Cannabis licensing fees rise April 2024

Summary#

The Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198) will have a small price increase for several licensing and permit screening fees. The increases take effect on April 1, 2024 and are based on the 2023 Consumer Price Index of 4.4%.

What it does#

• Raises specific fees set out in sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Cannabis Fees Order by the 4.4% CPI change, rounded up to the next dollar.
• Adjusted fees (current → new, effective April 1, 2024):
  • Screening of a licence application for micro-cultivation: $1,886 → $1,969
  • Screening of a licence application for standard cultivation: $3,767 → $3,933
  • Screening of a licence application for nursery: $1,886 → $1,969
  • Screening of a licence application for micro-processing: $1,886 → $1,969
  • Screening of a licence application for standard processing: $3,767 → $3,933
  • Screening of a licence application for sale for medical purposes: $3,767 → $3,933
  • Application for security clearance: $1,903 → $1,987
  • Application for import or export permit: $703 → $734

Who's affected#

• People or businesses applying for cannabis licences or permits in Canada, including:
  • micro- and standard cultivators
  • nurseries
  • micro- and standard processors
  • applicants to sell cannabis for medical purposes
  • applicants for security clearances
  • applicants for import or export permits
• The adjustments are administrative and come from Health Canada’s fee rules.

Why it matters#

• The increases are modest but raise the upfront cost of applying for licences and permits.
• Small producers and startups that apply for multiple licences may notice the change more than larger firms.
• This is an automatic, annual adjustment tied to inflation (the Consumer Price Index), not a new policy decision.