Canada and the United States (U.S.) have a long history of developing cannabis legislation and regulation at various levels of government. In 2012, two states in the U.S.—Colorado and Washington—legalized recreational cannabis. Today, 22 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, driving the market to over $33 billion USD in 2023, with expectations of exceeding $110 billion...Read More
Canada and the United States (U.S.) enjoy the world’s most comprehensive trading relationship with nearly $2.7 billion USD worth of goods and services crossing the border each day in 2023. They also also have a significant investment relationship. The U.S. is the single greatest investor in Canada and Canada was the largest source of foreign...Read More
The Canadian government’s recent announcement of a $2.4 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) signifies a crucial step towards fostering innovation and advancing the sector nationally. However, this development also prompts essential discussions about crafting a regulatory framework to guide the industry’s responsible expansion. Exponential Growth and Regulatory Challenges The rapid pace of technological innovation, exhibited...Read More
The final report of the Expert Panel on the Cannabis Act, presented by the Minister of Health, unveils comprehensive findings and recommendations after an 18-month review, including public health concerns, regulatory burdens, taxation, and inclusivity. For a deeper dive into the report's implications for public health, industry regulation, and the future of cannabis policy in...Read More
In the dynamic landscape of Canadian healthcare, the push for universal pharmacare has taken center stage, revealing a pivotal moment for policy development and public welfare. This past summer we partnered with Project EmpowHer, championing the cause for pharmacare coverage through their message of universal contraception. This initiative aimed to address the urgent need for...Read More
After Diplomat's advice,. the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission changes to cannabis regulations will greatly benefit retailers in the sector.Read More
With the introduction of the Cannabis Act in 2018, Canada was the second jurisdiction (after Uruguay) to legalize cannabis at a national level for adult recreational use. Given this substance was illegal for over 90 years, and ending this prohibition was unprecedented for Canadian society, Parliament mandated a review of the Act within three years...Read More
Having participated in several meetings with the Competition Bureau between 2022 and 2023, we are pleased to see that their recent submission to Health Canada reflects our views and that of the industry. We believe strongly in the opportunities this industry has to offer and will continue to advocate on improving the Act (and the...Read More
This morning, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos (Minister of Health) and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett (Associate Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions) announced the long-awaited legislative review of the Cannabis Act. Alongside them were Morris Rosenberg (a Former Deputy Minister of Health) and Nate Erskine-Smith (Member of Parliament of Beaches-East York), who...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
