Global Ganja Report

On the first day of legal cannabis in Canada, many suppliers ran out of stock—pointing to challenges in meeting demand. Several provincial governments and private outlets turned to e-commerce company Shopify to help negotiate the initial tsunami of online sales.

Canada's postal unions are contemplating a nationwide walk-out—exactly as legal mail-order cannabis deliveries are set to begin. Talks are ongoing, but if the strike is not averted, cannabis consumers could be left high and dry—especially in those provinces that are relying mostly or entirely on home deliveries.

As legal cannabis finally becomes a reality in Canada, a policy patchwork across the country's provinces and ongoing political tussles have left many confused as to what the new system will actually look like. We break down some of the frequently asked questions. 

A growing number among Canada's First Nations are looking to legal cannabis as a path to economic empowerment. Others are deeply skeptical, recalling the bitter history of substance abuse among Canada's indigenous communities. Yet all seem united in demanding sovereign control on the cannabis question within their own reserves.

A Vancouver police raid on a "harm reduction center" that was selling cannabis products raises uneasy questions about the availability of cannabis in British Columbia when Canadian legalization officially hits in next month. With only one retail outfit likely to be licensed province-wide and authorities pledging a crackdown on the old dispensaries, the ironic reality may be cannabis will initially be harder to get in BC once it is "legal."

Police in Canada are actually anticipating more cannabis-related arrests after legalization, due to expected increases in driving while high and other such offenses. Meanwhile, Trudeau's promised expungement of prior cannabis-related criminal records does not appear to be imminent. And US immigration authorities say they will treat Canadians involved in the legal industry as "traffickers."

In the surest sign yet of synergy between the cannabis and booze industries, one of North America's top brewers just dropped $4 billion into the continent's top legal cannabis cultivator. The move sent the cultirvator's stocks soaring—although not the brewer's.

The main alcohol industry trade association has just signaled its support for cannabis legalization—despite a seeming history of intriguing against it. With a shift in public consciousness and potential for synergy in cannabis-infused wine, beer and cocktails, the booze biz may be adopting an attitude of "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."