Canada: 78% of Cannabis Purchased from Legal Sources
The legal sale of cannabis began in October 2018
In Canada, the legal sale of cannabis began on October 17, 2018. Since then, consumers have gradually shifted from the black market to the legal cannabis market. According to a recent study by the ICPS, 78% of cannabis purchased in Canada now comes from legal sources.
Statistics Canada reports that monthly retail cannabis sales have continued to rise over the past twelve months, reaching CAD 485 million (€485 million) last July—this marks the highest figure for 2025. In July 2024, sales were slightly lower at CAD 479 million.
The lowest monthly sales figure recorded for 2025 was in February, at CAD 408 million. A new monthly sales record was established in August 2024, reaching CAD 494.4 million, followed closely by December 2024, which saw sales of CAD 489.6 million.
The provinces with the highest sales of recreational cannabis in Canada are British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. Notably, Ontario alone generated over CAD 2 billion in recreational cannabis sales in 2024.
What are the top selling cannabis products in Canada?
Cannabis flower and pre-rolled joints remain the top-selling cannabis products in Canada, although concentrates, often vaporised, are gaining popularity.
Statistics Canada provides monthly retail sales figures, seasonally adjusted for prices and sales volumes, offering an overview of market activity. These figures are regularly updated as more precise data becomes available.
In June 2025, monthly retail merchandise sales from cannabis retail stores shattered records with CAD 605 million in total revenue. July 2025 sales slightly decreased to CAD 596 million, but this figure still surpasses the CAD 495 million recorded in July 2024.
Overall, cannabis sales have continued to rise since legalisation, but they are beginning to stabilise. In recent years, monthly retail cannabis sales have fluctuated between CAD 400 million and CAD 500 million.
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Liz Filmer
