Canada: CA$456 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in October, CA$4.3 Billion Year-to-Date
- Statistics Canada reported that legal marijuana sales in Canada reached CA$456.27 million in October, up from the previous month's sales of CA$451 million.
- Ontario led in marijuana sales for the month with CA$177 million, followed by Alberta with CA$82 million, British Columbia with $68 million, and Quebec with $59 million.
- Year-to-date marijuana sales in Canada have totaled around $4.3 billion, generating over $800 million in tax revenue.
- Canada legalized marijuana in 2018, allowing those 18 and older to purchase and possess cannabis, with over 4,000 licensed cannabis retail outlets across the country and products subject to excise and provincial sales taxes.
According to data released by Statistics Canada, the nation generated CA$456.27 in legal marijuana sales, an increase from the CA$451 million sold in September. Ontario had the largest share of marijuana sales for the month with CA$177 million sold. Alberta came second in sales with CA$82 million, followed by British Columbia at $68 million and Quebec at $59 million.
The year-to-date total for marijuana sales in Canada is now around $4.3 billion, resulting in over $800 million in tax revenue. Canada legalized marijuana in 2018, with the first licensed retail store opening in 2019. The law permits those 18 and older to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis or 10 grams of cannabis concentrates, and allows households to grow up to four plants for personal use.
Currently, there are over 4,000 licensed cannabis retail outlets across the country. Cannabis products are subject to an excise tax before they reach consumers, who also pay a provincial sales tax that ranges from 5% to 15%. Flower and pre-rolls are taxed at either a flat rate of CA$1 per gram (approximately $0.72 USD) or 10% of the wholesale price per gram, whichever is higher.