Petition asks Ottawa to allow more powerful edibles

Canadian cannabis advocates, led by NORML Canada, are urging the federal government to reconsider and significantly raise the current limit of 10 milligrams of THC per edible, cannabis-infused edibles.

A petition, supported by the Canadian Competition Bureau and the Ontario Cannabis Store, aims to raise the THC limit to 100 milligrams per package so that cannabis businesses can effectively compete with the illicit market.

The regulatory context of edibles in Canada

Canada's journey toward the The legalization of cannabis began in 2018, with authorization for the retail sale of cannabis extracts and food products in 2019. Strict regulations have been imposed on the power of edibles, capping the THC content at 10 milligrams per package. By comparison, California, one of the major regulated markets in the United States, allows up to 100 milligrams of THC per package. The call to revise these limits stems from concerns that restrictive regulations may drive consumers toward illegal operators.

Jennawae Cavion, executive director of NORML Canada, argues that the current THC limit on edibles creates a significant disadvantage for licensed companies. In an interview with the National Post, Jennawae Cavion points out that, due to the low power of the edibles, it is difficult for legal retailers to compete with illegal operators.

The petition to raise THC limits is gaining credibility thanks to the support of reputable organizations such as the Canadian Competition Bureau and the’Ontario Cannabis Store. These two organizations have urged Health Canada to reconsider the current THC limits. The Competition Bureau specifically notes that it may not be necessary to restrict THC levels to achieve the government’s objectives, emphasizing the need to maintain a competitive business environment.

Divergent opinions

A group of independent experts, established in 2022, has recently published its first report. This report highlights differing opinions on the THC limit, with some having spoken out against large-scale changes shortly after the regulations were implemented. Critics argue that the 10-milligram limit was set to prevent overconsumption by inexperienced users.

Michael DeVillaer, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at McMaster University, is concerned about the potential public health risks associated with raising THC limits. He urges petitioners to provide market studies demonstrating strong consumer demand for such products.

Patrick Weiler, the Liberal MP sponsoring the petition, emphasizes the need to meet consumer demand for higher THC limits. He believes that raising the THC limit will encourage consumers to choose regulated sources over the illicit market, while by reducing excessive packaging and by ensuring the continued success of cannabis legalization in Canada.

In 2022, Canadian companies had already called on the government to raise the limit to 100 mg of THC per package, but to no avail.