Cannabis Weekly Round-Up: Canadian Competition Bureau Calls for Industry Changes

Competition watchdog shares Canadian cannabis recommendations

As part of a review of Canada's Cannabis Act, the Canadian Competition Bureau has prepared a report on what can be done to improve the market. Released on Friday (May 26), it makes several key points.

The leading recommendations from the report include adjusting current THC limits for edible products in order to “allow legal cannabis producers to meet consumer demand and better compete with the illicit market.”

Additionally, the bureau asks for a reconsideration of the current promotional rules attached to the cannabis market.

The agency believes these changes could “help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and to provide cannabis producers with more flexibility to compete and innovate.”

Although the recommendations carry weight based on where they come from, the bureau has warned that its suggestions may not translate into rule changes. “The Bureau recognizes that these recommendations must be carefully balanced with other important public policy goals, including public health and safety,” it explains.

The bureau prepared the report for Health Canada and an expert panel that is reviewing the Cannabis Act.

“Government policy is central to driving competition, and it is important to identify competition issues at an early stage in policy development,” the bureau states in its full report.

Cresco Labs shares rise on release of financial results

Shares of Cresco Labs (CSE:CL,OTCQX:CRLBF) jumped up this past trading week based on its recent financial results.

The company reported a net loss of US$28 million, in addition to posting a Q1 revenue line of US$194 million. This revenue figure represents a 3 percent decline from the previous quarter.

“We are investing wisely and rationalizing and optimizing everything we do to generate profitable revenue expansion, drive healthy margins, generate more cash and strengthen our balance sheet,” Charles Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs, said.

The company touted its leading position in the Illinois, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts markets.

Since releasing the financial report, shares of the multi-state operator have jumped approximately 14 percent.

As of Friday (May 26) at 10:52 a.m. EDT, the company was up to a price point of US$2.45 per share, representing a 19.51 percent uptick over the past five trading days.

Cannabis company news

• Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:TLRY,TSX:TLRY)confirmed a C$150 million offering with a 30 day option for the underwriters to acquire an additional C$22.5 million. The deal will close on May 31.

• HEXO (NASDAQ:HEXO,TSX:HEXO)shared the findings of an independent report, recommending that shareholders vote in support of an arrangement agreement it has with Tilray Brands.

• Acreage Holdings (CSE:ACRG.A.U,OTCQX:ACRHF)issued its Q1 financial report, posting a revenue line of US$56 million. “Notably, during the quarter, we received shareholder approval for our strategic arrangement with Canopy and Canopy USA, bringing us one step closer to satisfying what is required to close the transaction,” Peter Caldini, CEO of Acreage, said.

• Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CGC,TSX:WEED)filed a revised proxy statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding its US expansion plans through Canopy USA. “In order to ensure continued compliance with NASDAQ's listing rules, Canopy Growth has modified the structure of the Company's interest in Canopy USA such that it will not be required to consolidate the financial results of Canopy USA with the Company's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States,” the company said.