The marijuana industry in Canada has changed dramatically in just a few years according to Deloitte.
The firm recently conducted a study to gauge public opinion on the recreational market and the opportunities that will come with it when legalization is expected later next year.
Deloitte Private spokesperson Mark Whitmore says lots of potential lies ahead for existing businesses and new ones emerging too.
“Three or four years ago there were no licensed producers and then for a while there were four or five. Everybody was just so desperate to get a license. Now we have 43 people with a license and now they are talking about bigger, how can I get bigger? How do I go international? How do I get more sophisticated in my manufacturing process?” he says.
Whitmore believes the federal government’s timeline to legalize marijuana is feasible since the production framework for medical marijuana is already in place.
He says the distribution side will look to existing streams such as how alcohol and tobacco are sold.
Whitmore adds New Brunswick is well ahead of the curve when it comes to legalization noting how the province wants more companies like Moncton-based Organigram involved and aims to educate and train people to work in the industry.
(PHOTO courtesy Organigram)
Mark Whitmore with Deloitte Private outlines survey on recreational #marijuana market at #GMCC luncheon. 40% Cdn adults favour legalization pic.twitter.com/uO8Bv5PRrv
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) May 24, 2017
