Ontario-based cannabis company Canopy Growth is dealing with a $500K fine from the Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA claims the company began its outdoor plant production in 2020 without having the proper licence to do so. Canopy is appealing the $434,611 fine in federal court, arguing they had all the proper paperwork in order. To keep up with demand post-legalization, the company set up a corporate subsidiary in early 2019 and applied to Health Canada for an outdoor farm. Health Canada delayed their response and finally gave approval in June of that year. Growing flowers of cannabis intended for the medical marijuana market are shown at OrganiGram in Moncton, N.B., on April 14, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward Nevertheless, Canopy launched its “Outdoor Farm” project in the summer of 2019. Under Canada’s cannabis laws, one must also apply for a separate cannabis licence with the Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA approved Canopy’s licence after 30 days. One year later, the CRA sent Canopy a letter informing them of the $434,611 fine. They claimed Canopy began cultivating outdoor cannabis before receiving CRA approval.
Caleb Mcmillan, Cannabis News, Lifestyle – Headlines, Videos & Cooking, 03/22/2022 13:01:00