Ottawa looks to limit THC concentration in cannabis edibles

Canada is finally getting a glimpse into what the market for pot edibles will look like. Health Canada released its proposed regulations on how marijuana edibles and extracts will be sold in the country Thursday, which include a hard limit on the amount of THC that the products can contain, strict controls on the production of food and edible cannabis in the same facility, as well as plain packaging restrictions on edibles and extracts. Health Canada said edibles will be permitted for sale in Canada no later than Oct. 17, 2019, one year to the day since recreational cannabis became legal.

Opt-outs could make Ontario ‘one of biggest black markets in the world’

With a Jan. 22 deadline looming to opt-out of hosting private cannabis retailers, Ontario municipalities might want to consider that rejecting the stores could actually be a boon for illegal dealers. Experts told The Canadian Press that having large parts of the province opt-out – combined with the government’s plan to issue 25 retail licenses by lottery for an April launch – will allow the black market to thrive. “When you take (those things) together, it’s possible that despite being legalized, Ontario might become one of the biggest black markets in the world,” Anindya Sen, a University of Waterloo professor, said.

Coffee Time, or Cannabis Time?

At least 10 Coffee Time locations in the country could be converted into cannabis retail stores in Ontario, The Canadian Press reports. Marijuana producer FSD Pharma Inc. says it is investing $1.3 million in Huge Shops, which has the option to acquire at least 10 Coffee Times through the chain’s parent company, Chairman’s Brands. The stores, which would be branded and operated separately from Coffee Time, are contingent on Huge Shops gaining a license from the Ontario government.

Aphria announces letter of intent to expand Argentina presence

Leamington, Ont.-based Aphria’s subsidiary ABP has signed a letter of intent with Agentina’s Cannava to expand its operations into the country’s Jujuy province. Under the terms of the deal, ABP will establish a facility for cultivating and processing marijuana, as well as producing cannabis derivative products including oil and other extractables. In Latin America, Aphria also has a presence in Colombia and the producer also signed a medical marijuana supply deal with Paraguay’s Insumos Medicos last week.