Cannabis licensing fee increases

Summary#

The Department of Health is increasing certain cannabis licensing and permit fees under Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198) by 2.7%, effective April 1, 2025. The changes raise screening fees for several licence types, security-clearance applications, and import/export permits by small amounts.

What it does#

• The fee adjustment follows the automatic annual increase tied to the 2024 Consumer Price Index of 2.7% and rounding rules in the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198).
• Specific fee changes (current → adjusted, effective April 1, 2025):
  • Screening of a licence application for micro-cultivation: $1,969 → $2,023
  • Screening of a licence application for standard cultivation: $3,933 → $4,040
  • Screening of a licence application for nursery: $1,969 → $2,023
  • Screening of a licence application for micro-processing: $1,969 → $2,023
  • Screening of a licence application for standard processing: $3,933 → $4,040
  • Screening of a licence application for sale for medical purposes: $3,933 → $4,040
  • Application for security clearance: $1,987 → $2,041
  • Application for import or export permit: $734 → $754

Who's affected#

• People and businesses applying for cannabis licences or permits, such as:
  • micro- and standard cultivators
  • nurseries
  • micro- and standard processors
  • sellers for medical purposes
  • those seeking security clearances
  • importers and exporters of cannabis
• These fees are administered by Health Canada under the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198). It is unclear from the notice whether any other fees beyond those listed are being changed.

Why it matters#

• The increases are small but raise the upfront cost of applying for licences and permits. For example, a standard cultivation screening fee goes from $3,933 to $4,040.
• The change is routine: fees are indexed to inflation each year. It does not change licensing rules or eligibility — only the amounts charged for certain application steps.