Legal updates, regulatory guidance and practical perspectives for businesses operating in complex industries.
What Can and Can’t Be Done To Legally Promote Cannabis Companies in Canada Navigating the marketing landscape for cannabis in Canada requires a thorough understanding of what is strictly off-limits. The Cannabis Act and its associated regulations place significant restrictions on how licensed producers and retailers can promote their products. These rules are designed to…
Immediate Actions When You Receive a Letter or Notice From Health Canada Getting a notice from Health Canada requires quick action to identify the type of legal document, understand critical deadlines, and collect supporting evidence before responding. Identifying the Type of Health Canada Notice or Legal Document Different Health Canada notices require different responses and…
The Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) represents a significant modernization of Canada’s food safety system, having largely come into force on January 15, 2019. This comprehensive legislation, along with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), consolidates and modernizes food safety requirements previously found across several federal statutes—such as the Fish Inspection Act, the…
Guide to Canada’s Federal Law Concerning All Food and Drug Products The Food and Drugs Act is one of Canada’s most important federal statutes governing public health and consumer protection. It establishes the legal framework regulating the manufacture, importation, exportation, packaging, labelling, advertising, distribution, and sale of foods, drugs, natural health products, cosmetics, medical devices,…
As cannabis accessibility and use continue to evolve globally, a structured approach is essential for guiding scientific inquiry into its non-medical aspects, including public health implications, safety profiles, and fundamental botanical or chemical properties. Such a system outlines methodologies, ethical considerations, and regulatory pathways for research endeavours that do not focus on therapeutic applications, ensuring…
Learn how to navigate the Health Canada Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System (CTLS) with ease in this comprehensive guide.
FAQ
Have questions about Substance Law? Here are some of the most common queries to help you get started.
Timelines depend on the licence type, how complete the application is and the regulator’s current processing times. We prepare the application and supporting documents so the review runs smoothly, and we give you a realistic timeline at the start.
It depends on the services you provide. Money services businesses register with FINTRAC, and payment service providers performing retail payment activities register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA. Some businesses need both; we review your model and tell you which apply.
In many cases, yes. A transfer is approved by the provincial regulator and depends on the licence conditions, the premises and the buyer’s eligibility. We handle the filings and coordinate with the other side of the deal.
It depends on the product, its claims and how it is sold. Some products are regulated as drugs or natural health products by Health Canada. We review the product and the sales model and explain what is permitted.
Yes. We advise clients across Canada on federal and provincial regulatory matters, and we coordinate with local counsel where a provincial rule requires it.
We always strive to offer our clients transparent, flexible and reasonable pricing and payment options. Where the scope of the engagement permits, we try to offer our clients innovative, fixed-fee pricing options instead of traditional hourly rates, and payment through EFT, Wire, E-transfer, and Credit/Debit Card.
Service areas / Jurisdiction
We advise clients across Ontario and throughout Canada on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries.
Cannabis retail, consumption and related licensing
Zoning, land use and local approvals
Compliance and enforcement matters
Health Canada, Canada-wide regulatory matters
CRA, excise, FINTRAC and related requirements
Psychedelics, hemp, wellness and emerging sectors
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Canada's Law Firm For Regulated Substances
