The Globe interviewed CEOs from four major REC retailers. They reported consumers have “zero brand recognition” and are looking mostly for high-THC flower and convenient prerolls.
- Alberta REC retailer Ryan Roch tweeted “Articles like this show me most retail CEOs have a lack of understanding on the industry […] We easily moved product from slow moving brands when we used traditional strain names and abandoned ‘brand’ names.”
- Roderick C. Elliot, of public policy consultancy Global Public Affairs, noted, “Nobody has a clue about brands unless they are buying stocks.” Twitter
It’s a good time to be an Alberta REC retailer, especially after last week’s report that Calgary now has more REC stores than BC, Ontario, and Quebec combined. For everyone else, it’s more of a challenge.
Cannabis Retailer, MJ Bi
Vancouver Business Brokers, who broker commercial real estate, listed two REC stores on BC’s real-estate Multiple Listings Service, though it is unclear whether the sites are licensed.
Times-Colonist
Cannabis NB is set to pay its board members $50,000 for their service—twice as much as board members receive for sitting on the board of provincial wine and spirits regulator NB Liquor.
Ici Radio Canada—In French, GrowthOp
The supply shortage may be over, but many provincial REC websites are having difficulty keeping their products fully stocked.
Maclean’s
Regina Police raided four unlicensed dispensaries, charging six. In the process, they also raided a cannabis-education business with a sign on its door noting there was no cannabis inside. Owner Kelly Csada was fined $250 for possessing an illicit MED edible, despite informing police she has a prescription. She believes she has the right under the Supreme Court decision R v Smith 2015, which guaranteed access to non-dried forms of edibles. Expect a lawsuit.
Regina Leader-Post, Global News, CBC Saskatchewan, CTV News
