Cannabis licence fee increase April 2024

Summary#

The Department of Health says fees set by the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198) will rise by 4.4% on April 1, 2024, to match the 2023 consumer price increase. The change raises screening and application charges for various cannabis licences and permits by a few dozen dollars each.

What it does#

• Adjusts fees in sections 3–5 of the Cannabis Fees Order (SOR/2018-198) upward to reflect the 2023 Consumer Price Index change of 4.4%.
• The increases take effect on April 1, 2024.
• Key fee changes (current → adjusted):
  • 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 and businesses applying for or renewing cannabis licences, including:
  • Micro and standard cultivators
  • Nurseries
  • Micro and standard processors
  • Sellers for medical purposes
• Anyone applying for a cannabis-related security clearance or an import/export permit.
• If it’s unclear whether a particular fee applies to you, check your licence or application type with the regulator.

Why it matters#

• The increases are routine cost adjustments tied to inflation.
• For individual applicants and small operators, the added cost is modest but recurring across multiple applications.
• Budgeting for licence, clearance, or permit applications should account for the slightly higher fees starting April 1, 2024.