The group of 10 companies includes major names in the cannabis-beverage industry, such as Molson Coors and Hexo’s joint-venture Truss Beverages, Hill Street Beverage and Collective Arts Brewing. Darrell Dexter, former Nova Scotia premier and cannabis advisor, will lead the group. The companies want to be able to produce cannabis beverage products in the same facilities as non-cannabis beverages. They also want to change marketing rules, like being able to refer to alcoholic cannabis drinks as “wine” or “beer,” which would be prohibited under Health Canada’s proposed rules. Edibles and cannabis-infused beverages are set to become legal no later than October. (Globe and Mail)

Talking point: These changes would allow large players, which already have production facilities and large marketing budgets, to focus those resources on the cannabis market. The new group is framing the proposed rule changes as a boon for smaller players, however, who would need to set up separate manufacturing and processing facilities, something they may not have the money to do. The race to control the edibles and cannabis industry is a major preoccupation for large cannabis players right now. For example, Canopy Growth, Canada’s largest recreational pot seller, is investing heavily in newer products like vape pens and a variety of liquids.