On October 17, 2018, the first legal recreational cannabis in Canada was purchased in Newfoundland and Labrador.
One year later, just over $36-million in legal marijuana—or 3,700 kg—has been sold in this province.
NLC’s Chief Merchandising Officer and Cannabis Lead, Peter Murphy says they’re happy with the numbers as of the end of September. He says it means $36-million has been taken out of the black market.
Murphy says the numbers are a little under where they thought they would be, but that’s due to supply issues that were felt all around the country in the early months.
Many middle-aged or older customers are looking for CBD oil and products, which Murphy says the industry didn’t anticipate.
He says they’ve been pushing their suppliers for a more consistent supply of CBD. They anticipate more suppliers to enter the market soon, especially as “Cannabis 2.0” comes into effect.
As of today there are new regulations in effect for cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals. However, don’t expect to see any of those products on the shelves until mid-December at the earliest.
Under Health Canada regulations, Murphy says suppliers must provide at least 60 days’ written notice when they want to list a new product. He’s certain lots of submissions were filed as soon as the clock rolled over at midnight.
As well, producers must have their licenses upgraded to recognize the creation of edible products—the processing of which begins today.
While products won’t be appearing on shelves until mid-December or early January, Murphy expects it will be a slow roll.
As companies work to launch their new products, he says you’ll see a selection of most types of products—like vaporizers, edibles and some beverages. However he says there’ll be a greater diversity of products as the year moves into February and March.
Read more on the new legislation on the provincial and federal governments‘ websites.
Atlantic Canadians Consuming More Than National Average
One year later, the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council has released its latest report card on the industry.
APEC Senior Policy Analyst Fred Bergman says Atlantic Canadians spent $13.6-million on licensed cannabis in July of 2019, with higher per capita consumption than the national average.
Approximately 31 per cent of Atlantic Canadians reported using licensed and unlicensed cannabis in the second quarter of 2019, compared to 16 per cent nationally. That’s up modestly from the same period in 2018, prior to legalization.
There are 20 licensed producers of cannabis in the Atlantic region, up from seven in September of 2017 prior to legalization.
Bergman says they estimate current production capacity of about 200,000 kg per year with Atlantic producers continuing to invest and ramp up their operations.
St. John’s Store Looks Forward to Future of Product
The owner down at the Natural Vibe in St. John’s says she cannot believe it has been a year since they made the first sale of cannabis in the province.
Megan Kennedy says since opening their doors to cannabis consumers they have been bringing in a new dynamic of people who are helping them expand in many ways.
It’s almost been a year since the first cannabis sales at The Natural Vibe in downtown St. John’s. Owner Megan Kennedy says their sales have been steady from people using cannabis for recreational and health purposes. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/0PbBvhftlB
— Victoria Battcock (@VicBattcockVOCM) October 16, 2019
She says it is interesting because they have customers who come to buy shampoo and then another person coming to buy cannabis.
The store has grown, says Kennedy, but they are operating with a close-knit group of just five employees.
She says they are organized and knowledgeable in healthy alternatives to medications and are looking forward to the upcoming roll-out of cannabis products. The group is looking forward to expanding their take on cannabis products.
She says the roll-out of edibles and topicals is coming down the road and they are excited to see where that goes for the store.
Through Thick and Thin
A local cannabis retailer who has seen his share of ups and downs since last October is planning a little celebration today to mark the year anniversary of legalization.
Thomas Clarke of Portugal Cove-St. Philips says while the last year has been exciting for him, it’s been a struggle.
He says while he’s barely making it financially, he still considers it a success because he’s doing what he loves.
Clarke is categorizing legalization as a “work in progress” and says there’s still a lot that has to happen to make the industry everything it can be.
He gives it a 6 out of 10, and says everyone has to work together to make it a true success.
Among the challenges Clarke has faced has been the difficulty in securing a bank that will deal with his business.