With the implementation Cannabis Act upon us, we hear many references about the end of prohibition. While that may be true, it is important to remember that October 17th 2018 is not just the end of an era, but more importantly, the start of something entirely new and full of promise.
As with any change of this magnitude, we will see a period of adjustment; we are on the edge of a significant evolution in Canada with the birth of this legal market.
As seen in the United States, it will take time for consumers to transition from the black market to the legal market. Two key factors will assist with this transition: the addition of retail locations and the addition of new product types. As we see the consumer experience evolve and the availability of products including prepared edibles and vape pens, the legal market will thrive.
As a company, we are fortunate to be based in Atlantic Canada, where brick and mortar stores will be up and running on day one. Consumers in the Atlantic region will have access to regulated cannabis in a fashion the rest of the country will not see on day one of legalization. It is our hope that the rest of Canada will see similar access as retail programs in provinces mature.
None of the progress which has been made to date could have been possible without the support of both the federal and provincial governments. Locally, we acknowledge the massive effort expended by the provincial government in New Brunswick which saw the cannabis market through from conception to implementation.
Canada is truly a global cannabis leader. The strongest companies in our midst have eyes on new global horizons, and we hope to have news to share on the international front in the weeks and months to come. Sharing all we have learned with the rest of the world is truly the next stage of growth for the Canadian cannabis industry.
When thinking back to 2015, when our current Prime Minister began discussing his vision for a legalized Canada, the planning for this occasion actually started then; it seems like it wasn’t so long ago, and a lifetime all at once. For some, believing this tremendous progress would ever be realized and that this day would come was impossible.
But, here we are. Now, we celebrate. Here’s to the beginning of a new era of possibility.
Sincerely,
Greg Engel,
Organigram CEO