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The opening quarter of 2025 saw the cannabis industry deliver a championship-caliber performance, putting points on the board not only in Canada’s economy but across the landscape of health, wellness, and sport. In a game often dictated by data, the stats are crystal clear—cannabis is no longer warming the bench. According to the latest report from Statistics Canada, the legal cannabis sector contributed a staggering $9.104 billion to the nation’s GDP in Q1 alone, up from $8.3 billion during the same period in 2024. With regulated production increasing, illicit market losses mounting, and public perception shifting toward favorability, cannabis is proving it’s not just a substitute—it’s a starter. For athletes, sports organizations, and health-conscious consumers alike, this economic momentum signals a broader evolution in how cannabis is viewed within performance and recovery.

Canada’s licensed cannabis production grew by 10.6% between March 2024 and March 2025, underscoring a surging legal supply chain that continues to distance itself from the declining unregulated market, which shrank by 4.5% over the same period. Retail sales at licensed cannabis outlets also saw a year-over-year boost of 4.7%, reflecting stronger consumer trust and demand for legal access. Meanwhile, unlicensed store sales dropped by 4.4%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of decline. Household spending on cannabis totaled $11.7 billion in Q1, positioning it as a formidable player in Canada’s consumption economy—nearly neck-and-neck with tobacco and firmly established behind alcohol.

More telling is the shifting sentiment around cannabis as an economic driver. A recent Abacus Data survey revealed that 57% of Canadians now recognize cannabis as important to the national economy, with 62% envisioning its future role growing even further. As household expenditures on medical cannabis held steady at $116 million, the consistency signals a sustained use of cannabis for therapeutic needs—an area of immense interest to athletic and wellness communities. For elite and amateur athletes navigating inflammation, pain, sleep, and stress management, cannabis continues to gain traction as a science-backed recovery aid. With regulated frameworks expanding and stigma shrinking, the cannabis sector is becoming an essential teammate in the broader wellness game plan.

Canada’s cannabis industry is no longer a rookie—it’s a seasoned starter, executing plays that impact public health, athletic recovery, and economic growth. As we track the next quarter, Sports Cannabis Media will explore how this momentum translates into new opportunities for athletes, product innovation, and scientific research. Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, market trend breakdowns, and real-time insights into how cannabis is changing the rules of the game for sport and society alike.