Canada remains the top legal national cannabis market on the planet and a glowing example of how countries should approach cannabis public policy and industry regulation. Canada became the second country to adopt national adult-use cannabis legalization in 2018, and the first G-7 nation to implement the public policy change.

Whereas cannabis prohibition policies waste a tremendous amount of limited public resources and generate no public revenue, jobs, or economic stimulus to local economies, a sensible and regulated approach to cannabis commerce helps local governments and communites, including in Manitoba where the emerging cannabis industry’s growth is outpacing the growth of other large industries.

“Cannabis provided a big revenue buzz for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries during the most recent fiscal year, with sales of cannabis flower, extracts and edibles fuelling more revenue growth for the Crown corporation than sales of alcohol or any form of gaming revenue.” reported CBC in its local coverage.

“Cannabis revenue for Liquor & Lotteries rose by $16.5 million during the 12-month period that ended on March 31, increasing from $154 million in 2023-24 to just over $170 million in 2024-25, according to the corporation’s annual report.” the outlet also reported.

“We saw continued growth in the number of cannabis stores that has contributed to strong year-over-year profit growth. Manitobans will soon be able to buy cannabis seeds legally and
we continually are growing our product catalogue to assist Manitoba’s private retailers meet their customers’ needs.” Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries wrote in its annual report.

According to the regulatory agency’s report, there are now 229 licensed cannabis retail outlets spread across Manitoba, with “improved access in rural and city areas leading to an increase in sales.”

“MBLL is mandated to secure a safe supply of cannabis and to coordinate the distribution of cannabis to all licensed retailers in the province. MBLL maintains a catalogue of available
cannabis products, including dried flower, edibles, extracts, and topicals. The cannabis industry has experienced substantial growth since legalization, with competitive pricing, a significant
increase in the variety of higher quality products, and a growing number of stores.” Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries stated.

A separate report published earlier this year found that in 2024 Canada’s legal cannabis industry contributed more than $16 billion to national GDP, and generated roughly $29 billion in total economic output.

Canada’s legal cannabis industry’s direct GDP contribution in 2024 was more than that of the forestry and logging sector ($3.4 billion), breweries ($2.6 billion), and wineries and distilleries ($975 million). The report also found that Canada’s legal cannabis industry supported over 227,000 jobs across the country in 2024.