The Cannabis Council of Canada, a national organization representing licensed cannabis producers and processors, says it is suspending its operations. The group points to persistent challenges linked to an unregulated or illicit cannabis market that it describes as highly active. In its statement, the organization says the decision reflects headwinds facing the legal industry, including financial pressures and compliance with complex regulations. The group’s position is that operating conditions in the legal market remain difficult due to competition from illegal sales, which undermines pricing and business stability for licensed companies. The suspension is presented as a response to these ongoing industry conditions rather than a change in cannabis policy. The organization does not indicate a timeline for resuming activities in the information provided, but it frames the move as part of the broader difficulties experienced by licensed producers and processors operating under federal and provincial rules. Overall, multiple outlets report the same announcement and rationale: the council is pausing operations, citing the impact of the illicit market and associated regulatory and financial challenges.