Future in Focus: Cannabis Day

• Op-Ed A Burning Issue: Canada’s Excise Stamps are a Self-Inflicted Absurdity Paul McCarthy President Cannabis Council of Canada
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• Op-Ed Repositioning Cannabis: A Policy, Public Health, and Economic Discussion Tabitha Davis Director of Regulatory and Government Relations SNDL
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• Op-Ed Canada Should Seize Opportunity Presented by Booming German Medical Market Raj Grover CEO High Tide
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• Op-Ed Why Cannabis is Canada’s to Own Annaliese Kibler Director of Regulatory Affairs Aurora Cannabis
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Canada’s cannabis industry has come a long way—from criminalization to global leadership in legal production.

But to unlock its full potential in today’s rapidly evolving global market, we need bold, clear-eyed policy action that bridges regulatory gaps, supports innovation, and positions Canadian cannabis as a cornerstone of our health, economic, and trade priorities.


Our new Future in Focus: Cannabis Sector Renewal explores the following themes:

• Fixing the Basics—Removing Barriers to Internal Trade
  Cannabis producers face costly and unnecessary burdens—like the 13-provincial excise stamp system—that serve no one and undermine efficiency. A national stamp is a low-hanging fix that would eliminate waste, cut red tape, and support interprovincial supply chain flexibility.
• Regulating for Resilience—Not Restriction
  Our regulatory framework was built to protect public health and displace the illicit market—but it never empowered legal businesses to compete. Today’s rules still prevent legal operators from growing sustainably. It’s time to update the system to reward compliance and innovation.
• Global Opportunity, Canadian Potential
  Germany’s booming medical cannabis market presents a strategic trade opportunity. With high standards, trusted producers, and a proven export track record, Canada is perfectly positioned to lead—if we act now.
• Medical-First, Patient-Centric
  Cannabis belongs in Canada’s broader healthcare strategy. A medical-first approach to policy can improve patient outcomes, foster pharmaceutical innovation, and strengthen Canada’s global standing in life sciences.
• A Clear Path to Tax Reform
  The federal excise tax system is outdated and out of touch with today’s market realities. Reforming it to reflect actual cannabis prices is essential to enable small producers to scale, boost competition, and drive legal market growth.

The time for tinkering is over. It’s time to modernize our cannabis policies to reflect the industry’s evolution, unlock new growth, and uphold Canada’s leadership on the world stage.

Let’s reframe cannabis not as a niche issue—but as a national economic, public health, and policy priority.