Beyond THC: How Independent Grading Helps Producers and Brands Compete in a Global Cannabis Market
- Jhavid Mohseni
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
The August 2025 Tamerlane Market Intelligence Report confirmed what many Canadian operators already feared: pressure on wholesale flower pricing is only intensifying. The combination of new supply re-entering Canada (previously exported material now being sold domestically) and lower-cost premium producers from Thailand and other international markets is squeezing Canadian cultivators, exporters, and brands like never before.
This isn’t just a Canadian challenge — it’s a global reality. As international trade in cannabis matures, exporters from every region will face new competition, and importers will demand higher levels of proof before committing to large purchases.
In this environment, differentiation backed by independent verification is no longer optional. It’s the only path to defending price and protecting margins.
The Problem: THC is Not a Measure of Quality
One of the root causes of inefficiency in cannabis supply chains is the industry’s reliance on THC percentages as a proxy for quality. While it may influence transaction prices in the short term, it does not determine the actual quality of the flower.
As Tamerlane has consistently reported — and as others in the industry are only now beginning to acknowledge — tying quality to THC numbers has led to oversupply, misaligned incentives, and a race to the bottom.
What buyers, retailers, and consumers actually want is trust and proof.
The Solution: Independent Grading from Bulk to Brand
Cannafax is the only third-party, tried-and-tested grading system built specifically to solve this problem. Over 500,000 pounds have already been graded using the International Cannabis & Hemp Standards (ICHS) framework — reducing cancelled orders and returns by 90%, increasing average prices by up to 15%, and improving sales velocity by 60%.
Today, Cannafax brings this proven solution to both bulk operators and consumer-facing brands:
1. Bulk COG (Certificate of Grade)
For producers, exporters, and importers, the Bulk Certificate of Grade (COG) establishes a common language for quality across markets. Buyers no longer need to rely on subjective claims or THC numbers — they can see an independent grade that reflects trichome development, aroma, structure, and color.
Exporters: Differentiate Canadian flower against lower-cost competitors like Thailand by providing proof of superior quality.
Importers: Use COGs to evaluate global supply on an equal footing, ensuring quality consistency across sources.
Traders & Wholesalers: Reduce friction, build trust, and move product faster with fewer disputes.
For consumer-facing brands, the Cannafax label extends differentiation to the retail shelf. Each label includes:
A verified quality score (not THC %)
A QR code linking to a product-specific microsite
Independent grading details, lab results, and cultivation information
This transparency empowers budtenders with the tools they need to confidently recommend products, while giving consumers direct access to the proof behind the flower they’re buying.
The result: higher sell-through, stronger pricing power, and a deeper brand connection.
Rising Competition: A Global Challenge
Thailand, South America, Africa and other emerging markets are raising the bar by exporting premium flower at lower costs. At the same time, Canadian operators face more supply flooding back into the domestic market, pushing prices down further.
For producers who want to survive — and thrive — in this environment, differentiation backed by independent proof is the only way forward.
Why Cannafax?
Unlike other systems that reinforce the THC myth, Cannafax is built on the only standardized and proven grading framework (ICHS) that has been applied across global transactions. The results are already clear: fewer disputes, faster transactions, higher margins, and better consumer trust.
Whether you are a Canadian producer defending against international competition, an exporter looking to prove your quality in new markets, or an importer trying to evaluate supply with confidence, Cannafax provides the common language and proof you need.
The Cannafax Beta is now open for both Bulk and Brand products. If you’re ready to differentiate, defend your margins, and compete globally, this is your opportunity to get ahead of the curve.
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