🇨🇦’s cannabis comeback? December sales hit record high

OH, CANADA
Canadian cannabis sales see surprising uptick

Driving the news: Fresh off a win in the 4 Nations Face Off, Canada received some other good news this week — cannabis sales figures for December 2024 were an all-time monthly high. 

A bit deeper: Cannabis sales in Canada, which can now be considered a ‘mature market,’ have been slowing down or heading down for some time, as StratCann showed us in September. But the recent numbers suggest a bit of resiliency in the Canadian market, with sales in December reaching nearly $500 million dollars, up almost $23 million from the previous year.

Why it matters: Canada has been a challenging market for operators. After all the pre-legalization hype, the market rolled out slowly, especially in Ontario, the country’s largest province. But the slight uptick at the end of 2024 is a positive sign for a sector in Canada that hasn’t seen many bright spots of late.

And Germany? And the good news in Canada cannot come soon enough. Just yesterday we wrote about the uncertainty of the cannabis market in Germany — a country where many Canadian cannabis companies are looking for new growth.

The new German Chancellor may look to roll back legalization.

What’s next? As noted, the Canadian cannabis market is a mature one. And with all mature markets, California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon — there are important lessons to learn.

Applying those hard-learned lessons to markets like New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and beyond is a very good idea. Take note.

-JR

Senator John Fetterman called on supporters to fill out a petition to show how broad and deep support for cannabis legalization is among American voters. He sent supporters an email, urging them to sign:

“Most Senators don’t make marijuana justice a top issue. But John has never been ‘most Senators’…However—the issue is clear: 89% of Americans support legal weed in one form or another!...If you’re one of them, then sign on to our petition today, folks! John’s one of the loudest (and tbh, definitely the tallest) voices for legal weed in the Senate, and every signature we get proves just how much support he has on this issue…”

Fetterman has so far not sponsored any legalization legislation as a senator, however.

Check out Fetterman’s website where he lays out his case for cannabis reform. 

Pennsylvania considering novel approach to cannabis 🍻

Daniel J. Mallinson, a cannabis public policy expert, writes in The Conversation on Pennsylvania’s push for legalization, including the unique approach of state-run cannabis shops. Pennsylvania is the next big domino that the industry is looking at.

New Jersey organization promote home grow 🪴

The New Jersey Home Grow Coalition, is pushing the New Jersey legislature to allow for individuals to grow cannabis at home. There is no provision allowing for New Jersey residents to grow cannabis at home — and the issue has received push back in the past from elected officials, including the outgoing governor and some reform-minded legislators.

New York considering new “smell of marijuana” as evidence law 🦨

A new law is being considered that would allow law enforcement to use the smell of cannabis as evidence of cannabis impairment. Some law enforcement officials say they are handcuffed when they encounter a driver they believe to be impaired by cannabis. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management is pushing back. More from WBEN 930 AM.

Ohio women in cannabis in the spotlight 🔦

Public radio in Ohio shed light on leading women in the Ohio cannabis market this week, including Hope Seavers, from A Dose of Hope. Read more from WOSU Public Media. 

Cannabis recruiter Tynan Phelan from White Ash Group shared on LinkedIn that his firm is recruiting for several roles in Canada and the US, including: a CFO in Southern Ontario, growers in British Columbia, two Traveling Production Techs in the Bay Area, a Sales Manager in New Jersey, and a Marketing Director in Montreal.

It’s Time to Rethink Pot Legalization | City Journal (Note: this one might make you angry)

Florida Republican lawmakers are going green for marijuana | WFTV