Unpaid cannabis tax in Canada balloons to almost CA$200 million
Federally licensed cannabis producers owed the Canada Revenue Agency 192.7 million Canadian dollars ($145 million) as of March 31, 2023, a more than threefold increase over the 2021-22 fiscal year’s CA$52.4 million, reports MJ Biz Daily.
Against this backdrop, the publication notes that the Canada Revenue Agency has been increasing the pressure on producers with outstanding payments.
“Government has acknowledged the need for ‘recalibration’ as early as 18 months ago, but continued inaction has pushed the entire industry, especially small business, to a critical breaking point,” Dan Sutton, CEO of British Columbia-based cannabis producer Tantalus Labs told the publication.
US developer completes first phase of 3.6 MW cannabis grower’s solar farm
PV Magazine reports that ESA Solar has announced the completion of the first 1.2 MW phase of a 3.6 MW ground-mounted solar project for an indoor cannabis growing operation.
The publication highlights that cannabis production represents more than 1% of US electricity demand, presenting an opportunity for renewable energy adoption and that the solar farm project is part of ESA’s ongoing expansion efforts to provide pathways to decarbonization for companies and communities in new markets and regions, including recreational cannabis.
On-site solar systems can reduce costs for growing operations, as electricity can add up to 30% to 50% of the cost of cannabis production.
Nevada legislature tells congress to legalize cannabis through newly passed resolution
The legislation states that cannabis has “many well documented medical uses,” yet remains a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), “alongside heroin”, reports Marijuana Moment.
The resolution notes that:
- Nevada voters have approved ballot initiatives to legalize medical and recreational marijuana.
- A state district court ruled last year that the state Board of Pharmacy’s designation of cannabis as a Schedule I substance is unconstitutional.
- Because of the federal classification of marijuana, patients are “unable to receive medical insurance prescription health coverage” for cannabis, and they’re also not covered under health savings accounts.
- There is a lack of access to banking services that forces many licensed businesses to operate on a cash-only basis that makes them targets of crime.
“Marijuana does not belong in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a classification intended for exceptionally dangerous substances with high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use,” the resolution says.
