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Organigram Files Judicial Review of Health Canada’s Extract-Edible Decision – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2023

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Organigram has launched a judicial review of Health Canada‘s extract-edible decision. On March 31st, 2023, the licensed producer filed a notice of application with the Federal Court of Canada for Judicial Review.

As a spokesperson for Organigram told CLN, “We remain of the view that the patent pending products are properly classified as cannabis extracts and compliant with the Cannabis Regulations.”

Organigram Files Judicial Review

Earlier this year, Health Canada caught the already fledgling Canadian cannabis industry by surprise when they announced certain products were dangerous.

Although “dangerous” wasn’t a word they used, we must infer it from their alleged commitment to public health and safety.

Suppose Organigram’s Edison Jolts are actually “edible cannabis products erroneously being classified and marketed as cannabis extract products,” as Health Canada told CLN. In that case, there is a clear and present danger to Canadian cannabis consumers.

Except, there isn’t.

Whether something is a “chewable extract” or an “edible” is irrelevant. Consumers bought Edison Jolts based on THC content, price, and availability. The only “public health and public safety risks” are the fantasies conjured by federal bureaucrats.

Organigram told CLN they launched Edison Jolts after “significant research, development and regulatory work.”

While the LP couldn’t provide additional details, there must be enough to warrant a Judicial Review in Federal Court, which is now underway.

What is a Judicial Review?

Some bureaucrats, like those in the Canadian territory of the Yukon, believe they are above the law. That trained legal professionals should defer their expertise to government midwits.

But centuries of legal tradition beg to differ.

The Notice of Application that Organigram filed sets the grounds for the legal challenge. It likely outlines Health Canada’s alleged errors while requesting the Federal Court to review the decision and reconsider the ordinance.

Judicial review is a power the Federal Court has to review (and disregard if necessary) the various rules and regulations of regulatory bodies, tribunals, and government departments.

The idea behind a judicial review is to ensure these agencies act within the confines of their authority, procedural fairness, and the rule of law.

And indeed, if the Federal Court’s Judicial Review agrees with Organigram, it wouldn’t be the first time Health Canada overstepped their legal bounds.

For example, Health Canada approved dangerous pesticides for use in food production. An advocacy group challenged them, and the Federal Court agreed. Health Canada needs to reconsider their decision.

Or consider a pharmaceutical for a rare genetic disorder. Health Canada said it was good to go. The Federal Court said, you better check again.

Federal Court documents are public (unless there’s a Confidentiality Order). Because of this, Canadians could see how the Trudeau government based its covid travel restrictions on politics rather than science.

While monopolistic courts of ultimate-decision making aren’t immune from criticism, they retain a powerful balance against the petty tyranny of Western bureaucrats and politicians. Organigram having to file a judicial review over cannabis products people are voluntarily buying is a perfect example.

Do We Need Health Canada?

Organigram is filing a request for judicial review concerning Health Canada’s extract-edible decision.

Which begs the question: do we even need Health Canada?

The famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.”

And that’s undoubtedly true in cannabis, where the people who once threw you in a cage for it are now profiting from it and helping write the rules.

But the cannabis industry – or any industry, for that matter – doesn’t require these large, extensive bureaucracies. We already have laws on the books to regulate goods and services.

Tort and criminal law provide security, while contract, property, and commercial law facilitate cooperation and exchange. Politicians don’t need to get involved.

We need rules and regulations to live together peacefully. But with the freedom to fail, succeed, take risks, and act on opportunities.

The Western legal tradition of common law promotes rules and regulations that minimally infringe on civil and economic liberties.

The rules and regulations created and imposed by the centralized state allow specific individuals to exercise political power over others. It masks the exploitative actions of Health Canada under the guise of “public health and safety.”

But as Organigram is finding out, Health Canada’s definition of words changes depending on how they feel.

A better system would place accreditation and regulatory agencies in a free market where a third party guarantees your cannabis. And where that third party’s reputation relies on approving quality.

Health Canada approved a dangerous pesticide for use on food crops. The decision required a federal judge to intervene. If Health Canada was a private accreditation company, given this history, would you trust them with regulating cannabis?

If there’s any lesson in Organigram filing for a judicial review, it’s this.

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“A big deal”: What the feds’ move to reclassify marijuana means for Colorado cannabis

Published

6 days ago

May 1, 2024

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Cannabis advocates in Colorado cheered the Biden Administration’s reported move to reclassify marijuana and said the decision likely would reduce businesses’ tax burden significantly.

Industry leaders cautioned that such a move — if finalized — would not resolve some major challenges facing the industry, such as limited access to banking. But they pointed to the symbolic importance of preparations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to downgrade the substance’s drug classification.

A man pours cannabis into rolling papers as he prepares to roll a joint the Mile High 420 Festival in Civic Center Park in Denver, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt/Special to The Denver Post)

Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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Astronauts to Test Cannabis Growth in Outer Space

Published

1 month ago

April 1, 2024

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NASA‘s recent collaboration with the International Space Research Consortium to launch a mission testing the cultivation of cannabis in the microgravity of space has stirred a whirlwind of interest and controversy across the globe. This initiative aims to unravel the mysteries of how low-gravity environments affect plant growth, with cannabis serving as the pioneering subject. According to Dr. Alfred Terra, the esteemed lead scientist spearheading the project, the conditions in space present an “unparalleled opportunity” to push the boundaries of our understanding of botany and its applications in medicine and agriculture beyond Earth’s confines.

This ambitious endeavor aims to shed light on the potential for utilizing space-based agriculture to support long-duration space missions and future colonization efforts on other planets. The choice of cannabis as a research subject is particularly intriguing due to its complex biochemical makeup and its increasing use in medicinal therapies on Earth. Insights gained from how cannabis adapts to space’s harsh environment could lead to breakthroughs in growing food and medicinal plants in extraterrestrial colonies.

Despite the scientific excitement surrounding the mission, the announcement has been met with its share of skepticism and criticism. Some members of the scientific community and the general public question the allocation of resources toward cannabis research in space, arguing that more pressing scientific and exploratory questions merit attention aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These critics call for a focus on projects that directly contribute to our understanding of space travel’s impacts on human physiology or further our knowledge of the cosmos.

However, the space agencies involved have been quick to highlight the broader implications of this research. They argue that studying cannabis growth in microgravity could offer invaluable insights into plant biology, stress responses, and the possibility of cultivating a variety of crops in space, which are crucial for the long-term sustainability of space exploration and eventual human settlement on other planetary bodies.

Amidst the debates over the mission’s merits and the speculation spurred by its announcement date—April 1st—lies a deeper curiosity about the future of space exploration and the role of innovative agricultural research in that journey. The timing has led some to question the announcement’s authenticity, pondering whether it could be an elaborate April Fool’s Day jest aimed at sparking discussion or simply a coincidence that has amplified the public’s fascination with the project.

Whether viewed as a bold step into the future of space agriculture or a controversial choice of research focus, the mission symbolizes a growing intersection between space exploration and the quest to understand and utilize biological processes in unprecedented environments. As the launch date approaches and preparations continue, the world watches, eager to see what insights this venture might unfold about cannabis, plant science, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

*** This article is an April Fool’s Day joke ***

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A Hiring Wave on the Horizon

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2024

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The U.S. cannabis industry is on the brink of a significant hiring wave in 2024, spurred by a 12% increase in legal sales in 2023, reaching $29 billion. This growth, alongside potential federal reclassification of cannabis, is expected to create up to 100,000 new jobs, particularly in the retail sector, where 93% of companies plan to expand their workforce. The Vangst 2024 Cannabis Salary Guide highlights an industry ready to bounce back from previous economic stagnation, with a strong emphasis on experience, adaptability, and cultural fit in prospective employees.

The cannabis sector is poised for a massive expansion in employment opportunities in 2024, following a year of economic challenges and layoffs. This optimistic forecast comes from Vangst’s latest industry salary guide, which anticipates a hiring boom driven by increased legal cannabis sales and the potential for federal rescheduling. The anticipated move to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III could significantly reduce tax burdens, increase company valuations, and attract more investors, according to Viridian Capital Advisors.

Retail cannabis companies are at the forefront of this hiring surge, with nearly all surveyed indicating plans to bolster their teams in response to growing demand and market expansion. The focus is not just on filling positions but on finding candidates who can navigate the evolving legal and market landscape, prioritize cultural fit, and possess strong communication skills over traditional qualifications.

Salaries in the cannabis industry have also seen an uptick, with top-end wages growing by 4.7%, outpacing the national non-cannabis average. However, the sector still trails behind others in offering comprehensive benefits packages, a gap that affects employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for health insurance and better work-life balance is clear among job seekers in the cannabis space.

Diversity and inclusion are gaining traction within cannabis company hiring practices, with a significant portion of companies implementing strategies to create a more inclusive workforce. The industry’s employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities highlights its diverse nature, but there remains room for improvement.

Why It Matters: This hiring wave marks a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry, signaling a shift towards recovery and growth after a period of stagnation. It underscores the industry’s resilience and its potential to contribute significantly to the economy through job creation and increased sales.

Potential Implications: The anticipated hiring boom in the cannabis industry could lead to wider acceptance and normalization of cannabis use, further influencing policy changes and societal attitudes. Additionally, the focus on diversity and inclusion could set a precedent for other sectors, promoting a more inclusive workforce across industries.

Source: Green Market Report

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