Unlike other industries that were badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession, hiring in the legal cannabis industry has been booming. Experts attribute the industry’s designation as "essential" at the start of the outbreak as a key reason for the surge. However, challenges still mount. For instance, the industry may be growing exponentially, it is fragmented thanks to the federal illegality. Currently, 36 states (and D.C.) have legal medical marijuana markets while 15 (plus D.C.) permit adult-use.

Even if you tried, you couldn’t have missed out on hearing at least something about the benefits that CBD has to offer. With a rapid industry expansion, there have been many CBD products showing up on the market – from vape juices and edibles to oils and tinctures used to treat different symptoms in patients.

There’s even an FDA approved medication based on CBD, which is a considerable step towards destigmatizing hemp and CBD as a whole. But, what you might have missed is that alongside everything already listed, you can also get hemp flowers that contain high CBD levels even in their raw form.

The cannabis industry has taken investors and producers on quite a ride since it was legalized in Canada in 2018. What exactly does it take to grow this unique crop, and what challenges do licensed producers face in this industry?

Bill MacDonald, professor and coordinator of the Commercial Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College Canada, recently joined Bernard Tobin to talk about his recent presentation at the Ontario Certified Crop Advisors virtual conference last month.

Cannabis Stocks Rally To Begin February

Cannabis employment company Vangst recently released its new “Cannabis Industry Salary Guide” and while some news is encouraging, there is still a long way to go for cannabis companies. On a positive note, job creation is increasing, and more women are employed by cannabis companies.

The time was right for Aurora Cannabis Inc. to strike with yet another bought deal last week. The cannabis company looked to take advantage of a recent run in its stock amid a broad investor move into cannabis at the beginning of the year. 
 
The net result is an additional US$137 million in proceeds to Aurora's balance sheet, albeit with some additional dilution to the company's stock. While some shareholders may be growing tired of Aurora's equity moves, the additional capital will give the company some more flexibility when looking south of the border for additional deals, its chief executive officer told BNN Bloomberg. One analyst estimated the move now gives Aurora roughly $700 million in capital to use for further investment.