Original post date: January 2023 It has been over four years since the Cannabis Act was implemented, and in that time, consumers, patients, and governments have had the opportunity to discern which policies and regulations are working, and which ones need to be revised. Diplomat Consulting advises various stakeholders on ways to advocate for legislative...Read More
Yesterday, the Government of Alberta announced guidelines for psychedelic assisted therapy, beginning in 2023. This makes Alberta the first province in Canada to provide a pathway for the use of psychedelic drugs for medical usage. As the home province of Diplomat, we are proud to be situated in an area with progressive foresight on medically...Read More
Here at Diplomat, we are exhilarated by the AGLC’s decision today to change Section 3.2.6 of the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, effective immediately. The policy line that “prohibits cannabis products, accessories or any other cannabis-related item or material from being visible from the exterior of the premises” had inadvertent results of reducing the safety of...Read More
The Science Advisory Committee on Health Products Containing Cannabis released their long-awaited report on July 28. Of the information presented, Diplomat Consulting (hereafter referred to as DIplomat) has the following comments: Other cannabinoids and compounds Diplomat would have liked to see this report include compounds other than CBD. All non-psychoactive cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. should...Read More
2021 was a year of growth and exciting developments for Diplomat Consulting & the Diplomat Group of Companies. We celebrated our one-year anniversary, led huge legislative and political wins and welcomed Ivan Ross Vrana the Executive Director of the Global Cannabis Partnership. 2022 also has some incredible changes ahead. Firstly, we are excited and saddened...Read More
As part of a Red Tape reduction package, the Government of Ontario released draft amendments to the Cannabis License Act to permanently allow cannabis retail stores to offer delivery and curbside pick-up services. Our team reviewed the proposed amendments and one particular change offered some further consideration and opportunity for conversation. Currently, Section 32 contains...Read More
On July 8, 2021, Honourable Premier Jason Kenney announced a Cabinet shuffle. The government states that they hope a new Cabinet will give Albertans confidence and optimism for the economic future of the Province. With a renewed focus on recovery, the Alberta Government plans to build, diversify the economy, and create jobs. Several changes in...Read More
Taxes on specific products, sometimes called excise tax, are put in place by governments and regulators for several reasons: to raise revenue, change behaviour, or to cover the costs incurred from enforcement, infrastructure, or other areas. These taxes, also known as sin taxes, have been added to tobacco and alcohol products for decades. In the...Read More
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister the Hon. Chrystia Freeland Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. This is the first federal budget delivered in two years, outlining the Liberal Party’s vision for Canada’s COVID-recovery and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. Budget 2021-22 is historic, as it is the first...Read More
Today was Budget Day in New Brunswick. As expected, the province’s focus on tackling COVID and ensuring the necessary supports for residents and businesses to emerge successfully from the pandemic far outweighed the need for a balanced budget. Indeed, Finance Minister Ernie Steeves was clear that the focus was on a strong recovery, noting in...Read More
