Cannabis licensing fees increase

Summary#

The Department of Health is increasing certain cannabis‑related application fees under the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198). Fees will rise by 2.7% (the 2024 Consumer Price Index) and the new amounts take effect on April 1, 2025.

What it does#

• Adjusts fees set out in sections 3–5 of the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198) by the 2.7% CPI change for 2024.
• Updates specific screening and application fees; the main changes are:
  • Screening of a licence application for micro‑cultivation: from $1,969 to $2,023.
  • Screening of a licence application for standard cultivation: from $3,933 to $4,040.
  • Screening of a licence application for nursery: from $1,969 to $2,023.
  • Screening of a licence application for micro‑processing: from $1,969 to $2,023.
  • Screening of a licence application for standard processing: from $3,933 to $4,040.
  • Screening of a licence application for sale for medical purposes: from $3,933 to $4,040.
  • Application for security clearance: from $1,987 to $2,041.
  • Application for import or export permit: from $734 to $754.

Who's affected#

• Businesses and people applying for cannabis licences or permits, including:
  • Applicants for micro‑cultivation, standard cultivation, and nursery licences.
  • Applicants for micro‑processing and standard processing licences.
  • Applicants for sale‑for‑medical‑purposes licences.
  • People seeking security clearance related to cannabis operations.
  • Applicants for import or export permits for cannabis.
• This is a routine annual adjustment; it does not introduce new types of fees or new licensing rules.

Why it matters#

• Applicants will pay slightly more for screening and permit applications starting April 1, 2025.
• The increase follows a set formula tied to inflation (the Consumer Price Index), so it keeps fees roughly in line with broader price changes.
• For most businesses the change is small, but it increases the upfront cost of applying for or renewing certain cannabis permissions.