It is a midsummer unlike nearly all others ever. Somewhat distant. Sweltering (at least at BofC headquarters)… but the world keeps moving on.
And it keeps moving on in some fairly negative ways for the Canadian cannabis sector – especially if you are a retailer, a would-be retailer or anyone who has to sell a product to consumers in Ontario. The Province giveth (curbside pick-up and delivery) and the Province will soon taketh (curbside pick-up and delivery). But not without an industry fight.
And, BofC has some exciting upcoming events that will dive deep into topics that are top of mind:
July 29 | Can BC lead Cannabis in Canada again?
presented by ROBIC + hosted by Counsel45 REGISTER
August 7 | So, you want to open a cannabis retail store?
Lunch+Learn featuring CannDelta REGISTER
August 27 | Social Equity in Practice
co-produced by DiversityTalk sponsors include Shopify REGISTER
Learn more and sign up.
The big story of the week was that Ontario is taking away the curbside and delivery options from cannabis retailers. Some coverage: National Post editorial (against the Province’s decision) Global News
If that wasn’t a big enough blow to cannabis retailers and would-be cannabis retailers, Provincial delays are proving to be looong. Toronto Star
And this in the midst of Fire & Flower’s CEO says Canada needs thousands more stores to adequately compete against the legacy/illicit market. BNN Bloomberg
Which brings us to a new industry petition looking to redress the grievance: End OCS Monopoly
But even thousands more stores won’t necessarily help Lift & Co. The Logic does (another) deep dive into the company. The Logic (subscription only)
Remember way back when Second Cup announced they were getting into the cannabis retail game? Well, it’s happening. In Toronto. Financial Post, CP24
On the international front, Israel took over Germany as the largest importer of medical cannabis (flower). MJ Biz Daily And not a moment too soon, as HEXO launches their medical cannabis products into Israel. Newswire
Perhaps others should follow suit – because according to available data – large Canadian producers are sitting on lots of inventory. MJ Biz Daily
Finally, some major movement on the medical cannabis front in Canada. Many of the stalwarts in Canadian society are joining forces to look, track, distribute and understand medical cannabis better. Shoppers Drug Mart and UHN are leading the way. Medical Express, Yahoo News, Chronicle Herald
