Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is closing its research and development center in Quebec City following the announcement of budget cuts by Mark Carney's government. The AQIC joins forces with other players in the agricultural sector to denounce these cuts. This center plays a key role in agri-food innovation and the development of solutions adapted to our environment, at a time when climate stresses are multiplying and intensifying. Beyond the jobs affected, this weakens our strategic research capacity at a time when food security, sovereignty, and the competitiveness of our agriculture depend more than ever on science.

The federal government has just released a new document entitled Information on the Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes (IUCMP). Developed in response to recommendations from the Legislative Review of the Cannabis Act, it aims to provide evidence-based guidance for health professionals and clear, accessible information for the public.

According to a new report from the Global Cannabis Exchange (GCX), the Canadian cannabis market could become more volatile and competitive by 2026. The reasons? Rapid growth in supply, moderating domestic demand, and increasing international competition.

Researchers at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (USDA) have identified compounds called dadahol A and dadahol B in the roots of industrial hemp. In laboratory tests, fractions containing these compounds reduced the viability of several pediatric cancer cell lines (including neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma).

According to a study published in the medical journal Phytomedicine, CBD may have anti-tumor potential. The authors suggest that it increases pressure on certain cancer cells, limiting their ability to adapt. However, these results are preliminary and will need to be confirmed by further research, particularly in humans, before clinical applications can be considered.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I—which includes substances considered most dangerous, such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy—to Schedule III, alongside prescription drugs such as hydrocodone. This is a major step forward, marking a historic turning point since the United States introduced prohibition on the international stage nearly 100 years ago.

Starting February 1, 2026, the SQDC will extend the opening hours of 53 stores in the early evening on weekends. This measure is intended to better reflect customer traffic and habits, while optimizing operations. Stores will now close at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 6 p.m. on Sundays.

President Donald Trump is reportedly poised to issue an executive order directing his administration to expedite the reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, following a meeting at the White House on December 10 with industry leaders.

With $337 million in revenue, cannabis ranks fifth among agricultural crops in Quebec. It represents an increasingly strategic diversification opportunity for farmers who want to innovate and strengthen the resilience of their businesses. To respond to this reality and train the next generation, Cégep Gérald-Godin has developed a program unique in Quebec dedicated to cannabis production and processing.

According to data from Weed Crawler, in just six days, the SQDC sold $1.4 million worth of cannabis vaping products, for a total of 39,000 cartridges. This represents a 14% increase in sales compared to the same period last year.

Ottawa and the provinces have collected more than $5.4 billion in cannabis taxes since legalization. Of this amount, $1.2 billion went to the federal government and $4.2 billion to the provinces. Ontario collected the most money, with a total of $1.5 billion.

On November 26, 2025, the Société québécoise du cannabis will begin marketing cannabis vaping products. Since 28% of Quebec consumers already use this method of consumption, this new offering aims to divert them from the illicit market and reduce the risks associated with unregulated products that are potentially harmful or dangerous.