Sooner or later, Canada will have an election in 2025. Increasingly, it seems like this could happen sooner rather than later. And if the polls are to be believed, the Conservatives will form government after an election. 

Regardless of which party is at the helm, a new government will dictate the future of the cannabis industry here in Canada.

Of course, many in my network are now discussing the Conservatives. Their traditional stance on cannabis and other legalized drugs isn’t typically one that would excite the industry, especially as many producers are currently in financial peril.

Now is the time to demonstrate what this industry has done despite the roadblocks and challenges intentionally placed in front of it. It is time to show that the concerns many had prior to legalization didn’t end up being real.

In the spirit of open-mindedness, I watched the entire 2-hour discussion Pierre Poilievre had with that other fella and I took notes throughout.

Suppose a Conservative party would consider getting rid of legalized cannabis or imposing conditions worse than what we currently have. In that case, they would have to explain what’s going to fill the huge multi-billion dollar hole that could be left in our economy. They’d have to explain why they are giving the power back to the illicit market, and they’d have to justify their leader making quotes like this, which apply to cannabis as much as any other industry:

“We have to stop growing the money supply and start growing the stuff money buys. Produce more energy, grow more food, build more homes.”

“We have to unleash the free enterprise system to produce more stuff of value.”

“Unleash the power of the free market.”

“I will need people to put pressure on the Senate to enact economic reform.”

“I will need people to put pressure on their mayors and local councillors to get out of the way and let us build.”

“I will need businesses to actually do their part. Our corporate Canada is so completely incompetent when it comes to politics.”

“They are going to have to start to fight for the policies that are good for their workers.”

“Fire your incompetent lobbyists and go to their people and actually make the arguments for the reforms that I’m talking about.”

This industry is a powerhouse that demands respect for its contributions to our economy and public health, especially in the face of ignorance and mismanagement. If any government, regardless of colour or stance, is willing to overlook that, then I don’t see them being better than anyone else.

-Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is CEO of Crystal Cure Inc., a micro cannabis producer in Shediac Cape, New Brunswick, that recently closed its doors with plans for a future relaunch. 

Related Articles

What could an early election mean for the cannabis industry and pending regulatory changes?

December 23, 2024

Trudeau, Poilievre trade barbs in QP over cannabis legalization

November 26, 2024

Cannabis is no longer an election issue

September 26, 2024