Canadian Cannabis Tax Revenues Reach $5.4 Billion Since Legalization
Canada has generated over $5.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue since legalization, with Ontario leading the provinces in earnings
Key Points
- 1Canada's cannabis tax revenue exceeds $5.4 billion since 2018
- 2Ontario leads provincial earnings with $1.5 billion
- 3Alberta ranks second with over $1 billion in revenue
- 4Health Canada spent $21.6 million on education and prevention
- 5Manitoba's revenue not included due to non-participation in federal framework
Since the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in October 2018, Canada has amassed over $5.4 billion in tax revenue. According to Global News, the federal government has collected $1.2 billion, while the provinces have received $4.2 billion. Ontario leads with $1.5 billion in revenue, followed by Alberta with just over $1 billion, despite its significantly smaller population compared to Ontario
The figures were revealed in response to a query by Quebec Conservative MP Luc Berthold, who sought detailed information on cannabis tax revenue and related spending. Health Canada has invested approximately $21.6 million in education and prevention programs since legalization, with $13 million allocated in the 2018-19 fiscal year alone. Notably, Manitoba's tax revenue is excluded from these figures, as it does not participate in the federal taxation framework