News

Quick Hits: Cannabis news in brief

Published on October 3, 2025 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed

Cannabis news in brief: Weed OK at Calgary events; Canopy can’t get quorum; Trump supports CBD; Tilray goes craft; MTL raises millions

Calgary approves cannabis at special events

Calgary has amended its business licence bylaw to allow cannabis pop-ups at all-ages events.

The new law aligns with provincial rules that allow cannabis stores to operate at special events, as long as they’re in separated adult-only areas — like a beer garden.

“This amendment reflects recent updates to AGLC’s Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, which began allowing cannabis sales at all-ages entertainment events in July 2025,” a city news release explained. “It builds on council’s earlier decision in May to permit cannabis sales at adult-only (18+) events.”

Retailers must apply to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis for a temporary licence.

Canopy Growth meeting comes up short

Canopy Growth was forced to adjourn and reschedule its annual general meeting when it couldn’t get a quorum.

The meeting was scheduled for Sept. 26. People could attend in person and by webcast. It was called to order and then adjourned. It has been rescheduled for Oct. 10.

The company appeared to be worried about the turnout. On Sept. 19, the Ontario-headquartered cannabis producer issued a news release urging shareholders to attend.

Holders or proxies of one-third of the company’s shares must turn out — a requirement of the company’s NASDAQ listing.

Shareholders were being encouraged to vote in favour of a company-favoured slate of directors and on resolutions related to share distribution and executive pay.

Trump offers support for CBD

Canadian-American cannabis giant Tilray is cheering one of Donald Trump’s latest social media posts.

Trump touted the health benefits of hemp-derived CBD on his Truth Social website.

Cannabidiol (CBD) could “revolutionize senior healthcare,” he said on Sunday, as reported by Reuters.

Shares in cannabis companies, including Tilray, jumped after the post, Reuters said.

Trump has said he is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

In a statement posted online, Tilray CEO Irwin D. Simon said Trump’s comments mark “an important moment in the national conversation regarding healthcare innovation. At Tilray, we view this as a call to lead with science, responsibility, and a commitment to public health.

“Tilray is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation,” Simon continued. “Tilray is at the forefront of medical cannabis innovation, having delivered pharmaceutical-grade cannabis medicines to patients in over 20 countries.”

Reuters reported shares in Canopy Growth, Cronos and Aurora also climbed on the news.

“This moment demands action from industry, policymakers, and the medical community alike. Together, we can deliver on the promise of cannabis for senior healthcare – safely, responsibly, and at scale,” Simon concluded.

New BC craft bud launched

Tilray’s Broken Coast craft division is launching a new BC bud.

BC Selects is “a new limited-edition line of premium cannabis flower,” Tilray said in a news release.

The first releases will be Sprits 26, a 3.5-gram flower featuring features 28-34% THC and 2-5% terpene content, and Blue Dream pre-rolls.

The Nanaimo craft producer will provide consumers “with access to small-batch, non-irradiated flower selected for their exceptional qualities … Each release in this series will be exclusive and limited,” the company said in a news release.

Canopy Growth paying off loans early

Canopy Growth is paying off some debts early.

The Smiths Falls, Ont-based cannabis grower paid out $25 million on July 31. The company plans to pay back $25 million more by March 31, under an agreement with its lenders

The payments will save the company $4 million in interest payments, newly appointed chief financial officer Tom Stewart said in a news release.

Aurora upgrades German facility

Edmonton-based Aurora Cannabis is upgrading a manufacturing facility in Leuna, Germany. The company announced a five-year investment in a news release.

“These improvements will increase flower growth capacity, product quality and drive cost efficiency,” the release said.

Upgrades include building additional grow rooms, new irrigation and lighting systems in existing rooms, and transitioning to hang dry and dry trim.

It’s one of only three licensed cultivation facilities in the country, Aurora said. Cannabis produced there is sold under the IndiMed brand.

MTL Cannabis raises $2M

MTL Cannabis raised $2 million in a new share offering.

Technically, the company was offering “units.” Each unit consisted of one share and half of a common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles a holder to acquire one common share at a price of 98 cents for a period of three years.

The company intends to use the net proceeds for capital expenditures, brand-awareness initiatives and marketing activities, a news release said.

The company paid a cash commission of $143,233.95. Company “insiders,” as well as the public, were allowed to buy the units, the news release said.