Shares of The Green Organic Dutchman plunge

Cannabis seedlings at a cannabis facilty, on November 24, 2017 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

TORONTO -- The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. saw its shares plunge in early trading after the cannabis company said it was reviewing financing alternatives in order to complete construction at its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., and Valleyfield, Que.

The company says due to changing market conditions, financing sources have been unavailable on acceptable terms within the timeframes required.

Stocks in the cannabis sector have been under pressure in recent months due to various factors, including a slower-than-expected retail rollout and growing concern over a wave of vaping-related illnesses.

The Green Organic Dutchman says it has started a review of alternatives.

It says it may revise the construction schedule for its Ancaster and Valleyfield projects if it is unable to obtain sufficient financing on reasonable terms, within the required timeframe.

The company's shares were down 28 cents or about 16 per cent at $1.53 in morning trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange after falling as low as $1.31.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2019