Canadian Cannabis Wholesaler Urges Government to Reconsider THC Limits and Environmental Impact

TORONTO — The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), Canada’s largest adult-use wholesaler, has issued a position paper to Health Canada, urging the agency to reconsider the current THC limit governing cannabis edibles and to address the industry’s environmental impact, particularly concerning packaging and single-use plastics.

THC Limit Controversy

The current cap on THC in cannabis edibles is set at 10 milligrams per package, a level that critics argue is insufficient to compete with the illicit market. The OCS has joined a growing number of voices calling for an increase in this limit.

“Were Health Canada to increase the current limit – (for example) from 10 milligrams to 50 milligrams per package – a low THC limit for edible cannabis could be maintained relative to other legal product classes and illegal products, while offering products that compete with illegal alternatives, reducing health risks associated with their use,” an OCS spokesperson explained.

The call for change is not isolated. In May, the federal Competition Bureau released recommendations for increasing THC limits on cannabis edibles. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also suggested a limit of 100 milligrams per package to make the legal industry more competitive.

Omar Khan, chief communications and public affairs officer for Calgary-based cannabis retailer High Tide, sees the increase as a logical step. He cited a 2022 study by the OCS and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) that found illegal products often contained less THC than advertised and unauthorized pesticides, posing a significant public health risk.

Environmental Concerns

The OCS’s position paper also highlights the cannabis industry’s “unsustainable” environmental footprint, particularly regarding packaging. Most cannabis products are packaged using single-use plastic containers, many of which are not recycled.

The OCS has recommended that Health Canada consider measures to improve recyclability, permit recycling instructions on packages, and create financial incentives for using renewable materials.

“The OCS is recommending Health Canada leverage the legislative review process to align its packaging requirements with the federal government’s broader mandate to implement a national ban on harmful single-use plastics and achieve zero plastic waste by 2030,” the spokesperson said.

Other Recommendations

The OCS’s paper, titled “Opportunities to Improve the Canadian Federal Cannabis Framework,” also includes suggestions for expanding brand-preference promotions, clarifying online product review rules, adjusting labeling requirements, and establishing national standards for third-party testing.

The recommendations come as part of Health Canada’s ongoing review of the country’s legal cannabis framework, with the panel’s final report expected to be delivered to Canada’s health minister in early 2024.

The OCS’s position reflects a broader industry push for regulatory adjustments that balance public health concerns with market competitiveness and environmental responsibility. The Canadian government’s response to these recommendations will be closely watched by stakeholders and could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues in the rapidly evolving cannabis market.