Cannabis Industry Continues to Advocate to Raise THC Limits in Edibles

Despite being legal for almost three years now, cannabis edibles are not capturing as much market share as expected, with THC limits hampering the industry according to industry experts, reports StratCann.

The Breakdown

• In Canada, cannabis edibles (except for products categorized as extracts like ingestible oils and capsules) are limited to 10mg of THC per package.
• According to Niel Marotta, president and CEO of edibles manufacturer Indiva, “When you look at the edibles category in Canada over the last two-plus years as a percentage of the entire market it’s only about 5%” where in more mature markets like Colorado, it’s closer to 15%.
• A possible solution being recommended is not necessarily increasing the THC limit in a single serving, but rather the allowed limit per package, with 100mg suggested as the ideal amount.

Our Perspective

Canada took a cautious approach when it legalized cannabis in 2018, and this is especially true for edibles which weren’t available until more than a year after other product categories like dried flower. Cannabis legalization will always be a balancing act between public health concerns, eliminating the illicit market, and creating an economically viable industry. THC limits on edibles present an interesting challenge as the effects of ingesting cannabis are typically much stronger and last significantly longer. With that said, if consumers are aware and properly informed of the potential risks while ingesting high potency edibles, adults should be able to make their own decisions regarding what they choose to consume. Ultimately, we agree that the 10mg limit is hampering the market potential of edibles with many customers unable to justify the high prices for low-dosed edibles, particularly when compared to what’s available on the illicit market.

Industry Insiders Hopeful Cannabis Strategy Table Will Lead to Reforms

The Canadian government announced the cannabis strategy table in its latest budget and MJBizDaily outlined some of the key issues stakeholders are hoping will be addressed.

The Breakdown

• The strategy table comes approximately four years after passage of Canada’s landmark Cannabis Act with an orientation towards fostering economic growth.
• The strategy table has yet to formally launch, and details are minimal, but the announcement was considered by many to be a good first step and will be the responsibility of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
• The primary issues the industry is hoping to be addressed include excise tax, THC limits on edibles, job creation programs as well as marketing and advertising restrictions.

Our Perspective

It’s great to see the cannabis industry finally get some recognition by the government and the important contribution that it makes to economic growth. Although this is a positive sign, the cannabis industry is struggling right now and is in desperate need of policy reform sooner, rather than later.

CSSDP Releases Sensible Education Booklets for Youth

The Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP), as part of their Get Sensible cannabis education campaign, released three booklets that can be downloaded for free, which are aimed at providing evidence-based cannabis education for young people and adults.

The Breakdown

• The Get Sensible Campaign is funded by Health Canada and focused on three core elements.
• Guiding Principles for Cannabis Education which is directed towards parents and educators.
• Cannabis 101 and Harm Reduction, which focuses on tangible harm reduction tools.
• Cannabis in Context, which includes an updated review of the health literature and a legislative overview.
• Get Sensible also launched a YouTube channel to provide additional avenues of engagement, which features their expert video series discussing key issues relating to youth cannabis use and legalization.

Our Perspective

This is a very important initiative, and we commend CSSDP for putting together this comprehensive campaign geared towards pushing forward a fresh approach to cannabis education that is desperately needed. These booklets are informative, fun, and engaging. As mentioned previously in Rotation Vol. 12, the “just say no” approach clearly hasn’t been effective and the diverse and inclusive approach being taken by CSSDP is a breath of fresh air.