A newly-formed cannabis drinks association in Canada has called on the country’s health authorities to allow mixed manufacturing facilities for cannabis edibles when they are legalized later this year.
Health Canada is currently working on regulations governing cannabis edibles, which are set to go on sale to consumers from this autumn. Companies expect to be informed of the regulations in late-Summer.
Earlier today, the Cannabis Beverage Producers Alliance, a new trade group set up by ten Canadian cannabis companies, said Health Canada should look to support the country’s “newest growth industry”. First in a list of demands is for the regulations to be adapted so that companies can invest in technology and talent instead of being compelled to develop separate manufacturing facilities for cannabis-infused beverages.
In Health Canada’s draught regulations, cannabis edibles must be made in a separate building or site to other edibles.
The CBPA said other tweaks to the draught regulations would greatly assist producers, including allowing packaging formats such as wine bottles to be used for cannabis drinks. It also called on Health Canada to allow beverage alcohol branding regulations to encourage the inclusion of “socially-responsible and recognised companies” while keeping out illicit market products.
The draught regulations stipulate that cannabis products cannot carry any elements associated with alcoholic beverages.
CBPA members include Hill Street Beverage Company, Lifford Cannabis Solutions and Province Brands of Canada. The association is headed by Darrell Dexter, a former premier of Nova Scotia.
Source: Just drinks
