Danielle Kadjo
Posted at 12:07 pm
Alberta's retailers and cannabis growers are preparing to sell edible products, one year after the legalization of the drug in Canada. The only downside is that, between excitement and uncertainty, they do not know what to expect.
Edible cannabis products are legal in Canada as of October 17.
However, they will only be available in stores or online in mid-December, as licensed producers must submit their products to Health Canada for a 60-day review.
A cloud of uncertainty
Health Canada has published the rules surrounding the concentration, packaging and marketing of edible cannabis products. Yet, there is uncertainty among many members of the industry.
The co-owner of the Spiritleaf cannabis store in St. Albert, Jayne Kent, is waiting to receive information to inquire.
Canna Cabana store manager at Parsons Road in Edmonton, Michael LeBlanc, is in the same situation: We are a bit of a gray area.
Despite this uncertainty, the Edmonton-based cannabis company Aurora has been investing in edible products for a year.
General Manager Cam Battley said the company is deploying a wide range of edible products, ranging from vaping products to cannabis-infused beverages.
We expect great consumer interest in new product forms , he said.
Impatient customers
According to Jayne Kent, customers are enthusiastic and ask for more information.
Regardless of the format that edibles will take, it will be crucial to provide accurate information to consumers , she said.
Industry tackles waste
The young cannabis industry in Canada is struggling with the waste it generates through product packaging.
Health Canada's strict rules are designed to keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
At least two companies, Canopy Growth and High Tide, have decided to create their own recycling system, in partnership with the recycling company TerraCycle.
Food products could generate sales of $ 2.7 billion next year, according to the June report by Deloitte professional services firm on the Canadian cannabis industry.
