Cannabis retail sales in Canada slow as sales dropped by 1.92% to $405.71 million in June 2024 according to new Statistics Canada data. Sales have dropped by 6.64% since June last year and May sales were adjusted to $413.65 million.
In June, the majority of Canadian provinces experienced a dip in monthly cannabis sales. However, four provinces – PEI, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario – saw sales rise. New Brunswick led the way with an increase of 3.77%, followed closely by the Yukon at 3.05%.
Compared to last year, the Canadian cannabis market saw mixed results. While several provinces, including Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, and the Yukon, reported increases in sales, Saskatchewan experienced a sharp decline of 20.87% from last June.
Prairies
Cannabis sales in the Prairie provinces were a mixed bag in June. Manitoba and Winnipeg reported a monthly decline of 4.07% to $17.47 million and $12.35 million, respectively, but saw strong annual growth.
Saskatchewan experienced a decline in both monthly (-3.96%) and annual (-20.87%) sales. Alberta and Calgary suffered double-digit declines in both monthly and annual sales, while Edmonton showed a modest monthly decrease (-1.06%) but annual growth (3.01%).
Uber Eats now delivers cannabis in Alberta. As of July 30, 2024, Albertans can have legal cannabis delivered to their homes. Uber Eats partnered with Leafly to provide this service.
Ontario
Ontario’s cannabis market also saw mixed results in June, with a slight monthly increase (2.06%) to $158.27 million but a significant annual decline (11.53%).
Toronto, the province’s largest market, experienced a double-digit monthly increase (11.56%) to $55.47 million but a modest annual decline (3.31%). Ottawa also reported a monthly increase (4.22%) to $16.16 million but a more pronounced annual drop (9.64%).
Quebec
Quebec’s cannabis market expanded slightly in June, with province-wide sales up 1.79% from May to $63.57 million and a substantial 18.72% increase year-over-year. Montreal, the province’s largest market, also saw growth (1.00% monthly, 34.98% annually) to $39.29 million in sales.
However, there was variation across regions, with Quebec City reporting a monthly increase (3.00%) but a year-over-year decline (-0.44%), and Gatineau experiencing both monthly (-2.02%) and annual (-0.24%) decreases.
In August, the SQDC opened its 100th store in Montreal, and more stores are reportedly planned for the coming year.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s cannabis market experienced a slight monthly increase (0.09%) in June to $56.34 million but a significant annual decline (15.04%). Vancouver, the province’s largest market, saw a more pronounced decline, with sales down both monthly (-6.21%) and annually (-9.89%).
The amount of wholesale cannabis sold in BC continues to increase while the price continues to decrease, according to the LDB’s latest quarterly report.
The provincial cannabis wholesaler sold 36.4 million grams and generated $140.5 million in wholesale revenue during the first quarter of 2024 (April, May, and June). This represents an increase of 18.8% in grams sold and 10.6% in wholesale sales compared to the same period in 2023.
Maritimes
Newfoundland and New Brunswick saw mixed results in June, with Newfoundland sales declining slightly to $7.89 million (-1.26%) but showing strong annual growth (18.92%), while New Brunswick sales rose to $8.34 million (3.77%) and exhibited solid annual growth (10.18%).
Cannabis NB recently released its results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2024. Total product sales for the quarter (13 weeks) were $24.7 million, an increase of 12.6% compared to the same period last year (13 weeks). Net income for the quarter was $5.9 million, 15% above the prior year’s first quarter net income of $5.1 million.
The agency’s 2024-2026 strategic plan says legal cannabis sales in New Brunswick have been approaching about 50% of the total cannabis market and includes plans to increase the number of retail outlets and products available, as well as exploring on-site consumption and customer loyalty programs.
PEI also reported an increase (1.27%) in June sales to $2.15 million and moderate annual growth (8.32%). Nova Scotia experienced a minor decline (-1.52%) in June to $10.32 million but still saw a respectable annual increase (5.12%).
Nova Scotia brought in $31.2 million in cannabis sales in the three months ended June 30, 2024, a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year and an increase of $1 million from the previous quarter, according to the NSLC first quarter results. While the provincial agency reported a volume decline in beverage alcohol, the volume of cannabis sold increased in its first quarter of 2024.
Provincial Sales (x1,000)
Canada: $405,712 (-1.92%)
Newfoundland & Labrador: $7,893(-1.26%)
Prince Edward Island: $2,148 (1.27%)
Nova Scotia: $10,316 (-1.52%)
New Brunswick: $8,343 (3.77%)
Quebec: $63,570 (1.79%)
Montreal: $39,288 (1.00%)
Quebec City: $4,770 (3.00%)
Gatineau: $1,259 (-2.02%)
Ontario: $158,266 (2.06%)
Toronto: $55,373 (11.56%)
Ottawa: $16,160 (4.22%)
Manitoba: $17,466 (-4.07%)
Winnipeg: $12,353 (-4.07%)
Saskatchewan: $12,286 (-3.96%)
Alberta: $66,588 (-14.39%)
Calgary: $17,605 (-18.02%)
Edmonton: $25,696 (-1.06%)
British Columbia: $56,340 (0.09%)
Vancouver: $19,497 (-6.21%)
Yukon: $1,215 (3.05%)
Source: Statistics Canada
Photo courtesy of Canvas Cannabis