
A recent bill introduced by Senators Kirk Schuring and Stephen Huffman represented the fourth time the Ohio State Medical Board received a petition to allow people with autism to access medical cannabis. The measure would also allow medical cannabis patients to use therapeutic oral pouches, strips, sprays, pills, suppositories and capsules, topical salves, sprays and lotions as well as inhalers.
At the moment, Ohio allows patients with the following conditions to access medical cannabis: Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, cachexia, Crohn’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, epilepsy or seizure disorders, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and sickle cell anemia. If Senate Bill 9 is successful, it will add autism, migraines, chronic muscle spasms or spasticity, opioid use disorder and terminal illness to the list of qualifying conditions.
Ohio also permits medical cannabis access to patients with severe intractable or chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, spasticity, terminal illness, ulcerative colitis, Tourette syndrome and traumatic brain injuries.
As more patients use marijuana to treat or manage their ailments, entities such as IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are seeking to up the ante by developing standardized formulations from cannabis that meet the FDA regulatory requirements so that these treatments can be available nationwide through the healthcare system.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC
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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Nominations now open for Grow Up’s Awards Gala
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Grow Up Awards Gala, set to take place in Victoria, BC, in early October.
The Grow Up Conference & Expo is returning to Victoria for the second time, following its first show in BC’s capital city in 2022.
The conference expects several thousand attendees over the three-day event, from Sunday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 3. The awards ceremony will be at the Historical Crystal Garden in the Victoria Conference Centre.
Our awards gala aims to highlight the exceptional contributions taking place in the industry, and to celebrate the achievements of our peers.
Randy Rowe, Grow Up Conference & Expo
Randy Rowe, President of Grow Up, has been hosting the expo since 2019 and says this year’s event will also honour Ted Smith, the founder of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers’ Club, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Wanda L. James as the events 2023 Cannabis Pioneer recipient, and Kevin Jodrey as their Grow Up Hall of Fame inductee.
The gala will be hosted by Jenny West Cooney from local radio station Zone 91.3.
“We are looking forward to honouring the dedicated professionals working tirelessly to set new standards in the ever-changing cannabis industry,” said Rowe.
“Our awards gala aims to highlight the exceptional contributions taking place in the industry, and to celebrate the achievements of our peers. The gala is also a perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the stresses of the cannabis industry, even if it’s just for a night.”
Nominations are open until Sunday, August 6, 2023. Voting takes place August 10-28, and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.
“We encourage everyone in the cannabis industry to participate, either by nominating those who deserve recognition, or by attending this landmark event,” Rowe added.
Tickets for the Grow Up Conference & Expo are on sale now, and information on nominations can be found at growupawards.com.
420 with CNW — Meta to Let Hemp and CBD Firms Advertise on IG, Facebook
CBD and hemp firms recently scored a major win after Facebook’s parent company Meta loosened its hemp and cannabis advertising policies. In a recent notice, Meta announced the changes to its advertising policies and noted that companies in the cannabis space would now be allowed to advertise non-ingestible cannabidiol products under certain limitations. The social media giant also said that CBD-infused products that have 0.3% or less of THC can be promoted on its platforms if those products meet certain conditions.
America’s state-level cannabis industry has been incredibly lucrative from its inception, generating billions of dollars in sales and creating hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities. However, since the plant is illegal at the federal level and classified as a Schedule I controlled drug with no medical application, America’s cannabis industry is severely limited.
One of the most significant limitations is that the players in the cannabis sector are prohibited from advertising their products on most conventional platforms, making it extremely difficult for them to attract customers and boost sales.
With Meta’s recent announcement, hemp and cannabis retailers will be able to promote their products to the billions of consumers that use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and recent addition Threads. Cannabis businesses will require written approval from parent company Meta as well as proof that their products are compliant with local laws and certified with Legitscript before they can prompt their products on Meta platforms.
Furthermore, the social media conglomerate has revised its hemp advertising policies to allow hemp businesses to promote their goods on Meta in the Canada, Mexico, and U.S. markets as long as they comply with local laws, industry guidelines and codes. Businesses will not require written permission to promote products with less than the legal threshold for THC (0.3%) in these three markets.
Meta will also publish hemp-related ads that seek to educate the public, advocate for or give “public service announcements related to CBD” without the need for written permission as long as they do not promote prohibited products.
The company said in a statement that it wants people to discover new products and services and learn about them on its platforms. Meta cautioned that ads containing CBD products will not be allowed to state or claim that the products can prevent, treat, cure, diagnose or mitigate any medical issue in humans and animals. Additionally, Meta’s ban on advertising THC-containing products or psychoactive cannabis products will remain active, the company said.
As more cannabis companies gain access to running adverts on various social media platforms, the industry is likely to grow, and this growth could deepen the reach of ancillary companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which indirectly benefit from the progress registered by cannabis enterprises.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX
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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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GOC Nexus and BTAB Solutions announce LOI for cannabis processing hubs
GOC Nexus is revolutionizing the processing of medicinal and recreational cannabis. Their innovative approach to decontamination aims to address the global challenges of limited shelf life and microbiological contamination in cannabis products. With cutting-edge technology and deep expertise, GOC Nexus is committed to transforming the industry and raising the standards of cannabis processing to new heights.
BTAB Solutions is a prominent player in the international cannabis industry, known for empowering cannabis communities with brands, technologies, and products that are loved by consumers and distributors. With a strong background in cannabis and a focus on novel approaches to genetics, technology and products, BTAB is at the forefront of this industry.
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Cold plasma sterilization of cannabis is a revolutionary technique that is poised to transform the cannabis industry. Unlike traditional sterilization methods that rely on radiation, heat, or chemicals, cold plasma sterilization offers a safer and more effective alternative. This technology harnesses ionized gas to neutralize harmful microorganisms, such as spores, mold, yeasts, and bacteria, without compromising the integrity of the cannabis or its valuable constituents.
By providing a gentle yet highly efficient sterilization process, cold plasma technology ensures product safety while maintaining the desired quality and potency of cannabis. Its significance for the industry lies in its ability to improve the overall standard of cleanliness and hygiene, enhance product quality and consumer safety, and meet rigorous regulatory requirements. This innovative approach not only addresses the critical need for effective decontamination but also sets new benchmarks for sustainable and economical cultivation and processing practices in the cannabis industry.
The project will be executed in multiple stages, starting with the establishment of a small-scale recreational hub to demonstrate the business case. Subsequently, a parallel hub will be prepared, designed to obtain an EU-GMP license. Once the planned hub in Germany attains GMP certification and the Canadian level-2 hub meets GMP requirements, the parties intend to pursue EU-GMP certification. This milestone will enable product processing with the aim of exporting material to the German hub for entry into the European market.
GOC Nexus will be responsible for organizing the cold plasma machines required for the project, customizing them to meet the specific needs of the operation. The team will develop EU-GMP compliant processes to minimize human involvement and enhance process control. The company will also establish an EU-GMP compliant quality management system to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.
BTAB Solutions will play a vital role in the collaboration by providing the necessary financing for the construction and operational management of the processing hubs. They will also be responsible for the acquisition of business opportunities and the day-to-day operational management of the hubs. BTAB’s extensive experience in the Canadian cannabis industry and their strong international presence make them an ideal partner for this venture.
“We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership between GOC Nexus and BTAB Solutions. Our combined expertise and shared vision for the future of the cannabis industry will allow us to establish world-class processing hubs that adhere to the highest quality standards. Together, we aim to revolutionize the sterilization processes in the cannabis cultivation and processing stages, ultimately benefiting micro cultivators, processors, and industry standards.” — David Surjo, CEO, GOC Nexus
“BTAB Solutions has always been at the forefront of the cannabis industry, constantly striving for innovation, excellence, and economical compliance. This collaboration with GOC Nexus aligns perfectly with our mission to empower cannabis communities with cutting-edge technologies and products. We are excited about the prospects of this partnership and the positive impact it will have on the industry.” — Brandon Tate, CEO, BTAB Solutions
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