The Canadian cannabis industry experienced a dynamic week ending July 5, 2025, marked by significant regulatory consultations, provincial policy shifts, ongoing economic contributions, and notable enforcement actions across the country.
National Regulatory Consultations Advance
A key federal development saw the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) share a summary of the feedback received on its Regulatory Proposal PRO2024-03. This proposal concerns pesticide uses on cannabis and industrial hemp. The agency reported receiving two dozen public comments, indicating active engagement from stakeholders across the sector regarding these crucial agricultural standards.
Provincial Policy Adjustments and Market Dynamics
Provinces continue to refine their approaches to cannabis regulation and distribution. Alberta’s Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) announced its specific rules for cannabis farmgate licensing, creating a pathway for licensed producers to sell products directly to consumers at their cultivation sites. This move is anticipated to diversify retail options and potentially support regional economic development.
Meanwhile, Quebec’s Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), the provincial retailer, announced extended retail hours for its stores, a change aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for consumers.
Further east, Manitoba saw regulatory updates that include an increase in the wholesale markup on cannabis, a measure impacting the financial flow between producers, distributors, and retailers. Additionally, the province is exploring the possibility of removing window-covering requirements for cannabis stores, a potential change that could affect storefront visibility and security protocols.
These Manitoba updates drew comments from industry representatives. Melanie Bekevich of Mistik Cannabis and Brendan Swiridjuk of Blissful Bloom provided their perspectives on the proposed changes, highlighting the potential impacts on their operations. Minister Glen Simard also commented on the regulatory adjustments, underscoring the provincial government’s approach to overseeing the cannabis market.
Economic Footprint and Industry Performance
Economically, cannabis’s contribution to Canada’s GDP continues to increase, signaling the sector’s growing significance within the national economy. This upward trend is reflected in various industry reports and financial results.
StratCann’s Cannabis Jobs Update for July 2025 was released, offering insights into employment trends and opportunities within the evolving cannabis labour market. The report provides valuable data for job seekers and employers navigating the specialized workforce needs of the industry.
In corporate news, financial results were shared by several companies. CanadaBis reported its Q3 2025 financial performance, offering a snapshot of its operational and financial health. Mercanto Holdings also disclosed its financial results, providing market participants with details on its recent performance. Separately, Christina Lake Cannabis announced a delay in filing its 2024 annual financial statements, now expected to be submitted by July 14, 2025.
Enforcement Actions Highlight Regulatory Challenges
The week also saw significant enforcement activity stemming from concerns about the misuse of the legal framework. Health Canada referrals resulted in the seizure of tens of thousands of cannabis plants. These actions were explicitly linked to the “exploitation of the legal framework for profit,” underscoring authorities’ efforts to combat illicit activity masquerading under legal pretences.
Indigenous Governance and Local Bylaws
Demonstrating the role of Indigenous governance in the cannabis sector, the Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan passed its own cannabis bylaws on July 2, 2025. These bylaws are designed to mirror federal regulations, setting limits on public possession at 30g and plant possession at 4 per grower authorized under MMAR, MMPR, or ACMPR. Crucially, the bylaws require band council permission for any cannabis sales or production activities taking place on First Nation territory, asserting local control over industry operations.
Research and International Expansion
Beyond Canada’s borders, the week’s news included developments in international market reach. Cronos Group Inc. is expanding the distribution of its Peace Naturals medical cannabis brand into Switzerland through a partnership with Dascoli Pharma AG. This move highlights Canadian companies’ efforts to access and serve international medical cannabis markets.
Domestically, a study released this week examined the accuracy of cannabis labeling in Colorado, a mature US state market. While not directly concerning Canadian regulations, such research provides valuable comparative insights for understanding quality control and consumer information challenges in regulated cannabis industries globally.
Taken together, the events of the week ending July 5, 2025, illustrate the complex and rapidly evolving nature of Canada’s cannabis sector, characterized by ongoing regulatory refinement, economic expansion, and the persistent challenge of ensuring compliance and combating illegal activity.
