The legal cannabis industry contributed $9.104 billion to Canada’s GDP in the first three months of 2025, up from $8.3 billion during the same period last year. Licensed cannabis production and sales increased, while unlicensed production and sales decreased. Canadian household expenditures totaled $11.7 billion, with provincial and territorial governments taking in $1.5 billion. Household expenditures on medical cannabis remained level at $116 million. A survey found that most Canadians view cannabis as important to the country’s economy.

Cannabis Industry Contributed $9.1B to Canada’s GDP During Q1 2025

Jun 10, 2025

TG Branfalt

Ganjapreneur

The legal cannabis industry has contributed $9.104 billion to the nation’s
gross domestic product (GDP) through the first three months of 2025,
according to the most recent, seasonally adjusted figures from Statistics
Canada. During the same period last year, the sector contributed $8.3
billion to Canada’s GDP.

Canada’s production of licensed cannabis increased 10.6% from March 2024 to
March 2025, while unlicensed production dropped 4.5%, according to
government data. Sales at licensed cannabis retailers experienced a 4.7%
year-over-year increase from March 2024 to March 2025, while sales at
unlicensed shops fell 4.4% over that same timeframe.

Canadian household final consumption expenditures totaled $11.7 billion
during the first quarter of this year, with provincial and territorial
governments taking in $1.5 billion. The combined revenue, expenditure, and
budgetary balance through the first quarter is down from the $1.032 billion
during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Household expenditures on medical cannabis remained level at $116 million
from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.

A survey from April conducted by Abacus Data, commissioned by Organigram
Global, found a majority (57%) of Canadians view cannabis as important to
the country’s economy, with 62% believing it could play a more significant
role in the future economy.