Ontario needs to step up its game with legal pot industry

Ontario needs to capitalize on its competitive advantages in the budding recreational cannabis industry, a new report says.

The Supporting Ontario’s Budding Cannabis Industry study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce says the province needs to address supply shortages, regulations surrounding edible cannabis and workforce development.

“With Ontario home to more than half the licensed producers of recreational cannabis in Canada and the majority of cannabis employment held right here in Ontario, we are positioned to lead Canada’s recreational cannabis industry on the world stage,” says Michelle Eaton, vice president of communications and government relations for the OCC.

“Ensuring the private retail market is successful is critical to the long-term viability of the sector. As Ontario’s business advocate, we are committed to shaping responsible public policy to establish us as a competitive, global leader.”

The report makes recommendations on a number of issues, including setting up the private retail market for success with a merit-based licensing system so customers can purchase directly online from licensed producers.

It says Ontario’s pot shortage could be addressed by developing an excise stamp that would allow producers to more efficiently ship product, and recommends investments in Health Canada’s ability to speed up facility licencing without compromising the inspection process.

It also suggests cultivating the workforce by partnering with post-secondary institutions on education and employment opportunities.

The province must also work on public safety in the edible market and eliminate illegal consumption.

“The province has a role to play in ensuring the legal market remains competitive and seizes the opportunity to be a global leader in the recreational cannabis space,” Eaton said.

“We are the first G7 country to federally legalize recreational cannabis use and other nations will look to us when developing their own regulations.”

She says the OCC will work with all levels of government, as well as investors, entrepreneurs and postsecondary institutions to establish regulations for both public safety and economic growth.

The full report can be found on the OCC website.