In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, competition is key. But navigating the complex world of business competition is not always straightforward, especially when antitrust laws are involved. These regulations exist to promote fair competition, prevent market monopolies, and safeguard consumers from unfair business practices.
So, what exactly are Antitrust Laws?
Antitrust laws are the rules that govern competition in markets. They prevent businesses from engaging in practices that could harm competition, such as price-fixing, market allocation, or monopolistic behaviour. These laws are critical in ensuring that businesses compete fairly and that consumers have access to diverse options and fair prices.
But here’s the catch for businesses: Antitrust laws make it illegal to discuss certain industry topics with competitors. This includes sensitive matters like setting prices, competitive strategies, and business collaborations. If businesses engage in these conversations, they risk breaking the law.
Topics that cannot be discussed
In business meetings, to avoid breaching antitrust laws, these topics may not be discussed:
Forecasts of Future Business Development: Sharing projections or plans about future business growth or strategy with competitors is prohibited.
Pricing Information: Discussions about prices in any form (e.g., purchase and resale prices, discounts, price strategies, or price changes) are off-limits.
Capacity and Quotas: Conversations about production quotas, purchase quantities, or capacity shortages should not take place.
Sales Policies and Territories: Exchanging details about sales territories, customer targeting, or marketing plans is inadmissible.
Suppliers: Information about suppliers, including supplier lists or current and future orders, should never be shared.
Purchasing Conditions: Sharing purchasing terms, delivery, or payment conditions is not allowed.
Boycotts: Any discussions or threats of boycotting customers, suppliers, or competitors are strictly forbidden.
Cost Information: Conversations about costs, including raw material costs, salaries, or purchasing department costs, must be avoided.
Purchasing Volumes: Non-published figures related to purchasing volumes cannot be disclosed.
Turnover and Sales Figures: Non-published figures related to turnover, revenue, or sales should never be shared.
You may be wondering: Why is this so important?
The cannabis and hemp industries are still evolving, and much of the regulatory landscape is in flux. Businesses need to stay ahead of the curve, understand emerging trends, and collaborate on shaping the future of the industry. But doing this without the proper platform could lead to inadvertent legal missteps.
This is why you need to stop navel gazing
Now, here’s where the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) comes in. As a trade association, the CTA is a unique platform for businesses across the cannabis and hemp sectors to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas – without the risk of breaking antitrust laws.
The CTA provides a safe, legal space where UK and international businesses can come together, discuss important industry issues, and share insights on market trends. Our members are able to engage openly without fear of violating competition laws, as the CTA ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
By becoming a CTA member, you can:
Collaborate freely with other like-minded businesses while staying within the boundaries of antitrust laws.
Shape industry regulations by engaging with key stakeholders and lawmakers, advocating for changes that benefit your business.
Gain access to a wealth of resources, events, and networks that can help you stay competitive, compliant, and at the forefront of innovation in the cannabis and hemp sectors.
What are you waiting for?
Join the CTA we provide a safe, legal space for businesses like yours to grow, collaborate, and stay on the right side of the law.
Don't let the complexities of competition and antitrust laws hold you back. Make the move today and become part of the CTA’s growing network!
Published 16th April 2025
