As 2021 slowly draws to a close and we all gear up for the holidaze, tradition dictates that we look back and make resolutions for the year ahead. While the Canadian cannabis industry isn’t a person and can’t make resolutions, the team at Parkdale Brass would like to do so on its behalf. Three years into legalization, we recognize that there are still many areas in which our industry can improve. Although most of these areas are controlled externally, by legislation from the Canadian government, that doesn’t mean that we cannot do anything about them or push to change them. Read on to discover three areas in which the Canadian cannabis industry can grow and improve.
Inclusivity
As a company founded by a Filipino Canadian in a city as diverse and culturally rich as Toronto, we can’t pass up the opportunity to talk about inclusivity. Beyond uplifting cannabis companies run by BIPOC, which you can learn more about on the Cannaclusive’s InclusiveBase, there is also the issue of how legislation affects inclusivity. While cannabis was illegal, punishments were harsh and many individuals working in the pre-legalization days are still not eligible for pardons. Not only does that keep them from working in legal cannabis companies, but it also illustrates how much inequity remains in the Canadian cannabis industry (see the Cannabis Voter Checklist). After all, Bill B-C93 failed to help a lot of Black and Indigenous communities, of which, many individuals helped pave the way for legalization.
Tax Reform
Another area which needs attention is the Canadian cannabis tax law. From the outside, many see the Green Wave as a kind of cannabis gold rush that is a quick way to get rich. However, the reality is that many growers are small, craft, and often family-owned operations. Therefore, it seems unfair that these operations be taxed at the same rate as huge companies that are raking in profit. At the moment, the tax rate is a flat $1 per gram, which after expenses doesn’t add up to much profit for craft growers. In fact, a case study showed that from a sale of $25 eighth, the producer only receives $0.01 profit. Craft growers can’t make ends meet with that, which is why the tax rate should be based on the percentages of sales.
The Trouble with Edibles
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention edibles and how until recently, their makers had gotten the short end of the stick. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods and just about anything you could eat with THC in it was very much illegal until last year. Fortunately for many of these business owners and entrepreneurs who have long operated in the shadows, there is now the opportunity to become legal. Nonetheless, the transition has not been easy for everyone and many are left searching for workarounds in the Canadian cannabis industry. Still, institutions like Fritz’s are now fully legal and working with other legacy brands to create a network of brands to help shape the way forward.
Time to Act
Our resolution for 2022 is to do anything we can to fight for reform in the Canadian cannabis industry, and we hope that you’ll join our cause. To read more stats on cannabis in Canada, visit Talk about Cannabis. Looking for something you can do today? Check out Stand For Craft, and sign their petition. If you are searching for more cannabis history or education, hop on over to our Instagram. Anyone on the hunt for cleaning tips or cannabis accessories recommendations, check out more articles on the Parkdale Brass blog. Be sure to stop by our shop to check out our array of cannabis accessories and brass smokeware!