Cannabis data gathering program

The Cannabis Act and Regulations create a strict legal framework for the production, distribution, sale, import, export and possession of cannabis in Canada. The purpose of the act is, among other things, to:

• protect public health and public safety
• provide access to a quality-controlled supply of cannabis

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the public with the information they need to:

• make informed decisions
• minimize the health and safety risks associated with cannabis consumption

Beginning in 2023, as part of the Cannabis Data Gathering Program, the Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch Cannabis Laboratory will randomly purchase cannabis products from authorized retailers in Canada. This will support Health Canada's data collection efforts with respect to the composition of cannabis products available on the Canadian market. The laboratory will also work with Canadian law enforcement agencies to receive illicit cannabis products for comparative analysis. Parameters that the laboratory could assess include:

• THC/CBD levels
• specific analytes of interest
• chemical or microbiological contaminants

The program will allow Health Canada to proactively collect information on the legal and illicit cannabis markets in Canada. This will strengthen its ability to inform the public about health and safety risks associated with cannabis consumption.

Summary reports published from the data generated by the program will be shared with:

• the public
• other government organizations
• Canadian law enforcement agencies

These reports will make no reference to product, brand or license holder names.

The program will also support Health Canada's efforts to ensure that legal cannabis products available on the Canadian market meet the requirements set out in the act and the regulations. If the program identifies deficiencies with legal products they analyze, we'll take appropriate compliance and enforcement actions to mitigate health and safety risks if necessary.