Taxing cannabis commerce can be a delicate thing. On one hand, a major argument in favor of cannabis policy modernization is that it will generate public revenue for governments that allow legal cannabis sales. But on the other hand, taxing cannabis commerce too much can hinder the industry's ability to reach its full potential and displace the unregulated market.
Canada legalized adult-use cannabis sales in 2018, and according to a new report, the current excise tax model in Canada "is unsustainable and must be restructured to reflect the economic realities of the industry."
Deloitte, a multinational professional services entity, recently published a report titled 'The Impact of the Cannabis Excise Tax,' in which the authors call for overhauling Canada's current approach to applying cannabis excise taxes. The recommendations from Deloitte in their report are being echoed by the Cannabis Council of Canada.
"Canada likes to position itself as a global leader in legal cannabis – but since legalization in 2018, the federal government has failed this industry and the tens of thousands of hardworking Canadians it supports," said Paul McCarthy, President of the Cannabis Council of Canada. "With a new government in office, it's time for a fresh approach. The cannabis industry deserves the same attention and support as any sector of our economy."
Read more at ICBC