Canadian Cannabis Industry Demands Higher THC Limit for Edibles Amidst Growing Pressure to Outcompete Illicit Market
Pressure is mounting on the Canadian government to revise the current THC limit governing cannabis edibles, as the nation’s major adult-use wholesaler, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), adds its voice to the chorus of industry players advocating for change. In a position paper sent to Health Canada, the OCS calls for a reconsideration of the “unsustainable” environmental impact caused by the cannabis industry, particularly concerning packaging and single-use plastics.
Addressing the THC Edibles Cap
The OCS urges Health Canada to increase the THC edibles cap, currently set at 10 milligrams per package, a level deemed insufficient to effectively compete with the thriving illicit market. To effectively displace illegal alternatives and reduce health risks, the OCS spokesperson proposes raising the limit to 50 milligrams per package or a similar competitive threshold relative to legal and illegal products. Such a move would enable producers to achieve economies of scale, consequently driving down costs.
A Growing Chorus for Change
The OCS’s call for a higher THC edibles cap aligns with other prominent appeals for revision. In May, the federal Competition Bureau issued recommendations urging Health Canada to consider increasing THC limits on cannabis edibles. Furthermore, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in its submission to the Health Canada review panel, proposed raising the THC limit to 100 milligrams per package. The objective is to make the legal industry more competitive with the illicit market and minimize harm to the public.
Public Health and Illicit Market Concerns
Calgary-based cannabis retailer High Tide’s Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Omar Khan, highlights the logical nature of increasing the THC limit in edibles packages. He emphasizes the threat posed by the availability of illegal-market edibles, some containing up to 900 milligrams of THC and packaged in a manner appealing to youth and children. Khan cites a 2022 OCS and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) study, which reveals illegal products containing significantly less THC than advertised and often contaminated with unauthorized pesticides, posing considerable risks to public health.
Packaging and Environmental Impact
Beyond THC limits, the OCS’s position paper addresses the environmental footprint caused by current cannabis packaging rules. The widespread use of single-use plastic containers has led to an “unsustainable” environmental impact. The OCS suggests exploring opportunities to reduce this impact, such as improving recyclability, permitting recycling instructions or symbols on packages, and incentivizing the use of renewable materials in packaging.
Additional Recommendations for Health Canada’s Consideration
In its position paper, the OCS puts forth various other suggestions for Health Canada’s consideration amidst the ongoing review of the country’s legal marijuana framework. These include expanding brand-preference promotions for edible cannabis and cannabis topicals, clarifying the permissibility of online product reviews for legal retailers, adjusting product labeling requirements, changing labeling rules for CBD-dominant products, revising the concentration statement for ingestible cannabis extracts, and establishing national standards for third-party testing.
Conclusion
As the Canadian cannabis industry unites in calling for a higher THC edibles cap, the pressure on Health Canada to address this critical issue grows. Balancing the need for product competitiveness against health risks and the illicit market’s presence is essential for the industry’s sustainable growth. Moreover, finding environmentally responsible solutions for packaging could contribute to reducing the legal industry’s environmental footprint, ensuring a more sustainable and responsible future. The government’s response to these recommendations will significantly shape the trajectory of the Canadian cannabis landscape.
