THE CANNABIS ACT REVIEW || Health Canada has begun consultations for the Cannabis Act review. RCCO was invited to participate at an expert panel roundtable in Toronto last week, which sought input and insight from stakeholders. As per our mandate, RCCO advocated for specific changes that would support the recreational retail cannabis industry becoming stronger and more sustainable:
- Raising the 30g maximum carry limit
- Raising the 10mg/package limit on edibles
- Revise marketing restrictions including removing storefront window coverings
- Public education to understand the benefits of shopping the licensed market
The Cannabis Act review began in September 2022, and the report is to be produced within 18 months – Health Canada’s recommendations should be available March 2024. RCCO will continue to follow up with the Cannabis Act review.
LAWSUIT UPDATES || RCCO has recommended that independent cannabis retailers become party to two lawsuits:
- OCS Data Breach Class Action. This is a substantial case – but it requires a lead plaintiff. There has been overwhelming interest from membership, but without an ROL holder named as lead plaintiff the lawsuit cannot proceed. This may best suit an ROL holder who has closed their location. Please reach out to admin@rccontario.com with interest.
- Class Action complaint that the Federal and Provincial governments have done nothing to stop or curb the illicit market competing with licensed retailers. This lawsuit includes a mandamus application asking the court to force the government to perform a duty (prosecute the illicit stores) which it is bound by law or duty to do.
RCCO recently surveyed membership interest, and the response showed significant support of the lawsuit. As it proceeds RCCO will provide updates.
With this lawsuit, RCCO would like to assure members that there is NO INTENT to pursue legal action against Indigenous businesses, and it is not meant to create criminalization; however, it has been identified that illicit brick-and-mortar locations and websites with delivery are competing with an unreasonable advantage by circumventing licensing. They continue to offer products of questionable health and safety values in addition to contravening the Cannabis Act and should not be allowed to do so with impunity.
