Cannabis Prospect Magazine - Issue #32 (April '24 Issue)

Growing Influence

C3 is the national voice of the Canadian cannabis industry.

Working with our Members we are pushing for urgent change to ensure the financial viabilty of our sector. Learn more about our current priorities or apply to join at cannabis-council.ca.

This past March, Austin, Texas hosted the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference. This annual foray into global innovation, developing technologies and trending discussions from around the world included a moderate dose of cannabis sessions.

In an era where vape consumers are increasingly demanding more from their products—be it higher potency, richer flavours, improved consistency, or an overall elevated vaping experience—Greentank’s Quantum Vape™ technology emerges as a beacon of innovation.

Owning your own business offers many opportunities. But it also carries inherent risks, including exposure to personal liability. With that in mind, here are three tactics that will help you protect your personal assets.

Celebrate 5 Years with Cannabis Prospect!

This February, Cannabis Prospect Magazine put out a special issue celebrating five years into cannabis legization in Canada.

If you’re a licensed producer, cannabis company or wish to support the magazine with this special milestone please email media@cannabisproonline. com for more information.

REGULARS

May 27-29, 2024

Grow Up Toronto

Delta Hotel by Marriott Toronto Airport Conference Centre Toronto ON

https://growupconference.com/toronto

June 4-5, 2024

Hall of Flowers Toronto Enercare Centre

Toronto ON

www.hallofflowers.com/toronto

June TBD

Lift & Co. Victoria Vancouver Conference Centre Victoria BC

https://liftexpo.ca/lift-vancouver-2024

September 29-October 1, 2024

Grow Up Conference

Edmonton Convention Centre Edmonton AB

https://growupconference.com/alberta

To submit an event for inclusion in the Cannabis Prospect Magazine calendar, email media@cannabisproonline.com

Cannabis Prospect Magazine

CANNABIS PROSPECT MAGAZINE VOL. 6, 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.

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

Account Representative & Contributor Christina Michael

Cannabis Prospect Magazine is published six times a year by Straight Dope Media Inc., 44 Valley Woods Road, Unit 1802, Toronto Ontario M3A 2R6 Canada

ADVERTISING

For advertising rates or inquiries please email sales@cannabisproonline.com

Shifting Sands

By David Halpert

Normally I’m not a political person, but I think it’s safe to say that Canada’s love affair with Trudeau is all-but over. With talks of an election looming and recent policies losing out of favour with many Canadians (e.g. the carbon tax), this might be a good chance to reflect where the cannabis industry stands now more than five years into legalization.

One of this issue’s articles written by Chris Day is a fantastic article taken from a cannabis panel he conducted recently at SXSW in Austin, Texas on cannabis legalization internationally and where certain countries stand in terms of becoming federally legalized. In one section titled, ‘The Economic Fallout from Canada’s Haphazard Legalization’ he says the following, “The lingering effect of that early ‘green rush’ and the ensuing financial bloodbath now leaves the remaining facilities facing immense downward pricing pressure for biomass exports, with the next generation of companies being forced to create with what capital and resources they started with. The financial excess of the past is merely a painful memory.” The section goes on to describe how this “race to the bottom” pricing by many Canadian producers is likely to cause further degradation of the export market, while spurring competitive innovation and quality requirements worldwide.

defence, Canada was only the second country to legalize federally in the world back in October 2018, so to establish and execute on a national cannabis framework was essentially the Wild West, however five years in the industry as a whole feels more like it’s slogging along rather than chugging.

And with talks about of an election looming in the not-too-distant future, I think cannabis is going to be one of those downstream policies to be used as a cautionary tale rather than a shining beacon for many, especially those working in the industry. Between an inflated real estate market, many large-scale companies and investments moving out of Canada seeking business in other countries, as well as rampant immigration in recent years, Canada seems more and more irrelevant on the world stage now more than ever and in 2024, I think we’re really starting to see those repurcussions hit home.

(A quick side note, Chris wanted to use the word “sloppy” but I talked him down to “haphazard’ since I felt sloppy sent a negative connotataion to the thousands working in LPs and retailers working diligently in cannabis today.)

It’s a phenomenal article that provides a great external perspective to how many global markets see Canada internationally when it comes to legalization, many of which are unfavourable. In our

Conversely, I hesitate to consider what the cannabis industry would look like in a post-Trudeau governement, especially with the Conservatives favoured to win at the federal level. Will it be embraced? Seen as an afterthought? Or will new laws be enacted to make the laws more stringest, similar to what we see in Quebec under a Legault government.

I suppose only time will tell.

President / CEO, Straight Dope Media Inc.

High Tide Signs Limited Cannabis Distribution Agreement With Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries

High Tide Inc., the high-impact, retailforward enterprise built to deliver real-world value across every component of cannabis, announced that, through its wholly owned subsidiary Valiant Distribution Canada, it has signed an agreement with the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL), through which it will be a distributor of cannabis products to cannabis retailers in Manitoba. Through this agreement, Valiant will be able to warehouse products in the province from licensed producers and distribute these products to licensed retailers while being responsible for inventory management, and tracking. “We are thrilled to be extending our wholesale and distribution services into Manitoba through Valiant Distribution Canada, building on our established setup and experience in wholesaling cannabis products and consumption accessories in Saskatchewan, consumption accessories through our Calgary warehouse, as well as leveraging our experience and success in distributing in the United States and Europe through our warehouses in Las Vegas and Amsterdam,” said Raj Grover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide.

Christina Lake Cannabis Completes Acquisition

Christina Lake Cannabis Corp., a leading producer of high-quality extracts and sun grown cannabis, is pleased to announce it has completed the acquisition of certain assets from a private British Columbia corporation (the “Vendor”). The previously announced transaction includes acquiring ownership of outdoor cultivation facilities in Midway, British Columbia, related harvesting and manufacturing equipment, and approximately 19,000 kg. of biomass (the “Transaction”) for a total purchase price of $3,000,000 (the

Nextleaf Solutions Announces Market Expansion Through Wholesale Distribution Agreement for Manitoba and the Northern Territories

Nextleaf Solutions Ltd., a leading biotech firm and licensed cannabis processor, announced a strategic wholesale distribution agreement with Lineage Distribution (“Lineage”), a licensed cannabis processor and distributor based in Niverville, Manitoba. This agreement signifies Nextleaf’s commitment to expanding its market presence into Manitoba and the Northern Territories, offering consumers access to its acclaimed Glacial Gold and High Plains branded cannabis products. Under the terms of the agreement, Lineage will exclusively distribute Nextleaf’s complete product catalogue of more than 35 SKUs across four initial categories, including CBD and THC vapes, drops/oils, infused pre-rolls, and softgels. The agreement encompasses the province of Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon Territories.

“Purchase Price”). The Midway property represents a total of 342 acres, with slightly more than 100 acres of licensed cultivation space. With this acquisition, CLC will expand its total licensed outdoor cultivation footprint to more than 120 acres. Potential further expansion of additional acreage is available and could be licensed by the company should the demand arise.

Aurora Cannabis Acquires MedReleaf Australia

Aurora Cannabis Inc., the Canada-based leading global medical cannabis company, is pleased to announce that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company has acquired the remaining approximately 90% equity interest of Indica Industries Pty Ltd (“MedReleaf Australia”) that Aurora did not previously own, at an enterprise value of AUD$50 million, subject to customary adjustments (the “Transaction”). Aurora paid AUD$9.45 million in cash with the balance of the purchase price satisfied by the issuance of common shares of Aurora. MedReleaf Australia is a leading distributor of medical cannabis products and holds the #2 position in the Australian medical cannabis market. This market is currently estimated to be worth approximately AUD$400 million and has quickly become one of the largest nationally legal global medical cannabis markets outside of Canada.

CannMart to Expand Roilty Product Portfolio to Include Craft and Solventless Offerings

Lifeist Wellness Inc., a health-tech company that leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough ventures that transform human wellness, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary CannMart Inc. is introducing ‘live resin reserve’ and its first mechanical or solventless concentrate through in-house brand Roilty. Live resin reserve represents a premium and

exclusive concentrate made in small batches, boasting only fresh frozen cannabis flower from small craft and micro-growers in Quebec. Roilty’s first mechanical and solventless concentrate comes in the form of black hash and it joins a small number of leading brands that offer solventless products. Both live resin reserve and solventless concentrates represent a significant accomplishment for Roilty, underscoring CannMart’s commitment to innovation while seeking out value propositions in the concentrate category. Roilty’s live resin reserve will be available as full-time SKUs, adding to Roilty’s impressive growth in the live resin segment. Roilty’s first live resin reserve Grape Galena will be available to Ontario customers through Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) flow-through in late February 2024 and Roilty’s Banana Ice Live Resin will be available through OCS in June 2024.

Mary Jones Cannabis Sodas & Edibles Expanding Into Canada

Jones Soda Co., the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and usersubmitted photo labels, announced that its topselling cannabis brand Mary Jones has been approved to operate in Ontario, Canada, with additional provinces to follow. Starting with its THC-infused beverages, the products are currently slated for Ontario availability in Q1 24. An expansion into other cannabis categories is currently in development with Tilray Brands for the Canadian market. The award-winning brand will launch in Ontario with its 10MG THC-sodas in a variety of Famous Jones flavors, including Berry Lemonade, Boot Rear (Root Beer) And Col.Ahhhhh (Cola), uniquely labeled for Canadian cannabis packaging and naming requirements. The sodas use the same pure cane sugar recipe as mainline Jones, adapted for cannabis. Cannabis consumers in Canada can enjoy Mary Jones THCinfused sodas alone, mixed in craft cocktails,

Now available in 355ml cans!

The freshest taste in the most convenient and most consumer-preferred packaging.

Always made with all-natural ingredients, no refined sugar added.

Thoughtfully-curated dosages with fast onset deliver a more controlled experience.

floats and much more. Mary Jones is also exploring future expansion into other cannabis categories in the Canadian market, bringing the beverage flavors into other product formats. Manufacturing and distribution in Canada is through Tilray Brands, one of the leading companies in the cannabis market worldwide. Top firm Green Hedge will support sales and field marketing in Canada for Mary Jones.

BDSA Forecasts Global Legal Cannabis

Sales to Hit $58 Billion in 2028

BDSA, the leading provider of market intelligence for the cannabis industry, released its latest projections for the global legal cannabis market over the next five years. In 2023, global legal cannabis spending grew to $36 billion. BDSA forecasts sales to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2023 to 2028, resulting in a $58 billion market by 2028. The growth of legal cannabis sales has been largely driven by U.S. markets, and particularly fueled by the adultuse channel. U.S. sales totaled $29.5 billion in 2023. Sales are expected to grow to $32.4 billion this year, and reach $46 billion in 2028. While emerging adult-use markets, including Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Illinois, are forecast to see some of the fastest growth, the most mature adult-use markets have struggled under the pressure of price compression and illicit competition since late 2021. Some mature markets, such as Michigan, have continued to grow their legal sales. Others such as California have stagnated, but are expected to return to modest growth in the coming years. Emerging markets that are on the verge of legalizing adult-use are forecast to be another top driver of cannabis industry growth. Florida and Pennsylvania, both home to strong medical markets, are forecast to launch adult-use sales in 2025 and see strong growth out to 2028. Like in the U.S., Canada’s cannabis market remains largely driven by

Sensi Brands Inc. Introduces SensiMed.ca: A Cutting-Edge Medical Marketplace for Canada’s Medical Cannabis Patients

Leading Canadian licensed cannabis producer Sensi Brands Inc. proudly announces the launch of SensiMed.ca, a new marketplace dedicated to serving the needs of Canada’s medical cannabis patients. Built on Shopify’s e-commerce platform, the launch of SensiMed. ca marks a significant step forward in improving access to leading brands and products for Canada’s medical cannabis community. Redesigned to enhance the user experience, SensiMed.ca offers an interface tailored to medical patients permitting them to easily browse a large catalogue of high-quality cannabis products. Leveraging insights gained from extensive industry knowledge, SensiMed.ca aims to bridge a gap in the market by providing a comprehensive and well-curated selection of high-demand cannabis brands and products from a broad range of licensed producers within a single, user-friendly marketplace. Additional information about SensiMed.ca is available at www.sensimed.ca and can be reached at 1-833-444-4664 or via email at patientcare@sensimed.ca for personalized assistance.

adult-use sales, with $4.2 billion of the $4.5 billion in sales for 2023 attributed to the adultuse channel. Globally, legal cannabis markets beyond the U.S. and Canada remain small, with BDSA estimating sales totaling just $2.4 billion in 2023. Total international cannabis sales are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 24% through 2028, reaching $7 billion.

Aurora Introduces Medical Cannabis Pastilles for Patient Relief in Australia

The Canadian-based leading global medical cannabis company, together with subsidiary company, MedReleaf Australia, have announced the availability of medical cannabis pastilles for doctors to prescribe to patients in Australia. The novel product is produced by Aurora and distributed by MedReleaf Australia, a leading distributor of medical cannabis products with the number two position in the Australian market. The 30-pack pastilles are available now in three formats including Aurora THC Pastilles in Watermelon flavour (5mg THC), Aurora CBD Pastilles in Peach flavour (10mg CBD) and Aurora Balanced Pastilles in Yuzu Lemon flavour (5mg THC, 10mg CBD). For further information about pastilles, doctors and health care professionals can contact MedReleaf Australia’s clinical support team or visit their website: www. medreleafaustralia.com.au.

Rubicon Organics Announces Third Annual Environmental, Social & Governance Report & Board Appointment

Rubicon Organics Inc. announced the publication of its third annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report (“ESG Report”) measuring the year ended April 31, 2022, and reflects the company’s determination to formally embed transparency, sustainability and responsible business practices throughout the business focused on the areas of governance, environment, people and community. While

its targets are ambitious, the company is holding itself accountable through measuring and reporting its ESG journey in a transparent manner. Highlights of the ESG include: completed the BC Hydro power upgrade to the Delta facility in September 2022, reducing the use of natural gas generators and decreasing its energy usage by 13% and greenhouse gas emissions by 19%; diverted 56% of waste from landfill through recycling and composting; achieved 80% diversity across its employee base, and hired locally with 64% of its workforce living within the local community of its Delta facility. Visit www.rubiconorganics. com for more information.

HYTN Clears PIC/S GMP Audit, Primed for Global Expansion

HYTN Innovations Inc. proudly announced the successful completion of a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audit by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) at its Kelowna facility. The positive outcome of the audit has set the stage for the subsequent issuance of formal GMP certification allowing the company to access international medical markets. The successful GMP audit, in coordination with Australia’s Promethean Biopharma, confirms HYTN as one of the few companies in Canada qualified to package and label finished cannabis goods in accordance with GMP regulations for international medical markets; facilitating the supply of high-quality medical cannabis products to international clients and enabling collaboration with global firms.

Natural Harmony

Our edibles are meticulously developed so that consumers can enjoy the combined benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extracts and superfoods. In the crafting of our fruit bites, we draw inspiration from old-world edibles. Our fruit bites embody the essence of these time-honored recipes, brimming with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Our vegan edibles are free from added sugar, allergens, and gluten, ensuring a delightful and worry-free indulgence.

Experience the Fusion of Tradition and Innovation with Jublee Extracts ! Dive into a world where ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge science to create extracts that are not just products, but a journey back in time. Our extracts are meticulously crafted to evoke nostalgia and deliver the unparalleled taste and quality of yesteryears. Join us in rediscovering the essence of the past, brought to life for the modern palate. Explore Jublee Extracts and indulge in a taste of history !

Discover the soothing power of Jublee Skin products, meticulously crafted to offer unparalleled pain relief for muscles and joints. Immerse yourself in the calming blend of natural essential oils and cannabis extracts found in our bath salts and body butters. Experience ultimate relaxation, relief from discomfort, and enhanced skin conditioning like never before.

Powered by Gayonica Gayonica brings together cutting-edge expertise in the formulation of cannabis products as well as state-of-the-art knowledge in extraction, purification, and analysis.

THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF EXPANSION ACROSS CANADA

By Chris Jones, Founder & President of CANNABIS XPRESS

CANNABIS XPRESS is a chain of cannabis retail stores with 14 locations in Ontario and one location in New Brunswick (two additional stores opening in New Brunswick in 2024), which will make it the largest private retailer in New Brunswick. It is in the top 5% of retailers based on store count, and in the top 1% of licensed cannabis companies that are profitable in Canada. CANNABIS XPRESS prides itself on offering our customers a quick, easy, hassle-free cannabis shopping experience.

Expanding a cannabis retail store business to a different province in Canada comes with its own set of challenges, which can vary depending on factors like regulations, market dynamics, as well as operational and financial considerations. Here are the top four challenges to consider:

1. REGULATORY

COMPLIANCE

Each province in Canada has its own set of regulations governing the cannabis industry. These regulations can vary significantly in terms of licensing requirements, retail store operations, product selection, advertising, packaging and labeling rules. Navigating and complying within the new province’s regulatory framework is crucial for expansion success. This may involve understanding local zoning laws, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and ensuring compliance with age restrictions as well as product packaging guidelines.

2. MARKET UNDERSTANDING AND ADAPTATION

Another crucial factor to consider is that each province has its own unique market dynamics, consumer preferences and competitive landscape. What works in one province may not necessarily work in another. Conducting thorough market research to understand the target demographics, purchasing behaviors and preferences of consumers is essential. This includes analyzing competitors, pricing strategies and local demand patterns.

Adapting the business model accordingly, offering products inline with the region, and adjusting marketing strategies to suit the specific needs and preferences of consumers is critical for gaining traction and establishing a competitive edge.

3. OPERATIONAL LOGISTICS

Expanding to a new province involves logistical challenges such as establishing supply chains, distribution networks and sourcing reliable suppliers. Managing inventory effectively to meet demand fluctuations and ensuring timely replenishment of stock while adhering to regulatory requirements adds complexity to operations. Hiring and training staff in the new location to maintain consistent quality standards, providing excellent customer

service and upholding compliance with regulations can be challenging, especially if there are differences in labour laws or cultural expectations between provinces.

4. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT:

In addition to operational logistics, expanding into a new province requires significant financial investment to cover expenses such as licensing fees, lease agreements, store build-out costs, inventory procurement, marketing initiatives and operational overhead. Securing financing or investment capital to fund expansion efforts may be challenging, especially for small- or medium-sized businesses with limited resources. Businesses must carefully assess the financial feasibility and return on investment potential before expansion, considering factors such as market demand, competitive dynamics, regulatory compliance costs and revenue projections.

Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective execution strategies to ensure a successful expansion of a cannabis retail store business into a different province in Canada.

Expanding a cannabis retail store business to a different province in Canada presents several opportunities for growth and diversification. Here are the top four opportunities to consider:

1. UNTAPPED MARKET POTENTIAL:

Each province in Canada has its own population demographics and market dynamics, creating opportunities for businesses to tap into new customer segments and market niches. This allows a cannabis retail store to access a larger customer base and capitalize on regions where demand may be underserved or where there is less competition. By strategically positioning the business in high-traffic areas or underserved regions within the new province, retailers can attract new customers and capture market share.

2. BRAND EXPANSION AND RECOGNITION:

Expansion also provides an opportunity to increase

brand visibility and recognition in the Canadian cannabis market. Building a strong brand presence across multiple provinces can enhance brand credibility and loyalty among consumers, leading to increased customer trust and repeat business. Through effective marketing and branding strategies tailored to the preferences of consumers in that new province, retailers can differentiate themselves from competitors and establish themselves as a trusted cannabis retailer in the region.

3. DIVERSIFICATION AND RISK MITIGATION:

Diversifying operations across multiple provinces can help mitigate risks associated with changes in regulatory environments, market fluctuations or localized disruptions. By expanding geographically, cannabis retailers can reduce their dependence on a single market and spread their business risks more evenly. Additionally, operating in multiple provinces can provide opportunities to leverage economies of scale, optimize supply chain efficiencies and drive cost savings through centralized operations or bulk purchasing agreements.

4. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND SCALE ECONOMIES:

Operating across multiple provinces also offers opportunities to optimize operational efficiency and achieve economies of scale. Centralizing certain functions such as procurement, logistics and marketing can streamline operations and reduce costs. Standardizing processes and procedures across multiple locations ensures consistency in product quality, customer service and regulatory compliance. Scaling up operations enables retailers to negotiate better terms with suppliers, reduce per-unit costs and improve profit margins, ultimately enhancing the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the business.

Overall, expanding a cannabis retail store business to a different province in Canada offers opportunities for accessing new markets, enhancing brand recognition, diversifying operations and achieving economies of scale, thereby contributing to longterm business growth and sustainability.

Aurora Unveils CannabisInfused Ready-to-Drink Beverages

Aurora Cannabis Inc., the Canadianbased leading global medical cannabis company, announced the launch of three new cannabisinfused beverages, available exclusively at first to veteran patients. VACAY’s Strawberry Pineapple Tropical Soda: a 3:1 hybrid beverage with 2-3mg of THC and 6.4-8.6mg of CBD. This Strawberry Pineapple Tropical Soda delivers a refreshing blend of sweet, tart, and summery flavours with crisp carbonation in every sip.

VACAY Pineapple Coconut

Tropical Fizz 3:1: a hybrid carbonated drink with 2-3mg THC and 6.4mg-8.6mg CBD, this beverage will transport your tastebuds to island paradise with a burst of tangy pineapple flavours mixed with creamy undernotes of coconut. VERSUS Neon Rush: a delicious hybrid carbonated beverage infused with lemonlime flavour and 30mg of caffeine featuring 8.5-10mg THC and 1mg CBD. For more information visit Aurora Medical.

Tweed Lemon Meringue Pie Flower

Canopy Growth Corporation, a world-leading diversified cannabis company, announced the introduction of new product offerings across the company’s adult-use and medical cannabis portfolio. For consumers not wanting to compromise quality for quantity, Tweed Lemon Meringue Pie is being served up fresh in a large format 28g package. Packed with sativa whole cannabis flower that has been derived from the Lemon Skunk and Cookies ‘n’ Cream lineage, it features terpenes a-Pinene, Myrcene and Limonene. Tweed’s Lemon Meringue Pie boasts lemon, citrus and nutty vanilla aromas, is hang-dried, and comes in with a 23-29% THC range. Grown in our Kincardine, Ontario facility and packaged with a Boveda humidity control pack to ensure freshness, this new flower offering is full of flavour just like lemon meringue should be. For more information visit www. canopygrowth.com

7ACRES Jack Haze Pre-rolls

Canopy Growth Corporation, a world-leading diversified cannabis company, announced the introduction of new product offerings across the company’s adult-use and medical cannabis portfolio.

7ACRES Jack Haze Pre-rolled Joints are arriving in a 0.5gx14 large pack and feature the famous sativa-dominant cultivar with a unique combination of sweet citrus, crisp pine, and warm spice notes. With a range of 17-23% THC and a max CBD potency of 25%, 7ACRES Jack Haze was the result of a large-scale genetic selection program with the goal of finding this novel sativa expression. This phenotype stood out among the rest as it possessed both the sweet haze notes characteristic of a haze cultivar, along with a distinct spice aroma. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com

Tweed Oils & Soft Gells

Tweed CBD:CBG 4:1 Oil: A newly formulated cannabis oil arriving in a 30mL bottle, Tweed CBD:CBG 4:1 is designed to pair with well-being focused daily routines and provides 100 mg/g CBD and 25 mg/g CBG.

Tweed CBD:CBG 6:1 Softgels: for those who prefer the convenience and portability of the softgel format, Tweed CBD:CBG 6:1 is available with 30 softgels per bottle each containing 60 mg of CBD and 10 mg CBG. Tweed CBD:CBN 4:1 Oil: Coming in a 30mL oil format, the Tweed CBD:CBN 4:1 oil offering is designed to become part of a nightly routine and delivers 100 mg/g CBD and 25 mg/g CBN.

Tweed CBD:CBN 6:1 Softgels

Another win for those who prefer the convenience of softgels, Tweed CBD:CBN 6:1 is available with 30 softgels per bottle each containing 60 mg of CBD and 10 mg CBN. Tweed oil and softgel products are made with nonGMO, coconut derived MCT oil and blended cannabis extracts. All Tweed offerings are available for purchase via legal recreational cannabis e-commerce channels and retail locations in select regions.

7ACRES and Spectrum products are available for purchase online at spectrumtherapeutics.com.

GLOBAL CANNABIS OPPORTUNITIES AND DRAWBACKS AS FEATURED AT SXSW

By Jill Reddish & Chris Day, Co-founders of the Global Cannabis Network Collective

This past March, Austin, Texas hosted the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference. This annual foray into global innovation, developing technologies and trending discussions from around the world included a moderate dose of cannabis sessions. One of these panels featured a deep dive into the future of global opportunities for the industry, including a panel that GCNC co-founder Chris Day, spoke on alongside WANA Brands CEO Nancy Whiteman and Asha Media Group CEO Cynthia Salarizadeh.

It wasn’t lost on the audience that while SXSW is widely recognized as one of the best venues in the world for identifying future global trends in business, education and technology, the conference was only blocks away from the Texas State Capitol Building, and incidentally one of the United States’ most conservative, heavy-handed anti-cannabis state governments. As of 2024, the state of Texas is just one of the many political factors holding back the U.S. from participating in the true global ecosystem, and the panelists had several examples of international progress to highlight for the audience.

CANNABIS PROGRESS WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION

While Germany’s recent progress toward cannabis legalization remains a media focus, the SXSW panelists pointed out how by most measures the Germans are slow-walking their adult-use program and constricting related business opportunities. That said, the change with the biggest potential impact will likely be the removal of cannabis from the German narcotics list – a move that can potentially kick off changes throughout the European Union, though the shifts will hardly happen overnight and may take up to a decade.

Similarly Nancy Whiteman, CEO of one of North America’s largest gummy produc-

ers WANA, expanded on the company’s March announcement of its partnership with the Alpen Group in Switzerland. As Switzerland isn’t a member of the European Union, the Swiss may actually be the most successful early adopters to date of a truly business friendly legal framework. Whiteman pointed to tactics which in most other industries would seem like a mundane landscape: low taxes (only the standard VAT instead of the cumbersome additional “sin tax”) and access to banking services. WANA’s partnership with the Alpen Group shows the company is putting its money where its mouth is, and other North American brands are sure to follow.

The real areas of interest from moves like those in Germany and Switzerland are how these programs may affect long-term market entry strategies in new regions and how they affect macroeconomic trends related to renewed cannabis use worldwide.

ECONOMIC FALLOUT FROM CANADA’S HAPHAZARD LEGALIZATION

Canada’s federal legalization in 2018 spurred enormous investment and cultivation facilities with little thought to where and how product would be delivered to end consumers in adult-use or medicinal markets. The lingering effect of that early “green rush” and the ensuing financial bloodbath now leaves the remaining facilities facing immense downward pricing pressure for biomass exports, with the next generation of companies being forced to create with what capital and resources they started with. The financial excess of the past is merely a painful memory.

While painful to many producers competing in the space, the lack of new capital investment and low pricing is forcing rapid innovation and competitive pressure on mass producers in places like Macedonia, Portugal, Africa and South America. At the policy level, it’s also driving economic ap-

proaches to lean more isolationist than they would have otherwise. This “race to the bottom” pricing by many Canadian producers is likely to cause further degradation of the export market while spurring competitive innovation and quality requirements worldwide.

WHERE THE GCNC SEES SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

According to assessments done by the Global Cannabis Network Collective of our international membership, investment by cannabis companies in marketing and operations with intense focus on tangible ROI is on the rise. Expansion strategies for future multinational growth are leaning heavily on favourable taxation and regulatory policies that have quick pathways to revenue.

As is often the case for the developing cannabis industry, what is old becomes new again. Lessons from the broader business world around low taxation and regulations which create defined pathways but do not choke out business activity remain. As a result, running lean operations prove to be tried and true for sustainable growth.

While stock values on exchanges around the world are punishing almost everyone in the category equally, looking under the hood at several of these players reveals incredibly sound business operators forced to be lean, disciplined and slow to growth in spite of stifling governmental regimes.

As we begin to move into the post-Drug War era in most federal markets, with the exception of the U.S., we are starting to see the over-hyped era of early Canadian dominance shift into an internationally competitive landscape from which the real future global players are likely to emerge.

Reddish

Jill

and Chris Day are Co-founders of the Global Cannabis Network Collective.

Jublee Skin Topicals

Rubicon Organics Inc. announced the launch of 1964 Supply Co.™ brand Cannabis-Infused Poutine Sauce crafted with hash rosin. “High Cuisine” is the new Haute Cuisine: 1964 Supply Co.™ Cannabis-Infused Poutine Sauce is now hitting the Quebec market. Combining the iconic flavours of Quebec’s beloved dish with the unique flavors of cannabis, our new Cannabis-Infused Poutine Sauce is set to hit store shelves across the province this week. Each pack contains a rich poutine sauce mix infused with 10mg of THC sourced from the finest hash rosin of 1964 Supply Co.™, offering a unique and delightful way to enjoy your favorite comfort food. following the Quebec launch, 1964 Supply Co.™ plans to expand its distribution of the infused poutine sauce to other provinces in the coming weeks, bringing the joy of Cannabis-Infused Poutine Sauce to even more consumers across the country. For more info visit www.1964supplyco.com

Building on the success of its recently launched superfood fruitbite edibles, Jublee is introducing new options infused with minor cannabinoids CBG and CBN, along with two new flavours. Indulge the senses with Jublee’s latest cannabis creations, where innovation meets irresistible flavours. Coconut & Vanilla (10mg THC, 10mg CBD, 10mg CBG): An irresistibly soft and sweet bite with flavours from a tropical island, the CBG can support sustained energy and balance of mood. Banana & Chocolate (100mg CBD): An indulgent bite with aromas of banana bread and chocolate, the CBD-only edible is ideal for supporting relaxation, making the most of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. Blueberry & Lavender (10mg THC, 10mg CBD, 10mg CBN): A popular flavour within the existing edibles offering, this version is infused with CBN, which can act as a lullaby to support a restful, deep sleep, and nurture a sense of ease and relaxation.

Branching out of edibles and focusing on wellness from the inside and out, Jublee is launching bath salts and luxurious body butters, in two sensational scents - Flowers & Fir and Sweet Citrus. With formulation top of mind, Jublee topicals are natural, not tested on animals, and great for the body and skin. The Jublee bath salts are crafted with a vegan formulation, and offer a luxurious, sensory experience that helps support muscle relaxation and alleviate tired muscles. These items include Flowers & Fir Bath Salt (400mg CBD), Extra Strength Sweet Citrus Bath Salt (1000mg CBD), the Flowers & Fir Body Butter (400mg CBD) and the Extra Strength Sweet Citrus Body Butter (1,000mg CBD). For more information on pricing and availability, please visit here for Ontario, and here for Alberta.

Tilray Introduces New Naturally Flavoured CBG-Infused Cannabis Beverages

Tilray Brands, Inc., a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company, announced the expansion of its market-leading cannabis beverage portfolio with the latest release by its MOLLO® brand, introducing a lineup of new cannabis-infused non-alcoholic seltzers featuring the qualities of high cannabigerol (“CBG”) minor cannabinoid content, reminiscent of consumer favourite go-to low ABV beverages. Best sipped slow, each new Mollo Seltzer contains 10mg of highpurity THC formulated with nanoemulsified cannabinoids without any cannabis aftertaste, zero sugar, zero calories, and three fantastic natural flavours, along with its CBG sidekick of 20mg, all in a sleek 355mL can. Mollo’s new seltzers include 3 thirst-quenching flavours: Pineapple, Mango and Lemon. Please visit https://trussbeverages. com/mollo for more info.

Cannabis-Infused Poutine Sauce Jublee Fruit Bite Edibles

2 3 3 4

The Canna Golf Classic

Our Vibe

Enter The Canna Golf Classic, your go-to for epic cannabis executive events. Since 2018, we have been the masters of crafting exclusive experiences, combining big shots from the cannabis and tourism worlds.

Picture this - swinging clubs at the Canna Golf Classic Executive Tournament, sipping infused mint juleps at The Canna “Kentucky” Derby Day, or cruising the seas on The Canna “Harbour” Cruise all while mingling in “cannabis” luxury and style

Our gatherings celebrate the best in agriculture, showcasing top-tier cannabis growers, unique cannabis products, premium wines, craft brews, local tipples, and farm-to-table culinary delights.

For sales gurus and industry execs looking to network in the Canadian cannabis scene, the Canna Golf Classic is your golden ticket to meaningful connections.

Not a fan of golf swings? No worries! Dive into the fun at any of our social soirees.

2023 Vancouver Master’s Winners - Avant Brands

Pre-Rolls and Putts

While golfers have been teeing off with cannabis for years, the fusion of this green buddy with the greens of golf is a more recent swing.

In the golfing world, cannabis seems to be the caddy every player wants on their team.

Many golfers see cannabis as the zen master that helps them keep their eye on the ball. With golf requiring laser focus, any hint of nerves can ruin even the smoothest of swings.

Cannabis steps in as the stress-buster, calming nerves and keeping golfers in the zone from tee-off to the final putt.

What's more, its pain-relieving powers come in handy for those repetitive swings and muscle strains golfers endure. The antiinflammatory magic can have players feeling fresher after a tough day on the course.

In a nutshell, cannabis could be the secret sauce for a hole-inone performance on the golf course!

Montreal

July 15 - Opening Night Gala

July 16 - Canna Golf Classic

$1000

Canna Golf Classic

Vancouver

August 21 10:30 am - 9:00 pm

$1000

Vancouver

Saturday, June 8 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Vancouver

August 20 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

To

Elevate Your Cannabis Retail Experience: Curating an Endless Cannabis Journey

By Christina Michael

Welcome to the dynamic realm of regulated cannabis retail, where creativity, innovation, customer experience and strategic planning reign supreme. As the legal cannabis industry continues to evolve, retailers must not only stay attuned to trends and new product offerings but also establish elevated benchmarks for excellence. In this edition, we embark on an exploration into the art of regulated cannabis product sales, delving into impactful merchandising techniques, the finesse of the upselling craft, and a customer-centric retail approach that leaves an indelible imprint on patrons, keeping them coming back for more.

Crafting Captivating Experiences Through the Art of Merchandising

Imagine stepping into a cannabis retail space that not only showcases products but also ignites curiosity and enthusiasm. Merchandising has evolved beyond simple product arrangement, turning into a captivating journey through creative engagement. This is particularly significant in regulated environments where direct product interaction is restricted.

Strategic product placement emerges as a potent tool in your merchandising repertoire. Placing bestsellers and high-margin items at eye level entices customers to explore and discover. Planogramming your store with featured items, best sellers and grouping related products fosters seamless cross-selling opportunities. Moreover, the allure of complementary accessories should not be underestimated—presenting products as bundles invites patrons to partake in a comprehensive and innovative experience, while also creating new opportunities to share new ways to holistically experience cannabis today.

Brands also play a pivotal role in enhancing the visual narrative of your space. Collaborating with brands to utilize sales-enabling assets can convey compelling stories, tempting patrons to not only purchase but also visually indulge in potential acquisitions, creating the experience before consumption.

Do not overlook the potential of strategically positioned displays along the path to the checkout counter. These displays can trigger impulse purchases, showcasing trial-size accessories, cleaning products and new additions that complement cannabis offerings, innovative on-the-go solutions and small tokens that inspire patrons to grab and go.

The Art of Upselling: Crafting the Experience

Upselling transcends mere transactions; it entails harmonizing customers' needs with product offerings in a manner that enhances their experience while driving sales. Sales staff are your first customers. Their knowledge, preferences, experience and enthusiasm are vital aspects of creating connections, building trust and effectively selling products that meet the consumers’ needs and desires. Empower your team with comprehensive product knowledge. When customers sense the passion and experience radiating from your staff, trust naturally blossoms. Bundle offers, featuring product combinations at appealing prices, infuse excitement and stimulate exploration. By tailoring recommendations to individual preferences, authentic connections with customers are forged.

Time-sensitive deals introduce urgency, compelling patrons to embrace a more comprehensive shopping journey. Upselling isn't about imposing products; it's about comprehending desires and suggesting items that genuinely enhance the cannabis voyage. Whether suggesting a strain aligning with their tastes or

introducing a novel consumption method, the art of upselling transforms shopping into a personalized odyssey.

Encouraging Sales Within Legal Boundaries

A consideration paramount to retailers is encouraging sales within legal confines. By furnishing customers with education and guidance regarding legal purchase thresholds, you facilitate informed decisions that align with regulations while optimizing the cannabis encounter. Clear signage and amicable staff interactions ensure patrons are well-informed and poised to navigate their acquisitions confidently, optimizing robust basket sizes to legal limits.

Exploring New Consumption Methods

Introducing patrons to innovative consumption methods can be a captivating expedition. Enlighten them about diverse ways to experience cannabis, ranging from conventional smoking to contemporary vaping options, concentrates, edibles, beverages and topicals. Dispensing product information and insights on creating a holistic cannabis experience arouses interest and broadens horizons, culminating in a more enriching journey.

Leveraging Technology

In the era of technology, your retail operations stand to gain substantially from efficient software solutions. Inventory management systems, customer relationship management tools and point-of-sale software streamline processes, enabling staff to focus on customer interactions and upselling strategies. Share this information with your patrons. Highlight top-selling products, social proof and favoured product combinations based on customer sales.

“

“ Strategic product placement emerges as a potent tool in your merchandising repertoire. Placing bestsellers and high-margin items at eye level entices customers to explore and discover.

Harnessing Customer Insights Through Data

Data proves a potent ally in deciphering customer behaviour. Analyzing purchasing patterns, preferences and demographics empowers tailoring of offerings and marketing endeavours. Personalized suggestions rooted in data-driven insights foster customer contentment and allegiance.

Optimizing Display Media

Your display media, encompassing digital screens and sales enablement display materials, serve as potent marketing conduits. Accentuating limitedtime offers, new arrivals and special bundles through captivating visuals and persuasive copy captures attention. Utilize these platforms to infuse excitement and immediacy into specific deals, fresh drops, available purchase windows and discontinuations.

Cultivating a Holistic Customer Experience

As previously explored, customer experience encompasses not just service but also the utilization of tools such as data analytics, customer feedback surveys and in-store programs to comprehend all facets of the customer journey within the retail sphere. How does your store distinguish itself in cultivating customer experience over mere service? Become the favoured brand for purchases—an embodiment of a truly enjoyable experience!

In the evolving legal cannabis space, triumph hinges on a fusion of innovation, customer centrality, and adaptability. By harmonizing effective merchandising techniques, the art of upselling, and a retail ethos placing customers at the core, you create experiences resonating with every visit.

As you navigate this ever-evolving industry, remember that regulated cannabis retail is not confined to products; it's about forging bonds, sparking curiosity and guiding patrons on exploratory odysseys. By embracing these strategies, you convert cannabis product sales into a retail experience, where transactions transform into lasting connections.

This exhilarating era of regulated cannabis retail extends an invitation to transcend the conventional shopping experience, becoming the leader of indelible interactions. Through the curation of merchandising mastery and the finesse of upselling, retailers compose a retail voyage harmonizing beautifully with patrons, etching an enduring impression upon their cannabis exploration. So, as you step into your retail domain, recall that you're not solely vending products; you're crafting an encounter resonating long after the purchase.

How to Make Your Cannabis Product Labels Stand Out

By Travis Wayne, TEKLYNX

You’ve created a great cannabis product, so now it’s time to make sure you set your product up for success. Designing an attractive and professional product label is the best way to make sure your cannabis product stands out, and images are a great way to do just that.

First impressions are important, and your product label is the key to that first impression. It tells your brand story, builds consumer trust and differentiates your product from the competition.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMAGES FOR YOUR PRODUCT LABELS

The images you choose tell your brand story. They may describe your product or convey a meaning that symbolizes your brand. Before jumping right into your label design, take some time to brainstorm the right types of images to include on your label.

What style matches your brand? The right style communicates to your customers what your brand is all about.

» Clean and minimalist: Choose simple illustrations like line drawings and stick to neutral colours.

» Grassroots and rustic: Choose images that highlight the uniqueness of your product; a less polished image can work in your favour.

» Unique and colorful: Choose bright colours or images to make your product labels stand out. However, avoid styles that appeal to children like popular cartoon characters or show any resemblance to commercially available snacks, candies, beverages or baked goods.

What’s the right colour scheme for your brand?

Colours have powerful subconscious associations, so it’s critical to do your research. It is important to keep in mind that these associations can vary in different locations or cultural groups.

» Red: strong, confident, dangerous, angry

» Orange: playful, energetic, optimistic

» Yellow: cheerful, refreshing, alert

» Green: natural, organic, healthy

» Blue: trustworthy, soothing, friendly, sad

» Purple: loyal, mysterious, elegance

INCORPORATING IMAGES ON YOUR PRODUCT LABELS

The image is a vital part of your label, but it’s not the only important part. Your product label must also accurately identify the product, its variety and any legally-required information. Most stores also require a 1D or 2D barcode to enable

cashiers to quickly scan the item at checkout.

Graphic design software is the best tool for designing your images, but it can’t replace a professional label design tool for managing variable data, generating compliant barcodes and ensuring accurate label printing.

PICKING A BACKGROUND IMAGE

When creating your cannabis labels, remember to leave room in your background image for the variable data that will be added by your label design software. This could include the product weight, THC and CBD content, batch number, safety statements and barcode for checkout. Many companies now include a QR code to bridge physical and digital brand experiences and offer more information to customers.

USING VARIABLE DATA FOR YOUR LABELS

If your image is only a portion of the label or changes with the variety, you may want to add the image as a regular object. Once the image is added and placed, it can even be locked so you don’t accidentally move it while designing the rest of your label.

Variable data is generally stored in a spreadsheet or database. While the image file itself is not usually saved in the database, the file path to its location can be stored as text. When you select the database record you wish to print, the image in the associated location will be selected.

PRINTING PRODUCT LABELS WITH IMAGES

Although many start up cannabis companies outsource their label printing, there are countless benefits to printing labels in-house.

» Speed to market: When regulations change you need to adapt quickly, and working with an external vendor for labels means waiting for development, proofs, edits and shipping time. Designing and printing your labels in-house eliminates all of this, enabling you to label and ship your products much more quickly.

» Less label waste: External label vendors typically have an order minimum, and it’s not usually very low. You may be forced to purchase thousands of pre-printed labels. If your packaging size changes, or your address or contact information changes or your brand evolves, you’re stuck with tons of labels you can’t use.

» Control: No one knows your brand and products like you do. An external vendor

simply can’t have the same level of attention to detail as you. Designing and printing your own labels gives you the control to tweak and improve your design until you’re 100% satisfied.

Some businesses try a two-step label printing process, combining an outsourced background design with in-house variable data printing. However, this method has similar risks to outsourcing because it can result in time delays, label waste and unmet quality expectations.

Case Study: A cannabis consumer-packaged goods company was purchasing pre-printed labels for their retail sale products and printing various compliance labels in-house from an industry platform that did not allow for easy adjustments or alterations in designs. After implementing more robust label-design software and printand-apply solutions, they now print smart labels with variable data on demand, reducing waste of pre-printed label stock and increasing the speed of labeling by five [1].

Creating a first impression with your customers is crucial. Whether you operate as a small local business or a prominent cannabis distributor choosing a barcode labeling software provider that aligns with your needs and streamlines the process is the ideal approach to make your product labels stand out.

About TEKLYNX International

TEKLYNX International helps supply chains work better. Today, more than 750,000 companies in more than 170 countries trust TEKLYNX integrated barcode and RFID label design products and the people behind its solutions to make barcode labeling operations efficient, accurate, secure, and industry compliant. With more than 30 years of experience, TEKLYNX is the global leader because of its reliable software and superior customer support. To learn more about how the TEKLYNX community helps companies across industries worldwide, visit teklynx.com or call TEKLYNX in your region. Barcode Better™ with TEKLYNX.

References: [1] https://www.teklynx.com/-/media/ Files/Case-Studies/EN/TEKLYNX_National_Cannabis_Retailer_Case_Study_en.pdf

Quantum Vape™ Technology: Innovation Three Years In The Making

By Derek Champoux

THE BACKSTORY

In an era where vape consumers are increasingly demanding more from their products—be it higher potency, richer flavours, improved consistency or an overall elevated vaping experience—Greentank’s Quantum Vape™ technology emerges as a beacon of innovation.

After three years and thousands of hours in development, backed by a global team of engineers, material scientists, product design specialists and product managers, Quantum Vape™ is set to redefine what we expect from vaping devices. This leap forward was driven by the recognition that, despite the growing sophistication of users and uses, vape heating technology had remained stagnant for nearly a decade. Quantum Vape™ is not just a new product, it’s a new era in vaporization.

vide a compelling answer to the industry’s growing concerns over consumer health.

MAXIMIZE THC AND CANNABINOID EFFECTS

FUTURE-PROOFING VAPE BRANDS

Central to Quantum Vape’s design is its commitment to safety. Crafted from 100% biocompatible materials, Quantum Vape™ has been rigorously lab tested to ensure it is free from heavy metals and ceramic particle emissions. This positions Quantum Vape™ as the industry’s safest vape technology, future-proofing brands against increasingly stringent regulations and ensuring that not only do products remain on the shelf, but consumers enjoy the safest vaping experience possible. By prioritizing safety, Greentank and the launch of Quantum Vape™ pro-

Quantum Vape™ distinguishes itself with its revolutionary heating mechanism that consists of 3,000 microchannels. This design significantly refines the vaporization process, producing vapour molecules that are smaller and more efficiently absorbed by the body, thus delivering a quicker and more potent onset of desired effects. External lab tests have shown that Quantum Vape™ can increase the speed of onset effects by 20% and achieve maximum peak effects 33% faster than traditional Ceramic Cell vaporizers, marking a significant improvement in efficiency and experience.

You wouldn’t consume 60% of your joint or edible and throw it in the garbage. That’s essentially what we’re doing now with ceramic-based vape devices. With Quantum Vape™, you are getting the full potential out of your product from first to last draw.

COLDSTREAM™ JUST MADE VAPOUR COOL

One of Quantum Vape’s standout features is its ColdStream™ technology, which offers an optimal air-to-vapor ratio, producing a vapour that is 52% colder than that generated by Ceramic vape hardware. This sig-

nificant reduction in temperature results in a smoother, more flavourful vapour, effectively enhancing the overall vaping experience. This cooler vapour not only improves user comfort but also allows for the nuances of flavour in the cannabis extract to shine through, making each puff a richer experience.

THE MOST CONSISTENT VAPOUR, AIRFLOW, AND FLAVOUR

Quantum Vape™ addresses one of the primary issues with Ceramic Cell technology— the degradation of performance and flavour over time. Unlike Ceramic Cell heating technology, which acts like a sponge to absorb and thermally cycle oil, Quantum Vape’s precision-engineered microchannels pump oil

through the heating chip, vaporizing it instantly without reabsorption. This innovation ensures that users enjoy a consistent “firstpuff” experience throughout the lifespan of the device, with virtually zero drop-off in performance or flavor, setting a new benchmark for consistency in the vaping experience.

POWER EFFICIENCY

In addition to its superior performance and safety features, Quantum Vape™ is also designed with power efficiency in mind. It requires 33% less power to vaporize oil or extracts compared to traditional Ceramic Cell technology. This efficiency translates into less frequent charging for users, addressing a common inconvenience and enhancing the overall user experience. By improving

“

“ One of Quantum Vape’s standout features is its ColdStream™ technology, which offers an optimal air-to-vapor ratio, producing a vapour that is 52% colder than that generated by Ceramic vape hardware.

battery life and reducing energy consumption, Quantum Vape™ not only offers convenience but also contributes to a more sustainable vaping practice.

THE NEW ERA OF VAPE TECHNOLOGY HAS ARRIVED

Quantum Vape™ technology represents a significant departure from the norm in the vaporizer market, moving away from outdated Ceramic Cell heating methods. It brings together increased safety, improved flavour, unparalleled consistency, greater potency, and a better overall experience. This breakthrough in vape science marks the first real innovation in the industry in nearly a decade, promising to elevate the vaping experience to new heights. As we stand on the brink of this new era, Quantum Vape™ not only meets the growing demands of consumers but sets a new benchmark for what the future of vaping looks like.

3 Tactics to Protect Your Personal Assets

By Jillian Hickey & Caroline Watton

Owning your own business offers many opportunities. But it also carries inherent risks, including exposure to personal liability. With that in mind, here are three tactics that will help you protect your personal assets.

1. INCORPORATE YOUR BUSINESS

Corporations might be legal fictions, but the protection from personal liability they afford to their directors, officers and employees is real. At law, a corporation is a separate legal person and is therefore distinct from its shareholders, officers, directors, agents and employees. Incorporating your business helps limit your personal liability and shield your personal assets from risk. However, there are still certain circumstances in which a corporation’s directors and officers can be personally liable, for example, for the corporation’s unpaid GST and HST, unpaid employee wages and statutory remittances, and for fraudulent or criminal activities. Directors’ and officers’ insurance can help address some of these personal liability risks.

2. LIMIT YOUR PERSONAL GUARANTEES

Business lenders understand that in many cases there’s a relationship between the financial health of a business and that of its owner. It’s therefore common for a lender to ask the owner for a personal guarantee of the business’s debts. This personal guarantee is a promise by you to be liable for the debts of your business. If your business defaults on its obligations, the lender has a contractual right to seek payment from you personally – including seizing your personal assets – to settle the obligation. Your obligations under a personal guarantee depend on the type of liability you assumed under the guarantee.

When presented with a personal guarantee, confirm that it’s a true prerequisite to the financing. Lenders might waive the requirement in certain circumstances, such as a strong credit score, collateral sufficient to secure the loan or a reputable history of managing finances. If a personal guarantee is required, try to negotiate one or more of these options before you sign:

» A reduction of the personal guarantee with improved business performance or timely debt payments.

» A limit on the personal guarantee to an actual dollar amount or a percentage of the outstanding loan or, if there are multiple business owners, to each owner’s

percentage ownership. If you’ve agreed to an unlimited liability guarantee, your liability exposure is for the full amount of the business’s obligation to the lender. But if you’ve agreed to a limited liability guarantee, your liability exposure is limited to the agreed-upon fixed dollar amount or percentage of the outstanding balance.

» No joint & several personal guarantees. If you can’t achieve this, try to limit and control who else will guarantee the obligation with you. If you’ve agreed to be jointly and severally liable with other guarantors under a personal guarantee, the lender can pursue any of the guarantors personally for the entire amount of the guaranteed obligation – so you could be personally liable for the entire amount on your own.

3. SEPARATE YOUR BUSINESS & PERSONAL ASSETS

If there’s a lawsuit against your business and there’s no legal separation between your business and your personal finances, your personal assets are in jeopardy. A key benefit of incorporation is that it creates a “corporate veil” that separates you from your business and shields your personal assets from exposure to the business’s liabilities. But when you co-mingle your business and your personal finances, a successful creditor might be able to pierce this corporate veil and go after your personal assets to collect on a liability of the business. Safeguard your personal assets against this risk by keeping your business and your personal finances well separated and never co-mingling them:

» Maintain separate business and personal bank accounts and separate business and personal credit cards.

» Don’t use your personal account or card for business deposits, withdrawals or expenses, and vice versa.

» Don’t move funds between your personal and your business accounts.

Jillian Hickey and Caroline Watton are Corporate & Commercial lawyers 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, 2023. All rights reserved.

S A M P L E K I T S B Y O 2 O

C a l l i n g a l l C a n a d i a n c a n n a b i s r e t a i l w o r k e r s . A s t h e f r o n t l i n e o f t h e i n d u s t r y i t i s i m p o r t a n t f o r y o u t o s t a y u p t o d a t e o n n e w p r o d u c t s h i t t i n g y o u r m a r k e t . B u t w i t h a n e v e r g r o w i n g l i s t o f r e s p o n s a b i l i t i e s , a n d m o s t e v e n t s i n m a j o r c i t i e s f a r f r o m y o u r s t o r e , i t c a n o f t e n b e h a r d t o t r y n e w p r o d u c t s b e f o r e m a k i n g t h e d e c i s i o n t o p u r c h a s e f o r y o u r s t o r e .

T h a t ’ s w h e r e S a m p l e K i t s B y O 2 O c o m e s i n .

H O W I T W O R K S

R e g i s t e r - C o m p l e t e t h e q u i c k s i g n u p a t t h e Q R c o d e b e l o w

A p p l y - W h e n n e w o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s u r v e y k i t s a r e h e r e , O 2 O w i l l r e a c h o u t b y e m a i l l e t t i n g y o u k n o w . A p p l y f o r t h o s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s u s i n g t h e l i n k s i n t h o s e e m a i l s . E x p e r i e n c e - O 2 O w i l l s e n d o u t k i t s t o r e t a i l e r s t o t r y p r o d u c t s f r o m b r a n d s f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y . U n f o r t u n a t e l y n o t e v e r y r e t a i l e r t h a t a p p l i e s t o o p p o r t u n i t i e s w i l l b e s e l e c t e d , b u t a s O 2 O c o n t i n u e s t o r o l l t h e s e o u t , w e h o p e t o i n c l u d e a s m a n y p e o p l e a s w e c a n !

R e s p o n d - P r o v i d e O 2 O p r o d u c t f e e d b a c k t o l e t u s k n o w w h a t y o u t h o u g h t o f t h e p r o d u c t s i n c l u d e d . T h e m o r e f e e d b a c k w e r e c e i v e t h e m o r e k i t s w e w i l l b e a b l e t o s u p p l y i n t h e f u t u r e . T h o s e w h o s u p p l y f e e d b a c k w i l l h a v e a h i g h e r c h a n c e o f r e c e i v i n g t h e n e x t k i t t h e y a p p l y f o r !

Radicle Femmes: Empowering Women, Driving Change

By Katie Pringle

The cannabis industry, often hailed as a frontier of innovation and change, bears a striking resemblance to conventional sectors, where gender equality and access to capital remain elusive goals. As an emerging industry, cannabis had the opportunity to redefine norms, challenge conventions and embrace the power of diversity.

As we reflect on the strides made and the road ahead, the inaugural Radicle Femmes was created coinciding with International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This groundbreaking event marked Canada’s largest networking platform devoted exclusively to women in cannabis, hosted by Marigold PR, a women-founded public relations agency serving the North American cannabis industry. The event was in collaboration with VIP sponsor the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), as well as cannabis advisory firm The Panther Group, creative agency Sister Merci and cannabis wellness brand Solei.

RAISING WOMEN TO HIGH PLACES

At its core, Radicle Femmes was designed to empower, celebrate and advance women in cannabis through a rich tapestry of panel discussions and networking sessions. This provided a much-needed platform for female entrepreneurs to share their experiences, insights and expertise. The event’s tagline, “I can’t believe we still need these events,” encapsulated the shared sentiment of many women navigating the barriers within the cannabis space and beyond.

From entrepreneurs and marketers to retail decision-makers and LP representatives, the event drew a diverse audience and reflected the industry’s landscape and collective hunger for progress. Attendees were keen on leveraging opportunities and addressing systemic challenges. Panel discussions of industry experts delved into topics like gender diversity; the need for greater representation in leadership, brand strategy, digital marketing, compliance hurdles; and funding disparities, offering actionable insights for attendees to thrive in the competitive sector.

BLAZING A TRAIL

One of the pivotal panel discussions, “Women in Leadership,” featured accomplished figures Lucy Hu, Director of Refining Operations at Motif Labs; Sherry Boodram, CEO and Co-founder of CannDelta; Tanya Watkins, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Social Responsibility & Strategic Engagement at the OCS; and Trina Fraser, Partner at Brazeau Seller Law. These trailblazers shared insights, inspirations and candid reflections on their journeys to leadership roles within the cannabis industry. Their stories illuminated the path for aspiring women, showcasing resilience and determination.

Statistics showcased during Radicle Femmes underscored the disparities plaguing the North American cannabis industry and beyond. Stats Canada reports that women-owned businesses represent only 17.7% of all private sector businesses in Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic also disproportionately impacted US women-owned businesses, with a 25% drop in activity from February to April 2020. This is similarly evidenced by a decline in the percentage of women holding executive roles in the cannabis industry in early 2021 following a temporary spike in 2019, MJBizDaily reports.

However, there’s room for optimism as an article by Forbes reveals that women-owned businesses generate higher revenues than their male counterparts, and the average return on investment for women-owned companies was double than that of men-owned businesses studied. Women founders build businesses that generate higher revenues, create higher job growth, and overall, execute better. Women-owned businesses also play a critical role in advancing gender equality within the workforce, as Stats Canada reports that women tend to hire and promote more women.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

In another enlightening panel, “Compliant Marketing and Brand Building,” industry-leading marketers and influencers delved into the nuances of building brands within cannabis’ complex regulatory landscape. Ex-

perts like Abi Roach, Strategic Advisor of DOPE BRANDS Consulting; Allison Disney, U.S. Agency Lead at Sister Merci; Anna Li, also known as The Cannabinista, Cannabis Educator and Content Creator; and Katie Pringle, CEO and Co-founder of Marigold PR provided practical advice, emphasizing the importance of innovation, authenticity and audience engagement in fostering brand success.

Despite the strict limitations imposed by legislation like The Cannabis Act, there are avenues for creativity and differentiation. Investing in brand-building efforts alongside traditional marketing is paramount in today’s competitive landscape. Crafting a distinct brand identity and understanding your target audience is crucial for tailoring messaging and experiences that resonate deeply. Leveraging storytelling to communicate your brand’s values and mission can create meaningful connections and develop a visually captivating identity that helps to capture attention and stand out amidst the competition. Above all, maintaining authenticity in all interactions is key to building long-lasting relationships with your target audience. By adhering to these principles and continuously innovating, the cannabis industry can successfully navigate regulatory challenges while building strong and enduring brands.

CHARTING THE PATH TO FUNDING

Radicle Femmes’ “Pathway to Funding Discussion,” led by Jordan Tritt of The Panther Group, addressed the challenges and opportunities for securing funding in the cannabis space. The amount of money needed as a business that touches the plant can easily surpass six figures and the network of investors whether it’s high-

“

“ Statistics showcased during Radicle Femmes underscored the disparities plaguing the North American cannabis industry and beyond. Stats Canada reports that women-owned businesses represent only 17.7% of all private sector businesses in Canada.

net-worth individuals or capital firms can be difficult for women to tap into. In a 2022 interview with Yahoo Finance, Wana Brands CEO Nancy Whiteman shared, “When women in the industry raise capital, their valuations can be 30% to 40% less than similar men-led companies.” This discussion at Radicle Femmes provided insights into navigating investment landscapes, highlighting the need for equitable access to capital.

AMPLIFYING WOMEN’S VOICES

Beyond the enriching discussions, Radicle Femmes offered attendees a platform for meaningful connections and collaborations. The networking luncheon provided a relaxed environ-

ment for forging alliances, sharing experiences and amplifying the collective voice of women in cannabis. It was within these interactions that the true essence of Radicle Femmes—a celebration of solidarity and shared ambition—came to life. From expressions of gratitude to reflections on newfound inspiration, attendees hailed Radicle Femmes as an experience that ignited a sense of purpose within the cannabis community.

PAVING THE WAY FORWARD

Yet, the journey towards true gender equality is far from over. It requires collective action, allyship and unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive and lead. Investing in women is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic one for accelerating progress in any industry. By amplifying the voices of women and advocating for greater inclusivity and support, Radicle Femmes contributed to fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for women in cannabis.

The inaugural Radicle Femmes was more than just an event; it was a movement—a movement to empower, celebrate and advance women in weed. Through insightful discussions, inspiring speakers and a commitment to driving positive change, Radicle Femmes provided a renewed sense of purpose and determination to shape a brighter future for women in cannabis.

Katie Pringle is the Co-founder of Marigold PR.

Ontario Quebec

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation into illicit cannabis has caused the closure of seven illegal storefronts in southern Ontario, seizing an estimated $600,000 in illicit cannabis, including edibles and vape pens in addition to some psilocybin. An OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PFCET) executed nine search warrants in Barrie, St. Catharines, Vaughan, Toronto and Brampton, including a residence in Toronto and a suspect’s vehicle.

The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) reported comprehensive income of $33 million for the third quarter of its 2023-2024 fiscal year, which ended December 30, 2023, including $61.4 million in consumer and excise taxes. The SQDC’s overall sales for the quarter reached $201.6 million, a 7.6% increase over the same fiscal period. A total of 37,215 kg of cannabis was legally sold during the quarter. The store network sold 34,858 kg of cannabis for a total of $189.3 million. Online sales reached 2,357 kg of cannabis for a total of $12.3 million. The number of transactions completed during the quarter rose to 4.9 million. Net expenses amounted to $33.4 million or 16.6% of sales. The SQDC currently has 98 stores, compared with 92 at the end of the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year.

High Tide Inc. announced that, through its wholly owned subsidiary Valiant Distribution Canada, it has signed an agreement with the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) through which it will be a distributor of cannabis products to cannabis retailers in Manitoba. Through this agreement, Valiant will be able to warehouse products in the province from licensed producers and distribute these products to licensed retailers while being responsible for inventory management, and tracking.

Manitoba Saskatchewan

Alberta

Alberta’s cannabis distribution agency posted its first year of profits for fiscal year 2022-2023, bringing in more than $18 million from more than $600 million in sales after its operating expenses and costs. The cost for the AGLC to bring in $618.9 million in sales from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, was $558.5 million, leaving the agency with $60.4 million in net revenue. Operating expenses for AGLC’s cannabis operations took away another $49.3 million of that, leaving it with a net income of a little more than $18 million. This is nearly three times as much as the $7 million forecasted in the province’s 2022-2023 budget. The province also brought in $164 million in cannabis tax.

Saskatchewan initiated a new Provincial Drug Alert System in January, aimed to enable the Ministry of Health to improve coordination of the issuance of drug alerts and assist partner organizations with monitoring the toxicity of illicit drugs across Saskatchewan. As part of the initiative, drug alerts will be issued via text, email, and through the Alertable app, in addition to alerts currently posted by partner organizations at locations where services are provided.

British Columbia

British Columbia is allowing certain license holders to promote outdoor cannabis consumption areas in a bid to improve hospitality and tourism business opportunities for the industry. Additionally, the province announced this week that smoking and vaping recreational cannabis on public patios is now allowed where tobacco use is already permitted, the notice says. However, cannabis consumption is still not allowed inside stores, and licensees are required to ensure any consumption near their store is not within their establishment. This change applies to Cannabis Retail Store licensees and Producer Retail Store licensees.

Prince Edward Island

In late January PEI Cannabis opened a new store in Stratford on Monday, January 22. The store is located on 9 Kinlock Road, Unit 310.

According to its recently released 2023 Annual Report, PEI Cannabis total net revenue sales were $22,500,680 which comprised 95.7% of its 2023-2024 target. Dried cannabis equivalent sales amounted to 4,094 kilograms. Of the total sales sold for the year, 49.83% represented dried flower, 23.7% pre-rolls, 9.5% concentrates, 4.8% edibles, and 1.5% beverages with the remaining amount for accessories, topicals, seeds and others.

Newfoundland & Labrador

According to a report in Stratcann on the number of Canadian cannabis licenses, Newfoundland had the least number of producers on a percapita basis, with one for every 77,000 residents, followed by Manitoba with one for every 64,000 residents, and Ontario with one for every 55,000 residents. With 951 federal licences and a population of nearly 40.5 million, Canada has approximately one licence for every 43,000 residents.

Nova Scotia

The NSLC released its third-quarter financial results (October 2, 2023 – December 31, 2023), reporting a 1.5% increase in earnings to $80.0 million. Total sales for the quarter were up 1.8% to $232.2 million, with an increase in both beverage alcohol and cannabis; this included a 12.0% increase in cannabis sales to $30.9 million. Retail customer transactions for cannabis increased by 14.5% and the average dollar value of each transaction decreased by 2.2% to $37.54. The average price per gram for cannabis decreased by 4.3% to $5.96.

New Brunswick

Cannabis NB released its unaudited (draft) results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2023. Total product sales for the quarter (13 weeks) were $23.9 million, an increase of 10.5% compared to the same period last year (13 weeks). Net income for the quarter was $6.0 million, 26.5% above the prior year’s third quarter net income of $4.8 million. Key product sales trends for the third quarter (October 2nd, 2023 to December 31st, 2023) compared to the third quarter last year were (October 3rd, 2022 to January 1st, 2023): sales of dried flower increased 8.2%, up $0.9 million, extracts sales decreased 20.7%, down $0.2 million, sales of accessories decreased 4.8%, down $43.1 thousand, sales of edibles increased 11.8%, up $0.2 million, sales of infused beverages increased 38.3%, up $0.2 million, sales of topicals increased 30.0%, up $45.2 thousand, and concentrates sales increased 18.1%, up $1.2 million

Yukon / Northwest Territories / Nunavut

The Yukon RCMP announced what it is calling the biggest cocaine seizure to date in the Territory’s history, following the execution of search warrants at two residences in Dawson City on March 6. Two men have been arrested and are facing charges related to the investigation, Taylor Duke, and Tyler Taylor. Both men were previously known to police and are both facing a string of charges related to last year’s Project Monterey investigations. Yukon RCMP’s Superintendent Scott Sheppard confirmed this recent investigation stems from details uncovered by the Crime Reduction Unit during last year’s execution of Project Monterey.

/ The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) released its fourth-quarter report for 2023 sales. NTLCC sells cannabis to consumers directly through three NWT liquor stores, and indirectly through three private stores and one online private store. Total cannabis sales amounted to Q3 sales of M$2.920, with a year-to-date sales of M$6.450.

/ Long debated in municipal chambers, and sometimes at the territorial level, over the past two years has been Rankin Inlet’s beer and wine store, which opened in late 2021. After concerns from the RCMP and support organizations in Rankin Inlet, the municipal council successfully lobbied the territorial government to cut the daily purchase limits in half, to 12 beers per person.

DENIOS Fire Rated storage cabinets provide 90 minutes of fire resistance, making them ideal for safe, secure storage of flammable and combustible liquids. Independently fire tested, FM 6050 approved, and UL and ULC listed, these safety cabinets ensure compliance with the most stringent safety regulations and quality standards for the storage of flammable liquids. They conform to NFPA 30 and NFPA 1 codes, and OSHA standards, and meet the fire testing regulations of EN 14 470-1. In addition to conforming to construction specifications and labeling requirements, they pass rigorous test protocols, including 50,000 wear-free open/ close operations. Available in 25-gallon, 50-gallon, and 75-gallon sizes, DENIOS Fire Rated Safety Cabinets are ideal for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids such as paint and coatings, solvents, and more. Includes leveling feet for alignment Doors are safely lockable with a cylinder lock for extra security. For more info on the DENIOS FM approved fire rated storage cabinets visit https:// bit.ly/DENIOS-Fire-Rated-Cabinets.

Renewable Lubricants patented, ultimately biodegradable BioFood Grade™ Gear Oils perform like synthetics but they are odorless, tasteless, and have a USDA H-1 rating so they are safe for incidental food contact, making them ideal for use in food and beverage processing plants. Available in ISO viscosity grades 32, 46, 68, 100, 150, 220, 320, 460, and 680, they are recommended where DIN 51517 Part 3 or AGMA Mild-EP gear oil specifications are required for lubricating bearings, reduction units, and gear sets. These gear sets do not require Hypoid level of EP and therefore the lubricants most commonly specified by makers of gear reducers are R&O or ashless API GL-3 type antiwear fluids. Bio-Food Grade™ Gear Oils are well suited for gear drives and right-angle gear drives as well as in filling machinery, cartooning, pick-and-place equipment, mixers, and more. For more information on Renewable Lubricants, Inc., contact Benjamin Garmier at (330) 877-9982, or info@RenewableLube.com, or visit www.RenewableLube.com.

Fluence Launches RAPTR and VYPR

Fluence announced its latest lighting solutions LED lighting for food and ornamental growers: RAPTR 2 and VYPR 4. The RAPTR 2’s wide power range (up to 1400 W), multi-channel tunable spectra and up to 5050 μmol/s light output make it the optimal lighting solution for upgrading HPS lights in greenhouse environments. With steerable spectra, including builtin far-red light wireless dimming capability and efficiency up to 4.0 μmol/J, growers can achieve better crop performance and lower operating expenses with the new RAPTR 2. The VYPR 4 has an output of up to 3030 μmol/s and an efficiency of 3.9 μmol/J. The solution also includes dual-channel far-red light spectra as well as Fluence’s extensive PhysioSpec™ spectral array to give growers a variety of lighting strategies. The VYPR 4’s compact design creates as little shading as possible in a greenhouse environment and now offers wide beam optics for optimized light diffusion. To learn more about the RAPTR and VYPR series and to schedule a trial at your facility, visit www.fluence-led. com.

Skytree Stratus’ Direct Air Capture (DAC) Unit

Skytree, a pioneering climate tech company specializing in carbon utilization and removal solutions, announced the availability of Skytree Stratus, the company’s newest decentralized Direct Air Capture (DAC) unit for onsite carbon capture and utilization. The Skytree Stratus unit can generate as much as 2750 lbs. (1250kg) of CO2 per day to meet the needs of large greenhouses and vertical farms. Stratus is Skytree’s second decentralized DAC unit brought to market in the last seven months, following the launch of the smaller scale Skytree Cumulus launched last fall. Cumulus units are currently generating CO2 at CEA facilities around the world including Wageningen University & Research Center in The Netherlands. Through the company’s Uptime Assurance Guarantee program, Skytree guarantees high uptime, monitors, and measures CO2 generation, and conducts all preventive and corrective maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operations. For more information about Skytree Stratus visit www.skytree.eu

DENIOS Fire Rated Safety Cabinets Bio-Food Grade™ Gear Oils