Cannabis Advent Calendars Explode in Popularity

Vancouver, Canada-based Coast to Coast Medicinals released cannabis-filled advent calendars, which recently exploded in popularity. The calendars contain 24 boxes filled with either cannabis flower or edibles, so you can consume cannabis every day in December, until Christmas.

Lorilee Fedler of Coast to Coast Medicinals said she is overwhelmed with pre-orders for the calendars. “We just wanted something fun and different for adults,” Fedler told the Canadian Press. “We didn’t expect it to be so popular.” The calendars were so popular, that the company could not keep up with sales and the calendars are currently only available for pre-order with a backlog of up to 1,500 orders. The advent calendar is available in three options flowers only, edibles only and a mix of both edibles and flowers.

Coast to Coast Medicinals, however is unlicensed, because Canada’s proposed legalization date isn’t until July 1, 2018. But the company’s founders say they haven’t been contacted by police. Many of Canada’s cannabis companies have taken advantage of the legislative gap before federal regulations are in place and operate in “the gray area.” The calendars are still considered illegal as they are an unregulated product.

People, including Mark Haden from School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, said the calendars might appeal to children. His solution doesn’t include banning the calendars altogether, but making them boring and unappealing to children.

American cannabis companies have taken notice. Seattle-based Dockside Cannabis, for instance, is selling its ADVENTure calendar with 12 cannabis surprises representing the 12 days of Christmas.

It’s unclear if Coast to Coast Medicinals will be allowed to continue sales of the popular calendar item. Currently, the company is attempting to keep up with its unprecedented amount of sales. Meanwhile, countless other Canadian companies are selling products that are considered unregulated. Around 400 Canadian dispensaries and compassion clubs operate outside the law without interference.