Smart Contracts
Cannabis License Experts
Quebec Market
More and more people are using smart contracts, yet people often confuse “smart contracts” and “automated contracts”. We answer five questions businesses frequently ask us about these kinds of contracts.
Operating a cannabis retail store in Canada can be challenging. It’s often thought that obtaining a retail license itself is the biggest hurdle to cross, but that’s just the first step. Setting up and maintaining a compliant and profitable cannabis retail business also brings a different set of challenges.
In this article, sales technology platform Weedcrawler provides us with an overview of the current state of Quebec’s cannabis market.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine
VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2
YOUR SEED-TO-SALE PUBLICATION FOR THE CANADIAN CANNABIS MARKETPLACE
THE RETAIL ISSUE
IN THIS SPECIAL ISSUE OF CANNABIS PROSPECT MAGAZINE, WE GO IN-DEPTH WITH CONCENTRATES, RESINS, HASH AND TERPENES.
APRIL 2022
Table of Contents/
April 2022
THE RETAIL ISSUE
THE LIVE RESIN MARKET
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
TERPENES
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12
16
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In this special issue of Cannabis Prospect Magazine, we go indepth with concentrates, resins, hash and terpenes.
It’s very likely that live resin extracts will be the next big thing in the Canadian vape industry. Understanding the nuances of these extracts and how they interact with vape hardware will be crucial for the future success of any brands operating in the space.
In this April issue, we speak with Joe Davis, Lead Faculty and Field Placement Supervisor of Centennial College’s Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Program, to give us a brief history of the program, how it’s evolving, and what the future of the program may hold.
A balanced formulation can greatly elevate the flavour and aroma of cannabis products and provide a wide range of potential health benefits. According to recent studies, terpene profiles may also be more critical to the product experience than cannabinoid content itself.
ON THE COVER REGULARS
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In this article, sales technology platform Weedcrawler provides us with an overview of the current state of Quebec’s cannabis market.
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More and more people are using smart contracts, yet people often confuse “smart contracts” and “automated contracts”. To help you understand and distinguish between them, here are the answers to five questions businesses frequently ask us about these kinds of contracts.
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From the Editor Events News Appointments Product Spotlight Provincial Updates Product Showcase List of Advertisers
It’s often thought that obtaining a retail licence itself is the biggest hurdle to cross, but that’s just the first step. Setting up and maintaining a compliant and profitable cannabis retail business also brings a different set of challenges.
April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The Retail Race By David Halpert
I
live in Toronto, North York specifically, which as its name implies is a northern borough of the city, close to the eastern border shared with Scarborough. If you know anything about the Big Smoke geographically, my high-rise apartment is situated right near where the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and Highway 401 meet, the former the vertical artery that links the downtown core; the latter, an eastwest interstate that links much of the Golden Horseshoe, making this area in particular one of the busiest vehicular conduits in Canada, arguably the biggest. This makes the area prime real estate for cannabis retail. Over the last one to two years there has been a slew of new cannabis retailers opening up in my area. To give you an idea of how saturated this area has become I’ll give you a breakdown of the numbers within a three kilometre radius of my apartment (no joke!). First, the upscale Shops at Don Mills located in midtown has both a Tokyo Smoke and a Spiritleaf franchised outlet. Fairview Mall, accessible from the DVP, just opened a FIKA Cannabis outlet (and according to Google Maps, an independent store called The 6ix Dispensary has also opened up at a commercial building along Fairview Mall Drive). Then you have Canna-Cabana roughly five minutes away to the east at Victoria Park and Ellesmere, followed by a Kanab Cannabis to the west at Don Mills and York Mills. I also came home last week to a flyer on my apartment door for ‘The Cannabis Hut’ again opening at Victoria Park just north of Lawrence Avenue. Keep in mind, I’m also being generous with this list and not including any dispensaries along Eglinton Avenue and Lawrence Avenue either, which if that radius was extended to five kilometres would include five more locations.
For the cannabis retail community, spring 2022 is going to be a watershed season in many respects, offering more opportunities for independent cannabis retailers to compete. In Alberta, as of early March, licensed cannabis retailers will have the opportunity to sell cannabis online and provide delivery permanently in both cases. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is also exiting its own online cannabis sales as per amendments made to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. With the provincial government for online sales effectively shutdown, independent stores will be allowed to operate their own e-commerce stores provided they have an existing brick-and-mortar store(s). For many this is a double-edged sword as smaller independents won’t have the resources (or possibly investment dollars) to create their own e-commerce platforms. While there will be initial growing pains at the onset, I do believe this will prove to be another way for cannabis retailers to compete. Similarly, following in lockstep, as of last month Ontario cannabis stores can offer delivery and curbside pickup on a permanent basis. While its too soon to tell whether other provincial jurisdictions will follow suit, Ontario and other provincial jurisdictions will surely be looking toward Alberta as a case study of sorts. Hopefully, this will lead to greater competitiveness overall and a more levelled playing field amidst private retailers.
President / CEO, Straight Dope Media Inc. @cannabispromag
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
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CONFERENCES & EVENTS
May 3, 2022 (Virtual) Retail Cannabis Forum Toronto, ON https://www.retailcouncil.org/webinars/ retail-cannabis-forum/
June 15-16, 2022 CannabizWiki Conference & Expo Western Fair District, Agriplex London, ON https://expo.cannabis.wiki/
May 12-15, 2022 Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo Toronto Metro Convention Centre Toronto, ON http://liftexpo.ca/expotoronto
June 20-22, 2022 Grow-Up Conference & Expo Victoria Conference Centre Victoria, BC http://growupconference.com
June 1-3, 2022 O’ CannaBiz Conference & Expo The International Centre Toronto, ON http://ocannabiz.com/toronto
October 19-22, 2022 MJBizCon Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV www.mjbizcon.com
November 2-3, 2022 Global Executive Cannabis Summit Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Toronto, ON https://canexecsummit.com/
To submit an event for inclusion in the Cannabis Prospect Magazine calendar, email media@cannabisproonline.com
Cannabis Prospect Magazine CANNABIS PROSPECT MAGAZINE VOL. 4, ISSUE 2 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES For subscription services visit www.cannabisproonline.com or email david@cannabisproonline.com. For change of address, please include the old address and new address, along with an address label from a recent issue, if possible. If an address is not updated when the magazine is mailed, we are not responsible for delivery of your magazine. If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we will suspend our subscription until a correct address is received.
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
EDITORIAL For editorial submission requests or article ideas please email media@cannabisproonline.com Cannabis Prospect Magazine assumes no responsibility for any claims or representations contained in the magazine or in any advertisement. All materials contained are for educational purposes and intended for the legal marijuana business. Cannabis Prospect does not encourage the illegal use of any of the products contained within. ISSN 2562-1033. CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL PRODUCT AND SALES AGREEMENT NO. 43596516
Publisher and Editorial Director David Halpert Vice President, Marketing Director Cliff Persaud Account Representative Michael Spencer Cannabis Prospect Magazine is published six times a year by Straight Dope Media Inc., 44 Valleywoods Road, Unit 1802, Toronto Ontario M3A 2R6 Canada ADVERTISING For advertising rates or inquiries please email sales@cannabisproonline.com
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NEWS
Mount Dakota Energy Corp. Announces Completion of Business Combinations and Name Change to “HYTN Innovations Inc.” HYTN Innovations Inc. announces, further to its news releases dated July 12, 2021, February 11, 2022 and February 15, 2022, that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of all the outstanding securities of HYTN Beverage Corp. Following completion of the transactions, the Company will carry on the business of HYTN. HYTN is a manufacturer of premium cannabis products, with specialized expertise in the formulation, quality control, and regulatory approval of cannabinoid-based nanoemulsions that deploy its proprietary Elevation Technology® to deliver products with rapid, predictable, and stackable effects. HYTN manufactures its products from its purpose-built facility located downtown in the city of Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.
Greenway Greenhouse Celebrates One Year of Cultivation Operations and Continued Growth Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation acknowledges one year of successful operations since being licensed for cultivation in early February. Since cultivation began at Greenway Greenhouse, 30 lots ranging from 250 to 2,000 plants have passed either completely, or in part, through growth, processing, and sale. Since initial crops, Greenway cultivation has seen marked improvements in cannabinoid potency, terpene retention, visual appeal, and overall product quality. Continued cultivation optimizations and cultivar-specific adjustments have increased THC potency by more than 33%, and improvements to growth and processing have increased terpene production and retention by more than 25%. “With every crop so far, we have seen improvements in all of our key quality metrics and performance indicators. Greenway Greenhouse maintains a culture of quality and constant improvement that pervades every aspect of our operations,” said Nicholas Nedin, Director of Product Development and Quality Assurance at Greenway Greenhouse. High Tide Announces Opening of 60th Canna Cabana Location in Alberta High Tide Inc., a leading retail-focused cannabis company with brick-and-mortar as well as global e-commerce assets, announced that its Canna Cabana retail cannabis store located at 11070 100 Avenue in Grande Prairie, Alberta, will begin selling recreational cannabis products for adult use. This opening represents High Tide’s 111th branded retail location across Canada, and 60th in Alberta, selling recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories. This store will also be High Tide’s second to open in Grande Prairie, which is the largest city in
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
northwestern Alberta, with a population of almost 65,000. The new Canna Cabana store is located in a power centre anchored by a major international discount retailer, at the welltrafficked intersection of Highways 40 and 43. It is also close to the main campus of Grande Prairie Regional College, on the opposite side of Highway 43. Kiaro Expands Footprint to Become the Largest Public Cannabis Retailer in B.C. Kiaro Holdings Corp., a national omni-channel cannabis retailer and wholesale distributor, is pleased to announce the opening of a new retail cannabis store during the month of January 2022. The new store is located at 1650 Pandosy Street in Kelowna, British Columbia and was opened to the public on December 31st 2021. With the addition of the Kelowna store, the Company’s retail footprint grew to 16 retail locations under the Kiaro and Hemisphere banners across Canada, which accompanies its wholesale distribution business in Saskatchewan and multi-jurisdictional e-commerce business. NFL commits $500,000 (USD) to fund concussion research at the University of Regina Dr. Patrick Neary, exercise physiologist and professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, has received more than $500,000 USD from the National Football League (NFL), along with $400,000 of in-kind support from My Next Health Inc. to investigate the use of cannabinoids – the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant – in the treatment of concussions and for pain management. Concerns about the prevention and treatment of concussions in sports have been growing over the last several years. “As with the league’s broader approach to health
and safety, we want to ensure that our players are receiving care that reflects the most upto-date medical consensus,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. “While the burden of proof is high for NFL players who want to understand the impact of any medical decision on their performance, we are grateful that we have the opportunity to fund these scientifically-sound studies on the use of cannabinoids that may lead to the discovery of data-based evidence that could impact the pain management of our players.” HEXO Provides Update on “The Path Forward”; Lays Off 180 Workers HEXO Corp., a leading producer of highquality cannabis products, provided an update on its previously announced strategic plan, “The Path Forward”, designed to solidify HEXO’s position as the number one cannabis company in Canada by recreational market share, with the goal of becoming the first among its peers to be cash flow positive from operations. HEXO is committed to providing its shareholders with updates as the Company executes the strategic plan. The announcement provides updates to one of the five strategic pillars: (i) “Streamline and Simplify the Organizational Structure”. On January 19, 2022, the Company announced that it would reduce SG&A expenses by 30% by fiscal year end 2023. As part of that initiative, the Company is announcing the reduction of 180 positions, resulting in annual savings of approximately $15 million on an annualized basis. Half of these positions are related to the previously announced closure of the Stellarton facility. The remaining reductions are related to reducing back-office positions where there is significant overlap as a result of recent acquisitions and simplifying HEXO’s operating model to drive clearer accountability.
CULTIVATE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE IN CANNABIS The emergence of the cannabis industry in Canada is stimulating employment and business development in relation to new products and services. Conveniently offered in an online part-time format, cannabis cultivation education at Centennial will provide the appropriate knowledge required to enter an industry in strong demand, or skills for the at-home grower. Gain hands-on cannabis cultivation experience by joining: ▸ Cannabis Cultivation at Home – Micro-credential (15 hour course) ▸ Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Program Register today and learn more at centennialcollege.ca/cannabis Questions? Contact us at cannabis.pt@centennialcollege.ca
Cannabis: Waste vs. Taste
Making the Most of Our Favourite Plant By the Hash Corporation Team
C
annabis consumers are a broad spectrum of individuals with greatly varied belief systems, values and unique tastes. We’re made up of casual evening or weekend tokers, enthusiast ‘chronic’ consumers whose intake levels might involve two dabs of extracts, a bong topped with kief and a couple of hash-rosin-infused gummies in their morning routines, and everyone who indulges in between. Many of us will develop highly specific preferences for the types of cannabis product, intake methods and accessories involved. Some take an almost ritualistic approach, while others are forever content mixing it up, trying all the different options available. Innovative humans have been adapting and evolving the cannabis plant for generations. We’ve tried countless ways of collecting, using and consuming its parts, leading us to ask, Why all this experimenting? To make the most of our cannabis. As most of you already know, the cannabis plant is an incredibly complex bio-chem pharma factory with potential to produce more than 500 different compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, phenols, isomers and esters. A great number of these chemicals are created within the small sticky trichomes that coat the plants’ buds. We’re still learning which of these elements within cannabis plants interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system in meaningful ways. Cannabinoids are the obvious headline compounds of the plant, with abilities to interact with the vast receptor sets present throughout our brains and bodies. Endogenous cannabinoid receptors within the body are the locks where exogenous cannabinoids, like those found in hashish, are perfectly matched keys. At time of writing, there are 110+ distinct cannabinoids 10
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
scientists have isolated from the cannabis plant. Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds that largely contribute to the scents and tastes of herbs and flowers. Like cannabinoids, terpenes are produced and housed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Although most terpenes are only present in trace amounts, the most prominent few in each cannabis strain give it a signature smell and taste profile. Different ratios of combined terpenes are responsible for the highly varied odours and flavours of cannabis plants and concentrates; everything including that distinctively skunky smell that turns people’s heads, that super unique kush smell, and those bright floral, fruity flavours some of us absolutely adore. Cannabis products with a higher concentration of these rare terpene compounds often have much more flavour and effect. So, if we know cannabinoids and terpenes matter most when it comes to smell, taste and experience, how do we get the best out of our buds? Simply put, by getting rid of the waste. If ‘the good stuff’ only makes up a small percentage of the plant, why do cannabis users consume so much of the parts that offer so little? There’s a good argument to be made that instead of using whole flower, consumers might want to consider buying just the best and most effective parts of the plant; the trichomes. Not only would they access more of the compounds we truly want, but we reduce consuming parts of the plant we don’t want when consumed, especially when combusted. How you consume your cannabis plays a role in maximizing its potency. With dry herb, a 2004 study compared the compounds released with a vapourizer versus combusting cannabis in a glass pipe. Cannabinoids like THC accounted for more than 94% of the vapour from the vapourizer while only three ‘useless’ compounds
present. On the other hand, more than 88 compounds were identified in smoke from the glass pipe, leaving only 12% of THC available for ingestion. That’s like smoking a bunch of dried lettuce. We propose that it’s time to ditch the waste, go for the taste and experience the plant in a more efficient way: Cannabis Concentrates. Created in a myriad of ways, ultimately cannabis concentrates are produced by collecting cannabinoid and terpene rich trichome glands, while neglecting ‘waste’ plant material like chlorophyll. Cannabis concentrates can be found in numerous forms, and articles detailing the variety of names (Hash, Sift, Bubble, Oil, Rosin, Resin, etc.) with their associated production methods for the many differing finished products exemplify the wealth of information and material science that was built largely prior to regulation by our legacy community. The breadth of this knowledge speaks to the immense intelligence, resilience, and persistence of the cannabis community, much of which comes from hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago… Traditional hash, the first cannabis concentrate, is a particularly special substance of discussion. Hashish is a highly complex matrix of cannabinoid and terpene molecules that have been meticulously blended together. The volatile terpenes react with cannabinoids and other natural plant waxes and fats in the consolidated mass of trichomes to create entirely novel compounds. Whether you’re looking for the highest potency THC isolate to dab blazing hot, or a more chilled-out nostalgic vibe like Gold Seal Hash to satisfy your indulgence, if you’re interested in increasing the efficiency of your experience (and dollars), it may be time to try some concentrates.
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ACCESSORIES
HOW THE LIVE RESIN MARKET IS CHANGING THE CANADIAN VAPE INDUSTRY By Dave Kaplan, Greentank Technologies
I
t’s very likely that live resin extracts will be the next big thing in the Canadian vape industry. Understanding the nuances of these extracts and how they interact with vape hardware will be crucial for the future success of any brands operating in the space. But before we jump into the weeds, let’s take a moment to define what exactly live resin extracts are and how they differ from the majority of vape products currently in the market. Unlike conventional distillates and CO2 formulations, which are cured and dried prior to extraction, live resin products are flash frozen directly after harvest and extracted immediately or soon afterward. This step, performed at subcritical temperatures, preserves the plant’s abundant terpene profiles, resulting in immensely flavourful, aromatic and potent vapable extracts. U.S. consumers have already demonstrated that significant demand exists for better-tasting and stronger vape extracts. Last year, approximately one-quarter of all cartridge sales south of the border were live resin products, up from 17% in 2020. In some states, live resin cartridges sold at an even more prolific clip. Look no further than California, the world’s largest recreational cannabis market, where live resin cartridges accounted for more than 35% of its 2021 vape sales and generated a substantial $390.8M in revenue. The segment share of these specialty extracts also exceeded 25% of all vape sales in Oregon and Nevada, where they combined for just over $83.7M. Here, in Canada, live resin vape products haven’t yet become mainstream, but the data suggests it will only be a matter of time. The extract type accounted for only 4.1% of all vape sales in the country last year, generating $18.1M in total revenue—less than 3% of what live resin vape products generated in the US. Without context, those numbers don’t exactly jump off of the page. Yet, the market share of live extract vape products in Canada more than tripled in 2021 from its 1.2% stake one year earlier—and that’s important. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, either. Canada’s live resin growth is most evident at the provincial level. In Alberta, for instance, live resin extracts increased to 5.1% of all vape sales in 2021 after accounting for just 0.7% of the vape market 12 months earlier. During the same
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period, the extract’s segment share also grew to 4.8% from 0.6% in Saskatchewan, to 4.1% from 1.7% in British Columbia, and to 3.4% from 1.5% in Ontario. Likewise, the number of Canadian vape brands producing live resin extracts more than doubled to 19 in 2021 from nine in 2020, and through the first two months of 2022, that number has risen once again to 23! The data is quite clear. Live resin extracts are here to stay in Canada and will likely only increase in popularity going forward. So, the real question that brands should be considering is in which hardware formats will these specialty extracts sell best as they start to become more mainstream? Will they sell better as disposables with preset temperatures that optimize user experiences, or in cartridges that enable users to adjust heat and voltage settings for more customized experiences? Brands should also be kicking the tires on which package sizes live resin extracts will most
likely thrive in. Will users initially flock to smaller reservoir sizes to determine the brands and extracts that appeal most to them, or will larger package sizes and value be the determining factor, as has been the case with distillates to this point? With such limited live resin data in Canada, brands would do well to look at how live resin extracts have fared in more established US markets. Unfortunately, pairing live resin extracts with vape hardware isn’t a simple exercise because every live resin extract is unique. This process hinges on the specific nuances of a given formulation, including its chemical attributes and a slew of other technical considerations. Sometimes, modifications to the hardware are needed, including heating element porosity and aperture size tweaks. Most of the time, however, hardware modifications are unnecessary; unlocking the full glory of these premium extracts requires a custom fitting, of sorts. This can entail a variety of possibilities, including the modification of cartridge-resistance levels to help mitigate overheating, a primary contributor to the degradation of the delicate layers of terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. Input power source tweaking can also play a critical role, although mostly in the case of disposable devices. In some instances, both hardware and formulation need to be slightly adjusted for a perfect fit. Foregoing this matching process is not advised. It almost always results in negative user experiences that cause consumers to equate live resin extracts with lower-quality formulations, devoid of flavour and desired effects. In cases of extreme mismatching, it’s not uncommon at all to see live resin extracts experience pronounced leaking, clogging and other undesired performance issues. “In our industry, product reputation is everything,” says Ron Schur, Director of Lab Operations at Greentank Technologies. “That’s why we strongly encourage our partners to utilize our in-house testing and unrivaled, licensed lab capabilities. That’s the only way to eliminate any unknowns and ensure optimized, fine-tuned end products.” Contact Greentank today for more industry insights, or to learn about the industry’s top vape hardware solutions.
“
U.S. consumers have already demonstrated that a significant demand exists for better-tasting and stronger vape extracts. Last year, approximately one-quarter of all cartridge sales south of the border were live resin products, up from 17% in 2020. In some states, live resin cartridges sold at an even more prolific clip. Look no further than California, the world’s largest recreational cannabis market, where live resin cartridges accounted for more than 35% of its 2021 vape sales and generated a substantial $390.8M in revenue.
“
April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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THE STATE OF THE QUEBEC CANNABIS MARKET By Alexandre Voyer, Owner of WeedCrawler.ca
T
he Québec cannabis market is one of the largest in Canada but lags behind in certain key areas. Québec is the second-most populous province in the country, but with a fraction of cannabis retail outlets. Compared with Ontario, with more than 1000 physical retail locations, Québec has 84 stores. Most of this is due to the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC). As a subsidiary of the provincial liquor monopoly, the SQDC has a monopoly on the sale of recreational cannabis within Québec. And while cannabis sales in the province are trending upwards, there are still significant setbacks. The SQDC doesn’t provide reports or other data like the cannabis regulatory boards in Ontario or British Columbia. This makes the Québec cannabis market a giant black box of information. But this also makes Québec’s cannabis market an opportunity for growth and investment. HOW THE SQDC RELEASES PRODUCT Twice a year, licensed cannabis producers find themselves in front of the SQDC, pitching new products they’d like to sell and how much they’ll cost. Once every producer has done that, the SQDC makes its decision and new products appear over the course of the following six months. Compared with Ontario, where the regulator releases a bunch of products all at once (sometimes hundreds in one day), the SQDC prefers a softer touch. It slowly releases products out into the market. Before 2022, the SQDC supplied retail stores first, then focused on online sales but, in an attempt to replace the legacy market, its release schedule subsequently changed. Now the SQDC releases products online first, then into brick-andmortar retail stores. Online sales represent 5-10% of the Québec cannabis market depending on the product’s category. It’s unclear how the SQDC’s new policy of putting new products online first will increase the percentage of online sales since the SQDC cannot promote new products due to the law of promotion of cannabis. PRICE POINTS PER GRAM One hurdle that is hurting the Québec cannabis market, and is unknown in jurisdictions like Ontario, is a rule about pricing. The SQDC fixes price points per gram. For example, a package of 3.5gram flower and the same flower in a 28-gram container must be priced the same per gram. In Ontario, the 3.5 grams would be priced higher and the 28 grams would be priced lower on a pergram basis because of the higher volume. It isn’t done like this in Québec. Whether one is buying
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a single gram or an entire ounce, if it is the same flower, the price per gram remains the same. There’s a way around this problem. Québec producers have found it useful to have a “rotating” SKU. SKU stands for “stock keeping unit” and is a number retailers assign to products to keep track of their inventory. So producers will use a SKU that is a cheaper price and they’ll put whatever flower they want in. SQDC will classify it as a rotation strain product and the strain will be shown on the package. TESTING THE MARKET Originally, the SQDC had the idea that every cannabis retail outlet in Québec should be the same. If there was a certain strain in Montreal, one should be able to find the same product in Québec City or Ville-Marie. But with more than 300 dried flower options and counting, storage capacity became problematic. Now the SQDC is trying to distribute first online then offline to cannabis retailers.. And not all retail locations receive the same product unless it’s a popular one. More than likely, the SQDC will use certain outlets as test markets. Using a third-party service like WeedCrawler, a producer can figure out what a similar product is selling compared with the one it is looking to launch. Using THC range and price, a producer can see the distribution in the data and figure out which store it should be targeting. It can also see which store similar products are available. It can, in a sense, create their own opportunity. THC RANGES Data filtered through WeedCrawler reveals a general rule of thumb that’s true in both Québec and the rest of Canada, and that is THC ranges affect sales. For example, a 3.5-gram package might put the THC content at 19-25%. That’s confusing for consumers. They don’t know if they’re getting the 25% batch or the 19% batch with no difference in price. Consumers can get discouraged with this approach. Data shows sales improve with tighter THC ranges. No more than a 5% difference seems to be the best bet. There are exceptions to this rule however, like when the product is cheaper. No one seems to mind a large range when the 3.5 grams dried flower products are only $18 instead of $38. PACKAGING & PACKAGING INFORMATION Like the rest of Canada, Québec has plain packaging on its cannabis products. Unlike the rest of Canada, the SQDC does not advertise sales or when prices change. There are no savings to
be had online, either. But what happens when a producer realizes its prices were too high? Behind the scenes, the SQDC can lower it. But it doesn’t take a cut in its premiums. So producers are losing money by lowering their prices. They lose profit, but the SQDC’s cut remains the same. That’s why proper sales reports and data are important. Something the SQDC doesn’t provide the way other provincial regulators do. And that’s where companies like WeedCrawler can assist. Producers should be able to find the right price point and similar products so they don’t make the mistake of pricing their products too high. Another trend that isn’t quite mainstream yet (at least not in Québec) is terpene percentages. Few producers are showing it on their labels. Perhaps they’re anxious because it’s a low percentage. But having a number, even if it’s 1%, is worth it. The more information customers have, the better off they are. Licensed producer Tribal understands this trend. It has three dates on its label: when the flower was harvested, when it was dried and when it was packaged. It also shows whether the flower has been grown indoors or outdoors. It has its Gelato Mint strain in the “tuna can” container. This style of packaging is becoming more popular in Québec and across Canada. It gets away from the white, sterile pharmaceutical packaging. Other strains, like Melange Indica or Fleur de Lise, offer bright packaging, often in a bag rather than a glass container. While plain-packaging rules are still in place, there’s wiggle room within the regulations. FLOWER IS STILL KING As in the rest of Canada, the general trend in Québec is that flower is still king. While hashish and preroll sales are increasing in volume, dried flower is still the preferred consumption method. In Québec, edibles and vapes are still illegal. They do have capsules, oil and beverages and those sales are consistent. Nowhere near the volume of dried flower, preroll and hashish, however. All in all, it’s never been a better time to explore the Québec cannabis market. It’s a large market with plenty of room for expansion. The Québec cannabis market might be a black box of information but it’s not without its opportunity. With the right data, outside players can get their pricing and information right. They can be just as successful in Québec as anywhere else in Canada. Alexandre Voyer is the Owner of the WeedCrawler.
GREENTANK IS MADE
FOR YOU Maybe it’s because we offer world class engineering that puts customer safety first. Or perhaps its our fresh customization offerings that lets your brand stand out. After all, Greentank ma is the only manufacturer to hold Canada’s first R&D license so it’s no wonder why more blue chip cannabis brands are built with Greentank. Find out why at www.greentanktech.com
It’s either Greentank It’s either Made Greentank Made or it’s not. or it’s not.
INTERVIEW PROFILE
How Centennial College is Preparing the Next Generation for the Cannabis Industry In this April issue, we speak with Joe Davis, Lead Faculty and Field Placement Supervisor of Centennial College’s Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Program, to give us a brief history of the program, how it’s evolving and what the future of the program may hold. BY DAVID HALPERT How did the cannabis program at Centennial College first get started? Toronto’s Centennial College saw an opportunity to expand its program offerings when cannabis legalization was ramping up in late 2018. The Chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Meera Mather and Luis Hoxha, Chair of the College’s Program Advisory Committee, collaborated on a strategic plan to develop a cannabis cultivation and processing program – which the college identified as a major gap in curricular offerings related to cannabis. I’ve been involved with Centennial from the inception of the program, providing curriculum content for the CNBS courses together with its current professors. Can you give us a general overview of the program and what is taught? The emergence of the cannabis industry in Canada is stimulating employment and business development in relation to new products and services. Centennial’s Cannabis Cultivation and Processing certificate program is designed to equip students with the appropriate knowledge and skills to enter an industry in strong demand, requiring that they work in a legal, ethical and socially responsible manner. Students gain a theoretical and practical understanding of cannabis law and regulations, the key characteristics of cannabis anatomy and functionality, processing cannabis from seed to sale, creating product formulations, operating specialized cultivation materials and equipment, as well as the critical role of quality assurance throughout the program. Students who enroll: »» gain a foundational understanding of the cannabis plant; »» learn all relevant Canadian cannabis laws and regulations; 16
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
»» develop relationships and networking opportunities in the industry; and »» acquire unique skills and hands-on experience to build a strong résumé. Our cannabis program, which is taught in a part-time format, consists of six courses: four theory courses and two field placements. Students take the theoretical courses completely online, with practical experience at a licensed cannabis facility in the latter half of the program. Students learning remotely from abroad may do their two field placement courses online through instructor-led virtual videos with a “capstone research project” at the other end to show the learning they have gleaned. What is the current cannabis educational landscape in Canada and how does Centennial differentiate itself? Many schools have begun offering cannabis education with different areas of focus. Several of the major colleges have focused their curriculums on the business side of cannabis aimed at middle-to-upper-level positions in the industry. There are very few programs that are designed to give students hands-on experience that will help them hit the ground running when they join the working world after they graduate. Centennial is the first college in the Toronto area to focus on cannabis at the ground level, where learners develop an in-depth understanding of cultivation, processing, laws and regulations, as well as the practical skill-building required to have success in licensed cannabis facilities. It’s important to note that Centennial College is one of only two public colleges that place students in licensed facilities as part of the core curriculum.
Who is enrolling in this program? Are they recent high school graduates? Are they already working in the cannabis space (e.g. bud tenders) and want something more comprehensive or technical? It’s been quite amazing and truly eye-opening to see who is enrolling in this program. The demographics of our students are incredibly diverse. While all candidates must be over the age of 19 to enrol, no prerequisite courses are needed beforehand in order to take the program. To that end, we’re seeing women and men of all ages, from all walks of life, from across Canada and all over the world. Some are recent high school graduates, while others are changing careers. Some have experienced job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and are shifting from hospitality, for example, to an industry that is considered “essential” and has grown significantly in terms of brick-and-mortar footprints, as well as generated revenues. Despite some facilities laying off staff during the pandemic, the cannabis industry continues to evolve and opportunities sprout up all over Canadian job boards. How has the curriculum changed with the times? Because the cannabis industry is changing at a rapid pace, Centennial continues to draw on the expertise of our Program Advisory Committee members, made up of esteemed professionals in the Canadian cannabis industry. With their guidance, we continue to modify and update the curriculum in lockstep with industry trends. Our faculty integrates the latest information into their classes and our course developers build modules that fill gaps in its curriculum. In the coming years, Centennial will grow our cannabis program in many significant ways that will lead to meaningful, positive impacts in the
INTERVIEW PROFILE
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The Centennial cultivation and processing program was an amazing learning experience. After being in cannabis culture for decades, I still found great value in the content provided by the program. The program is structured well, introducing students to the historical, cultural and legal components of cannabis, before delving deep into cultivation and processing concepts for a comprehensive offering. The program delivers theory and practicality simultaneously, as students participate in internships at licensed commercial cannabis facilities while doing class work. Learning how legal cannabis facilities are operated and the connections developed within that environment were invaluable to me, and I found the instructors and facility staff to be great, friendly and open resources to lean upon. I would highly recommend the Centennial College Cannabis Cultivation and Processing program to anyone searching for greater knowledge about cannabis and the legal cannabis industry.
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- Daniel Kowalewski, Graduate of the Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Program lives of learners looking to join the rapidly growing cannabis industry. I was surprised to hear you had a number of international students enrolled in the program. Why is there such an interest from students living abroad? Even, and perhaps especially, in regions around the world that have not yet legalized cannabis for adult use, many are eager to get a head start. Some of our students live in countries with medical cannabis programs and see legalization being close on the horizon. Our program, being entirely online, allows learners from around the world an opportunity to get this head start so they can become early contributors to the burgeoning cannabis industry where they live. Centennial College is incredibly proud to
have these international connections and we hope to expand this area of our program even more in the coming years. Has Centennial’s program been a success? We are incredibly proud of the number of graduates who secured employment in a licensed facility. We’ve received numerous testimonials from graduates who recount how the program set them up for success in the workplace. Some of our students have also secured employment through applying to job ads, some have been hired immediately at the facilities where they completed their field placements, as well as finding employment through the networks they built while in the program.
April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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LEGAL
Five Key Takeaways: FAQs About Smart Contracts & Automated Contracts By Trent Skanes
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ore and more people are using smart contracts: the global smart contracts market was valued at USD $145M in 2020 and is projected to be valued at USD $771M by 2028, according to Verified Market Research. Yet people often confuse “smart contracts” and “automated contracts”. To help you understand and distinguish between them, here are the answers to five questions businesses frequently ask us about these kinds of contracts. 1. What’s a Smart Contract? A smart contract is a type of automated contract. It’s fully automatic and fully digital. Unlike traditional contracts, smart contracts are non-negotiable. Its original terms are absolute: they cannot be changed, and they have no room for interpretation. All terms are predetermined and automatically enforced by the contract itself, according to a set of digital criteria. 2. How does a smart contract work? Smart contracts are often executed by computers on the blockchain via cryptocurrency transactions. There’s no third-party involvement for fulfilling its terms. The rules of the contract are set when it’s created. Once the designated event occurs, the contract parameters automatically execute. Smart contracts are increasingly popular for simple transactions, like consumer orders for products or services. Because of their simplicity, the goal is to avoid intermediaries (like lawyers), to reduce transaction costs while maximizing transactional security and reliability. For example, when a customer initiates a smart contract, the contract can automatically perform a customer deposit into escrow for a certain amount of crypto: if the product or service is delivered on time, then the crypto flows to the provider of the product or service; if the transaction fails, the deposited crypto returns to the customer. 3. What are the risks of smart contracts? For all their benefits around transactional efficiency, there are of course some risks associated with using smart contracts, including: »»
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Customer (Dis)satisfaction. Even if they smooth the contract execution process, smart contracts aren’t necessarily smart enough to guarantee the customer’s satisfaction with the product or service they’re receiving. Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
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Fraud. Since smart contracts can be executed without negotiation or any kind of other meeting, there’s potential for fraud or misrepresentation regarding the contractual bargain. So be careful trading off diligence for the sake of efficiency. Liability. Smart contracts create a unique challenge: the contract terms are executed via computer code and usually don’t come with the traditional set of standard protective terms. What if there are coding errors in the smart contract, or if it malfunctions? What jurisdiction does the transaction reside in for dispute purposes? Despite the advances in smart contracting functionality, there remain a number of significant risks and unknowns when it comes to the liability picture.
However, for many businesses, the commercial benefits of automated contracts generally, and smart contracts specifically – if they’re properly implemented and utilized – can outweigh the risks. 4. What’s an Automated Contract? In contrast to smart contracts, automated contracts are characterized by a wide spectrum of digitization: it can mean a number of different things relating to the process of contract design. »»
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Technically. At a high level, it’s the use of software that enables both legal and non-legal teams to self-serve on routine legal documents, at scale. This can happen in many layers, depending on the nature of the contract and the degree to which someone wants to automate it. Practically. In practice, it often means that contract templates are developed (either by the servicing law firm or a third-party automation provider, or a combination of both) with a set of “smart variable” terms (or fields) built into the contract. The lawyer in charge, or the client in many cases, can then fill out an online questionnaire or otherwise input all of the variables, and voilà: the automation feature resolves all the variable fields and generates an initial draft contract. This avoids the traditional process of someone manually updating all tedious contract terms from a precedent word processing document to generate a draft.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | June 2021
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Versus Smart Contracts. While smart contracts are (fully) automated, an automated contract isn’t necessarily smart, because it might only provide a starting point instead of automatically executing the entire contractual process like a smart contract does. Basic automation certainly enables stipulated language to be robotically inserted into a contract draft, and might end up as the “one and only” version of more rote contracts like Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). But generally, the draft contract generated by automation – especially more complex and important commercial contracts – will be further (heavily) negotiated by the parties. In those cases, the automation functionality has simply eliminated the administrative aspects of drafting and compiling the initial contract to get it ready for negotiation.
5. What are the benefits of automated contracts? Nowadays, most businesses that regularly contract with others, whether B2B or B2C, would likely see some benefits from contract automation (especially for standard commercial templates), even if they’re not to the point of using smart contracts. Beyond the process of how contracts are automated, there can be a number of commercial benefits when automation is implemented properly, such as: »» »»
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Streamlining low-value work by removing duplication and wasted time due to manual processes. Decreasing version control risk (and related confusion by enterprise sales and in-house legal teams) by using a series of master templates. Standardizing sets of legal documents for better data integrity and compliance. Speeding turns of documents between lawyers, clients, and their counterparties in deals.
Trent Skanes is a Technology and Corporate & Business Lawyer at McInnes Cooper. This article is information only; it is not legal advice. McInnes Cooper excludes all liability for anything contained in or any use of this article. © McInnes Cooper, 2021. All rights reserved.
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine
RESEARCH
STREAMLINING THE FORMULATION PROCESS WITH BOTANICAL TERPENES By Jovana Vranic
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Flow Scientific markets high-quality terpene ingredients that take the complexity out of manufacturing broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates. Learn more at flowscientific.ca.
nnovative full-spectrum products and whole-plant formulations are growing in popularity throughout the cannabis industry. As manufacturers jump on these trends, the demand for robust terpene profiles is growing in tandem. A balanced formulation can greatly elevate the flavour and aroma of cannabis products and provide a wide range of potential health benefits. According to recent studies, terpene profiles may also be more critical to the product experience than cannabinoid content itself. Though the field of research into therapeutic uses for cannabis is still in its infancy, there’s much to glean from scientists’ understanding of the plant’s molecular makeup. Cannabis contains more than 150 types of terpenes, all of which act synergistically to enhance the effects of cannabinoids, both psychoactive and medicinal. When acting together, these distinct compounds produce the mysterious effects that make some strains energizing and others sedating, despite equal cannabinoid content. The term “entourage effect” describes this critical relationship and its potential functioning. Out in nature, terpenes serve to catalyze symbiotic relationships and manage ecosystems. In some plants, the enticing aromas, complex flavours and stimulating effects of their terpene profiles attract pollinators to flowers and fruits. Meanwhile, pungent odours, repellant flavours and sedating effects deter predators in others. We experience these same effects as humans, but there’s a wealth of research yet to be done exploring what happens when we ingest specific terpenes in various formulations. In the meantime, trends in cannabis culture provide a valuable insight into our evolving relationship with terpenes. Recreational and medicinal users alike are opting for a richer cannabis experience in their vapes, tinctures, edibles, tropicals and concentrates. However, most cannabis extracts fall short of retaining the plant’s diversity of phytochemicals through processing due to the volatility of terpenes and flavonoids in relation to cannabinoids, which are easier to isolate. The challenge and expense behind the whole-plant extraction process is shifting the market instead toward a focus on craft20
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
ing broad-spectrum products by blending isolated cannabinoids with terpenes. THE BENEFITS OF TERPENES Essential oils and other terpene-rich natural ingredients have become synonymous with holistic wellness throughout the recent decades, in response to growing concern over highly-processed products with synthetic additives across consumer industries. Naturally-derived flavours and aromas appeal to the health-conscious crowd as a familiar sign of thoughtful and trustworthy products. The most commonly occurring terpenes in cannabis have long been used in other plants for their wide-ranging health benefits; Humulene, found in ginseng, sage, spearmint and ginger, is often used in traditional medicine for its invigorating and anti-inflammatory effects; Linalool, contained in lavender, birch and rose, acts on the serotonin receptor to provide antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits, making it popular in aromatherapy; and limonene, abundant in citrus fruits, is a popular topic of clinical studies for its potential anticancer properties. WHY SOURCE BOTANICAL? Under the exact same growing conditions, terpenes derived from a single species can vary drastically from one plant to the next, and this is especially true in cannabis. Botanical terpenes can be formulated from a wide array of sources into stable and standardized blends to cut down on unpredictable variations. Thanks to their ubiquity in food, beverages, cosmetics and cleaning products, botanical terpenes are affordable and readily available. For use as ingredients, they only require food grade certification, while cannabis-derived terpenes must undergo the same rigorous testing as other extracts in order to meet Health Canada’s strict guidelines. Notably, the federal government frequently amends the Cannabis Act and other key pieces of legislation in response to public health crises, such as youth vaping. Man-
Photo Credits: @niiacreativa @unsplash
ufacturers may soon be required to overhaul their inhalable product lines to remove flavours and aromas not naturally occurring in cannabis, as other ingredients may be harmful in these specific products. Reformulating with botanical terpenes offers brands the flexibility to expand their product development, reinvest in research, and reap the benefits of brand loyalty. BRANDING THE CANNABIS EXPERIENCE The volatility of terpenes means they are easily lost through processing. Cannabinoids are larger, more stable molecules, and so much less complicated to isolate. This contributes to the rarity of full-spectrum products like live resin, which requires freezing temperatures to be maintained through the extraction process. Like molecular gastronomy or craft brewing, an effectively balanced formulation in the market of cannabis concentrates distinguishes brands and products catering to the connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Full-bodied cannabis is a unique experience in a densely saturated market of consumers who have long prioritized a high THC and CBD content. Following legalization and the booming growth of the industry, consumers are steadily becoming better educated on cannabis, and more eager to explore a variety of products. With terpenes, the possibilities are endless. Familiar scents and flavours can invoke nostalgia and keep customers returning to the same brands, but cannabis can be notorious for its unpredictability. Botanically-derived terpene blends offer stability and consistency, allowing the opportunity for companies to develop a distinct, branded cannabis experience in every product line. Adding high-purity botanical terpenes to extracts also provides the same benefits in entourage effect as full-spectrum extraction. The interaction of terpenes and cannabinoids, even from entirely different sources, amplifies the therapeutic and mood-altering effects of cannabis. Studies show isolates to be frequently reported less potent than full-plant products. Terpenes directly influence the effect each strain or product has on its users. For manufacturers, a unique terpene profile is an invaluable ingredient to any product. Terpinolene is known to have relaxing effects, while alpha-pinene is uplifting, and myrcene invokes a distinct tropical flavour. Cannabinoids are terpenes, each with their independent effects but are vastly more effective in combination. Careful research, formulation, branding and marketing can transform these ingredients into mainstays of any cannabis brand. April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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CONSIDERATIONS FOR CANNABIS RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA By Kalpna Mistry
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perating a cannabis retail store in Canada can be challenging. It’s often thought that obtaining a retail licence itself is the biggest hurdle to cross, but that’s just the first step. Setting up and maintaining a compliant and profitable cannabis retail business also brings a different set of challenges. The Canadian cannabis retail market has been around for a few years now. While some are noticing a market saturation, there are still many opportunities for retail stores, particularly in areas that are underserved and new to the world of cannabis. Here are some things you should consider if you’re looking to open a cannabis retail store in Canada: »»
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Number of Cannabis Retail Stores per Square Kilometre The retail cannabis market has grown considerably, with retailers of legal cannabis establishing hundreds of brick-andmortar stores and registering millions in sales. While online cannabis retail ensures access to all Canadians regardless of proximity to a physical store, accessibility continues to improve as more stores open across the country. It’s therefore important to consider the number of cannabis retail stores per square kilometre when deciding on a location for your business. Areas that are saturated in the number of stores should be avoided, and areas that are underserved should be prioritized. Overcrowded communities will mean higher marketing and advertising costs for you, and pricier products for the consumer due to all the competition. Proximity to Areas of Interest/High-Traffic Areas Choose a retail store location that has high-traffic flow for leisure and shopping (e.g. LCBO, restaurants, etc.). While cannabis retail stores cannot be included as part of shared spaces (e.g. within an existing café), there’s no problem with opening an enclosed cannabis retail store in a mall or shopping centre where there are constantly people going in and out. This increases the chances of having new customers enter your store. Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
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Demographics It’s important to take advantage of tools like MLS and realtor websites that offer free information on demographics. Knowing your typical customer is the key to stocking your store with the right products. For example, if you’re located in an area with a high density of young adults, you may want to consider dried flower products, including pre-rolls, with high THC percentages. On the other hand, if you’re in a community that consists of older adults who may not be familiar with cannabis, you may want to stock products that can introduce them to the cannabis industry. Some examples of these products include edibles or capsules that are low in THC percentage and high/equal in CBD percentage.
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Store Design and Offerings Your store should be designed in a manner that is appealing and inviting. Remember, your store will have its own personality, so the design and customer service should reflect that. Customers should leave your store with a memorable experience, and this alone can drive returns and new customers.
FARMGATE CANNABIS RETAIL Farmgate cannabis retail has also made a breakthrough in Canada as the number of farmgate stores is slowly increasing across the country. Ontario was the first province in Canada to allow farmgate cannabis sales however, British Columbia and New Brunswick are also entering the game as well. With the introduction of farmgate cannabis retail, licensed producers are given the opportunity to set up a cannabis store that is very similar to a vineyard. In the farmgate setup, a licensed producer of cannabis will have a production site that also includes a cannabis store to allow customers to purchase cannabis products directly from the producer. Going back to the earlier reference, this would be equivalent to purchasing wine directly from the source after touring a vineyard.
The farmgate model has introduced a new and exciting opportunity for licensed producers to enter the retail space and open a cannabis store in their community. These stores will be used to create jobs, increase revenues and educate customers on how cannabis is produced in a legal and quality-controlled environment, which in turn produces a stellar product for the end-user. Farmgate cannabis retail also presents a great opportunity for both small and large cannabis operations. In the past, larger cannabis facilities were usually favoured with smaller start-ups being left in the dust. However, the way the regulations are currently set up in Ontario, they do not constrain micro-cultivators and microprocessors. These are typically smaller-scale businesses that aren’t eligible for the same opportunities for retail for their own brand of cannabis products. Farmgate cannabis sales are particularly special for businesses based in rural areas where the closest cannabis retail store can be located very far away. Farmgate sales allow those smaller, craft businesses in rural areas to promote locally grown and processed cannabis products available at their site as well. While the farmgate program is relatively established in Ontario with both retailers and licensed producers being happy with the outcome, the story is a little bit different when it comes to farmgate cannabis retail in British Columbia (BC). The farmgate program in BC will be eligible for standard cultivators, micro-cultivators and nursery licence holders only. Licensees who hold a processing licence in combination with a cultivation licence will still be eligible, however stand-alone processors (with no cultivation license) will not be eligible for a farmgate cannabis retail store. This has raised some concern among both craft and large-scale processors in BC. These processors feel they should have an equal opportunity to sell products directly on-site to establish
brand recognition and achieve direct consumer connection.
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It’s crucial that you stay up to date on applicable cannabis regulations, whether at the provincial or federal level, as the industry is constantly evolving and maturing. Reading the regulations once isn’t enough. You should periodically check for news and updates so that you’re aware of any changes to the rules and regulations governing cannabis retail stores.
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SUCCEEDING IN THE CANNABIS RETAIL SPACE It is crucial that you stay up to date on applicable cannabis regulations, whether at the provincial or federal level, as the industry is constantly evolving and maturing. Reading the regulations once is not enough. You should periodically check for news and updates so that you are aware of any changes to the rules and regulations governing cannabis retail stores. It’s also important for your business to be able to pivot and adapt to the growing cannabis retail space. There are bound to be slow months where inventory is abundant, and sales aren’t skyrocketing. Successful retailers analyze these situations as opportunities to learn from versus dwelling on what has occurred. As more new and innovative products are launched in cannabis retail, understanding when to pivot inventory and product portfolios versus maintaining existing products isn’t an easy decision. When faced with this situation, it’s the best way to lean on data, including customer and cannabis retail store data that is available for free, often through the province’s regulatory body. Finally, working with the right consultant can help make the process of opening a cannabis retail store easier and quicker. Your consultant will help streamline the process and help remove the guesswork so that you can focus on setting up the business and managing other priorities. There are still many opportunities available in the Canadian cannabis retail space, it’s just a matter of doing your research and then taking action! Kalpna Mistry is Regulatory Project Specialist at Cannabis License Experts.
April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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APPOINTMENTS
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., a sustainable global cannabis company is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Nichola Thompson to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A finance veteran with more than 20 years, Ms. Thompson joins the senior management team at TGOD, having most recently held the position of CFO at Galaxie Brands Corporation, which was acquired by TGOD in November 2021. Ms. Thompson brings a broad range of experience guiding the finance departments of both public and private companies. Her experience includes CFO roles in the cannabis industry at Embark Health Inc., and Entourage Health Corp.
GoldCann International Inc., a Canadian wellness company that intends to produce cannabis products in Mexico for the Mexican market, announced that Jeannette VanderMarel has been appointed as President and CEO. Jeannette VanderMarel is a Canadian cannabis industry veteran and former pediatric ICU nurse. She co-founded The Green Organic Dutchman in 2012, one of the first licensed producers in Canada, which remains an industry leader. In 2018, she also co-founded Good and Green, acquired by 48North Cannabis Corp, after which she assumed the role of co-CEO and Director of 48North. She was appointed as Director and Advisor to Goldcann on November 29, 2021.
Truss Beverage Co., the joint venture between Molson Coors Canada and HEXO Corp., announced Dave Schlosser as the company’s new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He joined the cannabis-infused beverage company in November 2018, serving as Chief Financial Officer of Truss Beverage Co., prior to assuming the role of CEO in January 2022. With more than 17 years of business leadership experience at consumer-packaged goods companies alone, including The Kraft Heinz Company and Maple Leaf Foods, and having played an integral role in building Truss Beverage Co. from the ground up, he is wellpositioned to continue driving Truss’ growth strategy through innovation and the evolving needs of the consumer.
In early February, the Board of Directors of Aleafia Health Inc. named Tricia Symmes, previously the Company’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), as the Company’s new CEO. Symmes became Aleafia Health’s CCO in August 2020 and led the move into the branded recreation market. She has extensive executive C-suite experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, consumer-packaged, and cannabis industries in both North American and international markets. Before joining Aleafia, Symmes served as Chief Operating Officer of multinational companies, including Alcon Canada and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, as well as General Manager at CX Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Entourage Health Corp.
Flow Scientific, a subsidiary of BC Hop Co., is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ostrander as the International Sales Director. She will be maintaining and growing the company’s Canadian market while expanding into new global territories such as the EU, US, Central, and South America. She comes to Flow Sci after three years as Sales Manager at Keystone Labs. Stef, as she is also known, has been avidly working, volunteering and networking in the cannabis industry since 2014. Flow Scientific is a Canadian GMP manufacturer of pure concentrated terpenes and sells its compliant formulations globally.
Hydra Unlimited, a leading manufacturer of water management and grow media solutions for craft and commercial hydroponics growing, has appointed Justin McQueen as product marketing manager. McQueen comes to Hydra Unlimited with a strong track record of developing profitable, scalable and strategic marketing initiatives. Most recently, he was a marketing business development consultant with Perspective Communications. Prior, he was the marketing director for KPS Essentials. McQueen holds a bachelor of science in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan.
Hydra Unlimited, a leading manufacturer of water management and grow media solutions for craft and commercial hydroponics growing, has appointed Daniel Muschiana as graphic and web designer. An established arts and design professional, Muschiana was most recently a partner at Allie & Muschiana Design LLC. Prior, he was a partner and project manager at Bonfire Media Midwest and senior graphic designer at Part Pit Stop. He holds two bachelor of fine arts degrees from Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, Michigan, in design and visual communications - multimedia, and graphic design.
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
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Tastemakers, Explore your Senses. Leave Reviews. Earn Rewards. By Kelsey Cannabis
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hen cannabis legalization occurred for Canadians in October of 2018, many were excited about this growing industry and the potential opportunities for working alongside the therapeutic plant. Cannabis retail workers became the face of the industry as consumers sought knowledge and product insight from budtenders, store managers, store owners, cannabis connoisseurs and even influencers. As industry members gained cannabis knowledge, they also gained additional opportunities to discover, understand and educate on the wide variety of cannabis products and formats available to consumers. With this newfound information, consumers learned the benefits that come with using different cannabis cannabinoids and terpenes found in products varying from flower to topicals. Nonetheless, when it came to supporting those we seek advice from, Health Canada and The Cannabis Act itself made it challenging to do so from a regulatory standpoint. Brands wanting to test, sample and qualify their products in the market were met with limitations and left at a standstill. These restrictions further affected retail cannabis workers, connoisseurs and influencers. In addition to having to buy vast amounts of cannabis at their own expense, their wisdom, insight and educational resources about brands and their products have generally gone unnoticed by the masses; until now. Introducing Tastemakers O2O, a company that connects Canadian cannabis brands and retailers, has recently announced the launch of Tastemakers, an exciting community of cannabis connoisseurs who are rewarded for their trusted 26
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
feedback and insights. Driving our industry higher, Tastemakers is designed to support product education, knowledge and collaboration, as cannabis retail workers, connoisseurs and influencers provide product reviews in exchange for enticing rewards. Participants are also able to share reviews across the cannabis community and feel more educated and empowered when selling a product to the end consumer. Along with rewarding cannabis retail workers and connoisseurs who influence our market for the better, Tastemakers simultaneously allows brands to connect more deeply with their audience to refine products available and understand performance. How the Review Process Works After completing an online registration that includes flavour profiles, format preferences and more, Tastemakers is then offered product review opportunities that can be either open/organic or directed reviews. Open/organic review Tastemakers will receive a ballot and entry into a monthly giveaway of exciting compliant prizes, varying from cash, lifestyle products and gift cards. These reviews are open to any product available in the market with no limitations for which products you choose to review, and in turn, O2O will share Tastemaker reviews with brand partners at no cost. To be included in open/organic product review opportunities, all one needs to do is opt-in to Tastemakers! When it comes to structured review opportunities, O2O will reach out directly to Tastemakers for reviews on specific brands, formats or products. To take part, Tastemakers will provide proof of purchase, proof of current employment in the industry, fill out a
survey and provide profile/demographic information. In turn, expect to be compensated for the time taken to provide engaging feedback! With the launch of Tastemakers and the opportunity to provide both open/organic and structured reviews, cannabis retail workers can now have their opinions heard by cannabis brands. The Tastemakers community values perspective and empowers our voices in the industry and if you support product innovation, knowledge and collaboration, sign up for Tastemakers today! Become a Tastemaker, visit: https://tastemakers.co/register https://www.instagram.com/useo2o Kelsey Cannabis is a certified cannabis Educator, Speaker, and Consultant who makes plant science more approachable for patients, professionals, and recreational users.
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Jewels Cannabis Tarts
Indiva Limited is chewing further into the edible market with the launch of its newest product, Jewels Cannabis Tarts. Each package of Jewels contains 10 tarts bursting with fresh, berry flavour. At 1 mg of THC per tart, Jewels Cannabis Tarts are ideal for cannabis consumers looking for a tasty, portable, microdosing option. Jewels are vegan and gluten-free, using no artificial flavours. Launched in Ontario on January 25th, Indiva plans to launch Jewels in provincial retail stores in British Columbia at the end of March, and Alberta in April, subject to applicable provincial approvals. Jewels Cannabis Tarts are available in two unique flavours: Raspberry 1:1 CBD/THC and Strawberry THC. Jewels Raspberry 1:1 Cannabis Tarts are made with real raspberries for a fresh, berry flavour and contain 1 mg THC and 1 mg CBD. Jewels Strawberry Cannabis Tarts are bursting with fresh, fruity flavour, made with real strawberries and 1 mg THC per tart.
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Vicious Citrus Lemonade
Xebra Brands Ltd., a cannabis company, is pleased to report on its progress toward having its first cannabis beverage product, Vicious Citrus Lemonade available for sale in Canada. The Xebra team has been actively targeting the three major provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario with its differentiated product offering. Vicious Citrus Lemonade, combines 10mg of THC with 2mg of CBN (Cannabinol) per serving for an entourage experience that cannot be found in most cannabis products in Canada. To Xebra’s knowledge, Vicious Citrus is one of only very few beverages in Canada containing CBN. CBN is a unique cannabinoid that is booming in interest across North America. Studies have shown that THC works synergistically with other cannabinoids to enhance the overall effect when consumed together. CBN is a cannabinoid that both consumers and researchers have growing excitement about for its adult use effects and potential medicinal benefits.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
3 HYTN Innovation Craft Cannabis Beverages
HYTN Innovations Inc. has begun accepting orders directly from Provincial buyers. This news builds on HYTN’s February 22 announcement that it had been awarded approval to sell cannabis products to provincially and territorially authorized retailers and that the Company was preparing to transition away from its partnership with Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. Until now, all sales of HYTN’s cannabis infused carbonated beverages had been made through its partnership with Emerald in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. During the transition away from Emerald, HYTN has ensured minimal disruption to its provincial partners and consumers and has prepared itself to accept orders from new markets including Nova Scotia and the Yukon. Please visit www.hytn.life for more information.
4 Tinleys ’27TM Smooth Coconut
The Tinley Beverage Company is delighted to report that the inaugural Canadian production of its Tinleys ’27TM Smooth Coconut, the Canadian version of California’s Emerald Cup-award winning Tinley’sTM ’27 Coconut Cask, is expected to be completed this week at its Ontario licensed contract manufacturer. These products are expected to be delivered to the Ontario Cannabis Store (“OCS”) warehouse midMarch 2022 and will be available for Ontario dispensaries in April 2022.
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PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT
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Avant Launches First BLK MKT™ Premium Concentrates
Avant Brands Inc., an awardwinning leading producer of handcrafted, high-quality cannabis products, has announced the launch of BLK MKT™ Peanut Butter Mac Live Rosin (1g). Experience an aroma and flavour that tastes just like it sounds. A BLK MKT™ exclusive, this solventless, coldcured Peanut Butter Mac live hash rosin is produced from our premium handcrafted flower and fresh frozen at harvest, washed, pressed and cold-cured. BLK MKT™ and Tenzo™ are currently available for purchase in Ontario. For more information about Avant’s other premium portfolio brands, visit: www.avantbrands.ca.
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Tweed’s New Flower Lineup
Newly launched Tweed flower is now available in new packaging that offers a trifecta of benefits, including: a heat-sealed bag to preserve freshness; 90% less material by weight than the original tin packaging; and new colour profiles by strain type, making it easier for consumers to find what they’re looking for. The Tweed brand evolution includes the introduction of three new flower strains: Chemdawg, a proprietary sativa strain derived from a series of unique phenotypes of Thai and Nepali origin, known for its distinct, diesel-like aroma; Powdered Donuts, a unique indica strain derived from dessert strains Jet Fuel Gelato and Orange Cookies, with orange hues and dense trichome coverage; GG#4, a beloved hybrid strain crossed from three legendary genetics that is known for its earthy, woody and citrusy notes.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
3 Ace Valley Brand Expands Product Portfolio
Canopy Growth Corporation, a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp, and cannabis device company, has launched its extension of the Ace Valley brand portfolio, bringing two new beverages and hard candy formats to market. Marking the brand’s firstever beverage offerings, Daylight and Moonwave are occasion-based ready-to-drink THC and CBDinfused drinks designed to help consumers start and end their days. Newly launched Citrus Ginger Super CBD hard candies are the brand’s first single 20mg CBDinfused hard candy product. With growing consumer demand, Ace Valley is introducing its first ever CBD-infused hard candy. Citrus Ginger Super CBD hard candies feature a unique blend of sugarfree citrus fruit flavour, with a light kick of ginger, and contain 20mg CBD and 1mg THC per candy. Sold in packs of 10, the Citrus Ginger Super CBD hard candies offer an on-the-go, easy-to-use format for CBD consumption.
4 Sugarbud Launches New High Potency Cultivar – GMO Cookies in Ontario
Sugarbud Craft Growers Corp. announced the further expansion of the Company’s Craft Cannabis Collection in Ontario with the upcoming launch of its first 30%+ THC dried flower product – 3.5g GMO Cookies. Sugarbud GMO Cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid strain created by crossing the popular GSC and classic Chemdawg. The buds are thin, long, open-structured and delicate, with a mix of olive green and purple, accentuated by orange hairs and a sugary coat of shimmering trichomes. Sugarbud’s GMO Cookies shows all the classic aromas of musty cellars, savory garlic, sweet spice, and earthy coffee. Total THC will range from 26-32% with a terpene profile of 2-4%. The Company has received initial purchase orders from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and expects GMO Cookies 3.5g Dried Flower to be available for purchase from private cannabis retailers throughout Ontario and online at OCS.ca in Spring 2022.
May 3, 2022 1 - 4pm ET
Retail Cannabis Forum May 3, 2022 Canada’s leading thought leadership event for cannabis retail professionals. This virtual event will help you stay in the know about modern retail strategies, progressive omnichannel experiences, team engagement, talent acquisition, and more. Speakers will explore these themes and more: • The Newest Opportunities for Growth in the Canadian Cannabis Industry featuring Deloitte • What Comes Next in Your Cannabis Retail Strategy? • Cultivating Marketing and Merchandising Solutions in Cannabis Retail • Canadian Cannabis Consumer Insights from Environics & Caddle • How Cannabis Retailers Can Compete in a Competitive Employment Market
Learn more and purchase tickets at RCCCannabisForum.ca #RCCCannabis22
PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT
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Tweed’s New Beverage Lineup
As beverages fuel growth in the ready-to-enjoy product category, Tweed continues to be a leader in the category while bringing new innovation to market. The addition of the new Tweed Sparkling Water offers consumers a citrus-forward, 2.5mg THC- infused ready-to-drink product available in grapefruit, lemon and lime flavours. This builds on the existing lineup of multiple dosage levels for different consumers and occasions – with 2mg THC, 2.5mg THC and 5mg THC Iced Teas and Soda readyto-drink formats. The new Tweed flower, beverage and edible offerings are available for purchase nationally via legal recreational cannabis retail locations and e-commerce channel.
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Tinleys ClassicsTM Mystic Dove
Production of Tinleys ClassicsTM Mystic Dove, the Canadian version of its Tinley’s TonicsTM La Paloma Mystic Dove, has been delayed by recent border closures affecting the timing of ingredient delivery to the British Columbia licensed contract manufacturer. Production is now scheduled for March 2022. Consequently, the OCS has agreed to defer the launch of this SKU to the second phase of Spring 2022 product releases, making Mystic Dove available to Ontario dispensaries in May 2022.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
3 Wana Quick Midnight Berry Indica Gummies
Indiva Limited, a leading Canadian producer of cannabis edibles and other cannabis products, is taking an even bigger share of the cannabis gummy market with the launch of its newest product, Wana™ Quick Midnight Berry Indica. Using a custom blend of CBN, CBD, THC and a proprietary indica terpene blend, Wana Quick Midnight Berry may have the potential for quicker onset and offset of effects. Wana Quick Midnight Berry is made with pectin, not gelatin, which not only gives the gummies a great texture, but also makes it vegan and gluten-free Wana Quick Midnight Berry Indica gummies launched in Ontario on January 31 and are set to launch in provincial retail stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba early to mid-February. Available in packages of two, each Wana Quick Midnight Berry Indica gummy contains 5 mg of CBN (cannabinol, the newest cannabinoid sweeping the nation), 10 mg CBD, 2 mg THC, and a specialized indica blend of more than 30 terpenes.
4 Tweed’s New Gummies Lineup
Innovating in the edible category, Tweed is introducing the XPRESS gummy, the brand’s first-ever 2mg THC-infused gummy offering. Available in Berry Citrus Blast and Tropical Rush, Tweed XPRESS gummies contain five gummies per pack. The new Tweed flower, beverage and edible offerings are available for purchase nationally via legal recreational cannabis retail locations and e-commerce channels.
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Ontario
In February, following the completion of industry-wide consultations, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has implemented certain updates to the Registrar’s Standards for Ontario’s Cannabis Retail Stores that clarify the AGCO’s limitations on “inducements” between licensed producers (LPs) and licensed cannabis retailers. Please consult the AGCO’s website for more information.
Manitoba
Organigram Inc., a leading licensed producer of cannabis, launched of its social impact strategy ‘Organigram Operating for Good’ with the purpose of ‘Building healthy communities where we live and work.’ As part of this strategy, the Company has committed to giving back by joining the Pledge 1% Movement. Organigram has pledged ‘1% of Time’, which means the Company will be donating 1% of its employees’ time to local volunteer programs across its employees in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba.
Alberta
In March, private cannabis retailers began online sales to customers. The Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) exited the digital market after the provincial government made the legal change last year. Cannabis retailers must have an endorsement to their license from AGLC for online sales, and these stores must also have a physical retail store in order to get the license. In a statement, the AGLC said it is also businesses’ responsibility to ensure “age-gating” is in place, a process that needs to go beyond requiring a potential customer to enter a date of birth before gaining access to the website. The AGLC also introduced a 6% markup to the wholesale price of cannabis products late in February.
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
Quebec
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) had total sales of $190.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021-2022, a $17.5 million increase from the third quarter of its preceding fiscal year. This allowed the company to report net income of $26.4 million, compared with $23.3 million in the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2020-2021. For the period from September 12, 2021, to January 1, 2022, sales totalled $190.5 million. For their part, online sales reached 1,736 kg of cannabis for total dollar sales of $9.6 million, with 117,554 transactions being completed. The store network sold 32,846 kg of cannabis for dollar sales totalling $180.9 million.
Saskatchewan
A woman charged with driving while impaired by THC causing the death of a girl is the first person in Saskatchewan to face this type of charge. On Sept. 9, 2021, nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice was crossing a marked crosswalk on her scooter on 33rd Street West when she was hit by a truck. The driver, a then 27-year-old woman, has been charged with “impaired operation while exceeding the prescribed blood-drug concentration of THC causing death.” While charges involving alcohol as an impairment have been laid in the past, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice says this is the first cannabis impairment causing death charge laid since the new federal cannabis legislation came into force in 2019.
British Columbia
In March, cannabis retailer Fire & Flower Holdings Corp. said its subsidiary Pineapple Express Delivery Inc. will start to offer next-day delivery to the provincially-run cannabis stores. The partnership comes after Pineapple Express won a request-for-proposal process with the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce wants the provincial government to work with federal authorities to revamp the national excise tax for cannabis producers, which the organization says applies a financial burden to both cultivators and consumers. It also made 12 other policy recommendations in its report, which aims to help grow the legal cannabis industry, improve economic competitiveness and diversify the economy.
Prince Edward Island
January sales totalled CA$1.8 million in Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Third-quarter financial results for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) show net earnings fell 2.2% compared with the same period in 2021. The NLC reported a total of $57.6 million in net earnings for the third quarter of 2020, down $1.3 million compared with Q3 2021. However, the Crown corporation reported that year-to-date net earnings have been 4.8 million higher than in the same period in 2021 to the tune of $166.6 million, representing a 3% increase. Cannabis sales in Q3 jumped by 2.3% compared to 2021, with a total retail sales figure of $14.2 million.
Nova Scotia
In early February, Auxly Cannabis Group Inc., a leading consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, announced that the company has closed its Robinsons cultivation facilities located in Kentville and Hortonville, Nova Scotia, as the Company continues to focus its efforts on streamlining and simplifying its cultivation platform, reducing costs and achieving its goal of becoming adjusted EBITDA positive by the first half of this year.
New Brunswick
In late January, Cannabis NB released its unaudited third quarter results for the 2021-2022 fiscal. Total sales of legal recreational cannabis for the quarter ended December 26, 2021 (13 weeks) were $20.6 million, 6.7% higher than the quarter ended December 27, 2020 (13 weeks). Net income for the quarter ended December 26, 2021, was $3.9 million, an improvement of 41.8% compared with the prior year’s third quarter net income of $2.8 million. Key trends for the third quarter (September 27, 2021 – December 26, 2021) compared to the third quarter of last year (September 28, 2020 – December 27, 2020) were online sales decreased to 1.0% of sales for the quarter, down 0.6% over prior year, in store sales increased to 99% of sales for the quarter, from 98.4 per cent last year and dried flower sales decreased 2.7%, down by $0.3 million.
Yukon / Northwest Territories / Nunavut As of October 18, 2021, all qualified designated retail cannabis vendors are eligible to operate an online store to serve NWT customers. The establishment of online stores is allowed under the Cannabis Products Act and Regulations, and existing contracts with the designated vendors were amended. All vendors that are authorized to sell and ship cannabis products to NWT residents must adhere to the rules set out in the Cannabis Products Act, and Regulation. / Sales of cannabis products in the Northwest Territories have nearly tripled in just three years, according to data from the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NWTLCC). The NWTLCC publishes quarterly reports on the sale of liquor and cannabis in the territory. In the first quarter of 2018, NWT residents bought about $688,000 worth of cannabis products. By the last quarter of 2021, that figure had risen to nearly $1.9 million. Dried cannabis continues to account for the bulk of sales. In the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, dried cannabis generated $4.1 million — or about 77% — of all sales. Inhaled cannabis extracts were also popular, accounting for about $774,000, or 14% of sales.
April 2022 | Cannabis Prospect Magazine
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PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT
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MegaDrive® Vertical Series LED Lighting
LED manufacturer California Lightworks unveiled its new MegaDrive® Vertical Series for indoor cannabis cultivators. This patented new LED system offers indoor cultivators the same technology greenhouses across the nation have adopted from California Lightworks to achieve dramatically lower total installed cost while boosting return on investment by reducing heat, energy consumption and their carbon footprint. The new MegaDrive® Vertical Series is designed to replace HPS lights in single-level indoor grow applications or on shelves in multilevel applications. Additionally, the new MegaDrive® Vertical Series fixtures are chainable; as many as 27 lights connect to a power unit and run from a single power drop. This makes the fixtures very thin and lightweight and can be installed at a fraction of the time and cost of existing fixtures. They also feature programmable two-channel spectrum control which allows veg, flower and finishing with the same fixture.
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‘The Joy of Cannabis’ by Larry Smith & Melanie Abrams
A sophisticated and humorous guide to enhance your life and promote self-care through the science and magic of weed. With a toolkit of the basics to get you started and a curated set of 75 activities, The Joy of Cannabis is a road map to a higher and happier you. In each of the six sections, you’ll find science-based research as well as charts, essays, and fun facts. The activities—tested and approved by authors Melanie Abrams and Larry Smith—teach you how to amplify pleasure through bonding and intimacy, deepen meditation to help with social anxiety and sleep, and elevate your cooking with innovative cannabisinfused recipes.
Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
3 25209 Hydra Unlimited - TetraBase Hydroponic Media
TetraBase™ from Hydra Unlimited® is the last hydroponic media growers will ever need. Clean and reusable, the new professional-grade product is engineered for exceptional highyield performance in deep water culture systems such as Hydra Unlimited’s pioneering HydraMax™. And now, the innovative media is offered in a smaller, more affordable one-litre bag. Unlike traditional clay media, advanced TetraBase won’t introduce dust and debris into a system that can clog fittings and jam pumps. Non-porous and pHneutral, it doesn’t attract and harbor pests or promote bacterial growth. Non-abrasive, it can be handled without gloves and is far easier to move than water-soaked clay media. The clay used in traditional hydroponic culture is typically mined. Eco-friendly TetraBase is made from 100% recycled materials. Ideal for a trial run of a single 5-1/2″ to 6″ net pot, a one-liter bag of Hydra Unlimited TetraBase costs $15.99 US; a six-litre bag covers six net pots and is $89.
4 TriPlaneTM luminaire LED Grow Lighting
As the first luminaire in the ParFX™ product family, the TriPlane leverages the best features of LED and HID technologies—high light output, controlled distribution, optimized efficiencies, and exceptional thermal management. With a light output of 2100 μmol/s and an efficacy of 3.2 μmol/J, the TriPlane sets a new standard for LED horticultural lighting as a true 1-for-1 replacement of the 1000W HID luminaire. Designed for maximum flexibility, the TriPlane’s LED modules can be adjusted independently in precise increments in either direction— allowing for highly customed light distribution, depending on the application. Delivering optimum color efficiencies, the TriPlane is available in two spectral recipes, which can be used in standalone LED applications, or in combination with HID luminaires for hybrid applications. A standard horticultural power connector and intuitive mounting brackets allow for a true plug-and-play retrofit of existing HID lighting installations.
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Advertiser Index Big Bark Rolling Papers...................................................................27 Cannabis Council of Canada............................................................37 Centennial College.............................................................................9 Fanshawe College............................................................................19 Greenline POS...................................................................................5 Greentank Technologies...................................................................15 High Deal.........................................................................................25 High North Labs..............................................................................39 JC Green..........................................................................................40 Lift & Co..........................................................................................29 Mercco Payment Systems.................................................................11 MJBiz................................................................................................33 Purity IQ............................................................................................7 Retail Cannabis Forum.....................................................................31 Sevenpoint Interiors............................................................................2
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Cannabis Prospect Magazine | April 2022
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