This week in Cannabis: SQDC workers in Montreal vote to strike, new cannabis cigarettes could come to market, and Health Canada considers a new over-the-counter category for legal CBD products.
We’ve rounded up this week’s top stories from across Canada
Unionized workers at one of Montreal’s Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC) locations have voted for a strike mandate, demanding wages and benefits similar to those given to Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) employees.
As it stands, SQDC workers are paid $14 per hour, just above Quebec’s $12.50 minimum wage requirement. Representatives of the 21 SQDC workers believe employees carry more responsibility than those working in other retail arenas, needing specialized training courses and rather extensive cannabis knowledge.
Licensed producer THC BioMed is hoping to bring pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes—beige filter tip included—to the Canadian market. The company plans on bringing their product to the medical community first and believes their CBD offering specifically can be a transitional option for those looking to quit tobacco.
“I am predicting consumers will gravitate towards this finished type of product and the old way of rolling joints will be something of the past,” said John Miller in the press release, president and CEO of THC BioMed.
In last week’s regulations announcement, Health Canada told media they were “committed to conducting further consultations on the precise question of CBD as a Natural Health Product (NHP).”
Health Canada is instead considering placing CBD into a Cannabis Health Product (CHP) category, which would change its regulatory distinction and allow non-intoxicating CBD products to be sold over-the-counter at pharmacies, health-food stores, and even pet stores.
With files from Jesse B. Staniforth and Harrison Jordan.
To Do List
HempFest Cannabis Expo Saskatoon
SASKATOON, SK: This weekend, check out the Saskatoon stop of HempFest’s premiere cannabis exhibition, featuring experts that span both the hemp and cannabis industries. Get the latest on licensed production, growing, retail, wellness, and more!
Higher Learning: Cooking With Cannabis
WINNIPEG, MB: On June 26, join Tokyo Smoke at their Osborne Village location for a cooking class—but make it about infusion! Go in-depth with local chef and educator Andrew Koropatnick from The Roost and Black Tree Winnipeg and practice your skills with oils and fresh herbs, before you go home and try with the real thing.
Craft Beer Fest with Hotbox Cafe
TORONTO, ON: Ring in the summer season at Toronto’s Craft Beer Festival. And for the first year ever, you can enjoy cannabis on-site within Hot Box Cafe’s POTio. Taste amazing eats and treats from local breweries and cider-makers, listen to live music, and soak in the sun!
