It’s a whole new world since recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018. Behold beginning of the cannabis industry. While recreational cannabis use is more widely accepted, cannabis is also paving it’s own way to the top of Canadian economics. Canada would lose more than 8 billion dollars in revenue and there would be hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, if cannabis was deemed illegal today. We believe it’s fair to say, cannabis is here to stay!
The current pandemic has countries around the world, looking for ways to save their economy after such and astronomical hit. Legalization of marijuana could do just that. A time in history, where the economy needed a plentiful amount of assistance, was after The Great Depression, between 1929 and 1933. A large contributor to the economy recovery was ending the alcohol prohibition. Lucky for Canada the legality is already out of the way and business is free to boom to repair the economy.
How many dispensaries have you noticed pop up in your city? Or even within your small shopping community? There seems to be a ton of stores popping up and in short distances of each other. Why? That is because demand is high on both local business owners and the government. While it may seem like it benefits the government a whole lot, keep in mind these new dispensary owners are passionate and want to work within the laws. You’re supporting local businesses as well as the outward economy. Many dispensary owners are passionate about the power of cannabis and all it can do for us. You’re supporting dreams!
How to Get a Job in the Cannabis Industry
Veterans and newbies alike, have the opportunity to enter and grow in the vast business, but of course there are some rules. Under the AGCO (The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario), those wanting to work in the cannabis business, need to obtain a Cansell certification similar to the Smart serve certification for those to legally sell alcohol. You must be 19 years of age to apply. The cost of taking the test following the course readings is $49.99 CAD, which in some cases is paid by employers! Average pay grade of a dispensary employee is anywhere between $15.00 CAD-$35.00CAD per hour, depending on location and knowledge.
To become a dispensary owner requires quite a few extra steps and resources, however can be quite profitable. There are considerations to take to get your business off the ground, such as; the retail space you use, the investment you put in, and if you buy or grow your cannabis product, of course these are just the beginning steps, mapping out these steps is an adequate and efficient tool, to discovering if your business plan is practical and feasible. It may be wise to work in the industry first to get a feel for what you will expect as an owner.
In 2019, StatsCan reported 9,200 people working in the cannabis industry. At the beginning of 2020 almost 250,000 people were employed in the cannabis sector, and the numbers rise every week as new dispensaries emerge. That’s 250,000+ jobs! More people working = more people buying and that’s how the economy is built.
More innovative jobs are being created in the cannabis business everyday such as professional chefs, authors, pharmaceuticals, clothing, skin care, and media such as television shows, or even a cannabis review website! Cannabis creative creatures are everywhere waiting for the next best opportunity!
Laws and Criminal Activity
After cannabis was legalized in 2018, StatsCan reported a decline in cannabis related offenses. This probably seems obvious as now police have nothing to arrest you for, however newer provisions were put in place to regulate the use of cannabis. For instance, the growing and selling of cannabis plants without a license, driving provisions, and possessions of large quantities.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised that one of the sole purposes of legalization, was to keep it (cannabis) out of the hands of our children and the profit out of the hands of criminals. Black market sales of recreational cannabis are diminishing quickly as the businesses are legal and become more apparent in society. A promise also made by Trudeau was to put a stop to upending the lives of those with possession charges of small amounts whether they have connections and wealth or not. This was also correlated to systematic racism. Marijuana can now longer ruin the lives of those who choose to partake responsibly, regardless of who they are or who they know.
Health and Wellness
With cannabis more readily available, those with chronic health issues, now have more options for solutions or to aid symptoms they’ve dealt with for years with no results. The pandemic has caused endless anxiety and stress on many, and cannabis is a means to provide relief to stress in one way or another. Whether that be in the economic health or personal. Those who have thought to never try marijuana, now consider its benefits before turning to hard addictive medications, because of the acceptance of cannabis. It is a natural source that provides endless opportunities to wellness such as sound sleep, anxiety relief, and pain relief. There is no longer a need to deny a product that may provide you with a literal peace of mind.
The legality of cannabis can also be correlated to environmental health such as paper saving. We are using less cash to pay for our cannabis needs and using debit and credit. Hemp is also known as a remarkable natural resource for CBD oil (learn the difference between THC and CBD), but also as natures purifier, providing cleaner air all around us. Cannabis plants of all sorts, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere better than regular trees can!
Conclusion
It’s important to know your rights as recreational cannabis consumer in Canada and to be cautious of the rules. Share what you know with others. Play by the rules but open yourself and those around to the world of endless possibilities that are cannabis. Stay safe and have fun!
References and additional reading
- “The Economic Impact of Legalizing Cannabis in Canada” by The Conference Board of Canada
- “The Economic Impact of Legal Cannabis in Canada” by Deloitte
- “The Future of Legal Cannabis in Canada” by PwC
- “How Legal Cannabis is Boosting the Canadian Economy” by The Growth Op
- “The Economic Impact of Legalizing Marijuana in Canada” by BMO Capital Markets
- “The Canadian Cannabis Industry: A Look at the Numbers” by Statista
- “Economic Impacts of Cannabis Legalization in Canada” by The Senate of Canada
These resources can provide insights and data on the economic benefits of legal cannabis in Canada, such as job creation, tax revenue, and consumer spending, and can be helpful for those who want to learn more about the impact of this industry on the Canadian economy.
The Emerald Wizard
With respect to the Criminal aspect of this article: Statistically Black Market sales may have dwindled but not to the point of being eliminated for good. There is still at least 42% of the population that still prefers to purchase their weed via the Black Market (2020 Public Safety Canada) . For most seasoned Cannabis users the legal market has been slow to meet the demands of these consumers. Consumers are forced to pay higher amounts for more potent Cannabis in what is rapidly growing into a “Craft Product” business as it has with wine and beer. This puts legal weed at a disadvantage as one of the biggest higher cost contributors are the taxes. According to figures from Ideas.TED the Cannabis industry in Colorado produced 1.3% of the total state Green House gas emissions making it about as polluting as coal mining or trash collecting. I image those figures are similar to some areas of Canada where there is a high prevalence of Cannabis greenhouses. It’s likely that legal Cannabis prices will raise slowly in time (after a period of normalization) as carbon taxes impact the entire industry.
David Kline
Did not even consider the environmental impact. Now I’m curious to see the stats for Canada. But I do agree about the pricing, we’re already seeing subtle tests at increased prices. Few weeks ago we reviewed products from Qwest that cost $69.99 per HQ. The product was no better then something you get for $35-45 range.
Intan
where are the sources?
David Kline
will have this updated with sources. Thanks Intan.