The marijuana industry is barreling toward what will likely be the most important day in its history: Oct. 17, 2018. On this date, Canada officially makes it legal for licensed dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana to adults aged 18 or 19 (depending on the province) and older.

The landmark passage of the Cannabis Act in June by Parliament is expected to generate billions of dollars in added annual sales for pot companies to our north. It's this massive surge in sales, and strong expected demand, that's fueled investors to purchase marijuana stocks in spite of their alreadylofty valuations.

Buyers who have to provide personal information to purchase recreational pot online after legalization this fall should be able to rely on existing laws to protect their privacy but the issue needs to be watched closely to ensure regulations are obeyed and mistakes are avoided, experts say.

The matter is important given the stigma many people still attach to cannabis use, and the potential for Canadians to be barred from the United States if their otherwise legal indulgence becomes known to American border agents.

From the outside, Boerejongens (“Farmer Boys” in Dutch) looks like an old-style apothecary. The only clue of what it might be is a small sticker on the door reading “coffeeshop.”

Inside, there is a wine-bar vibe – polished marble floors and counters, and gold fixtures, and only the slightest hint of background music.

At the counter you are greeted by a cannabis sommelier, dressed sharply in a crisp white shirt, bow tie, suspenders, dress pants and shiny shoes.

B.C.-based cannabis producer, Tantalus Labs, announced today that it has received its licence to sell medical cannabis, issued by Health Canada under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The acquisition of this licence marks a significant milestone for the company. Tantalus Labs will begin shipping cannabis products from their high-efficiency facility, called SunLab, in the coming weeks.

Can you tell if someone is high?

Jim Bence says this is the question troubling bar owners across the province as the legalization of cannabis on Oct. 17 looms over the industry.

People who serve booze in Saskatchewan must now take a mandatory training course called "Serve It Right" on how to spot someone who is too drunk to be served more liquor.

In two months, another intoxicant will be added to the mix.

"We need to have some information and some guidelines as to what the responsibilities will be for us to recognize impairment from a grander perspective, not just from alcohol," said Bence, who is president of the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association.

The marijuana market battles for the control of the biggest market share in the Canadian adult use market are still raging on, with the country’s most populous province, Ontario, yet to announce any cannabis supply agreements with the warring licensed producers (LPs), but winners and losers are already emerging before the war is over, with seven provinces and one territory having announced supply agreements with selected LPs so far. In its recent quarterly financial results earnings release on August 14, Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) co-CEO Bruce Linton is quoted saying, “with an estimated 36% of the total supply committed to date…

The surge for cannabis stocks mid-week was the lone bright spot, as the S&P/TSX Composite Index succumbed to volatility in global markets. The $5 billion injection into Canopy Growth courtesy of Constellation Brands is a very encouraging development. However, today I want to focus on how beer companies are dipping into this fledgling industry and why it will be helpful going forward. Cannabis industry potential is attracting investment Analysts, economists, and prognosticators of all stripes continue to debate just how large the cannabis market will be when it ramps up to full capacity. The most recent report from Statistics Canada…

Dealing with Health Canada bureaucracy to get a permit to grow medical cannabis at home is a “complete nightmare,” says a man taking the government to court alleging lengthy processing delays that he says violate his Charter rights.

Jeff Harris, 49, an accountant in Burnaby, B.C., has been using medical cannabis since 2010 and has a designated grower to cultivate his medical marijuana for him.

It’s a “nightmare” trying to navigate government bureaucracy and learn about how far along your own application is, Harris tells iPolitics. “All they’ll tell you is they got your paperwork and they’re working on processing it.”

This is what you’ve all been waiting for — here are the top 10 marijuana stocks on the TSX, ordered from smallest to largest. Supreme Cannabis Company (TSXV:FIRE) Mostly due to growing its share count by roughly 60% from a year ago, Supreme had about $80 million in cash as of March 31. Supreme’s biggest news items for the summer months have been its supply agreements with the liquor boards of B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba. Emerald Health Therapeutics (TSXV:EMH) As of March 31, Emerald had cash and cash equivalents of just under $90 million. The company trades at around three…

This is what you’ve all been waiting for — here are the top 10 marijuana stocks on the TSX, ordered from smallest to largest.

Ontario delays debut of private-sector cannabis