Toronto, Canada’s largest and most diverse city, has long been a hub of cannabis culture in the country. From its underground roots to its thriving legal market today, the story of cannabis in Toronto is as complex as the city itself. Yet, as we reflect on the journey—from prohibition and criminalization to legalization—we must also confront the systemic injustices, racial disparities, and missed opportunities that shaped its history.
Learning from these mistakes is essential if Toronto is to lead the way in creating a truly inclusive and equitable cannabis industry. Let’s explore the history, examine the barriers, and uncover solutions for moving forward.
1. A History Rooted in Stigma and Criminalization
Before legalization, cannabis in Toronto thrived in the shadows. During the 20th century, marijuana was criminalized, stigmatized, and targeted by law enforcement, with arrests disproportionately affecting Black and Indigenous communities. Despite the fact that cannabis use was widespread across all demographics, racialized groups bore the brunt of arrests and convictions.
During this time, Toronto also became a hub for underground cannabis culture. Communities thrived despite legal risks, with grassroots dispensaries, advocacy groups, and compassionate cannabis providers supporting those in need. While these efforts laid the groundwork for legalization, the damage done by criminalization left scars that remain today.
2. Legalization: A Step Forward, but Not Without Flaws
In 2018, Canada made history by becoming the first G7 nation to legalize recreational cannabis. Toronto, as the economic and cultural capital of the country, quickly became a focal point for the burgeoning industry. Storefronts popped up across the city, catering to an eager consumer base, while licensed producers and entrepreneurs capitalized on new opportunities.
But the transition was far from smooth. Many of the same communities disproportionately targeted by prohibition were left out of legalization. The high costs of licensing, strict regulations, and limited access to capital created barriers that made it nearly impossible for marginalized entrepreneurs to participate. At the same time, major corporations—often led by individuals with no prior connection to cannabis culture—gained control of the market.
3. Racial Barriers and Policing: The Unfinished Work of Justice
One of the most troubling aspects of Toronto’s cannabis history is the racial disparity in policing. Before legalization, Black Torontonians were three times more likely to be arrested for possession than white residents, despite similar rates of cannabis use. These arrests had long-term consequences, from limiting career prospects to tearing families apart.
Legalization promised to address these injustices, but progress has been slow. Record suspensions for minor cannabis convictions, while available, remain underutilized, and many who were criminalized under prohibition have yet to see meaningful reparations. The lack of diversity in the legal cannabis industry further underscores the need for systemic change.
4. Learning from Our Mistakes: Building an Inclusive Future
If Toronto is to be a global leader in cannabis, it must commit to addressing the mistakes of the past while creating opportunities for those who were most impacted by prohibition. Here are some steps the city and its cannabis community can take:
a) Support Social Equity Programs
Toronto should follow the example of cities like Oakland, California, which launched equity programs to prioritize licensing for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization. By reducing licensing fees, offering mentorship, and providing access to funding, the city can help level the playing field.
b) Expunge Criminal Records Automatically
While record suspensions for cannabis convictions are available in Canada, the process is costly and complicated, creating barriers for those most in need. Toronto can advocate for automatic expungement of minor cannabis-related records, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for past offenses in a legalized landscape.
c) Invest in Education and Training
Programs like the SEED Initiative are crucial for educating and empowering underrepresented groups in the cannabis industry. By providing training in cultivation, retail, and entrepreneurship, Toronto can help marginalized communities build the skills needed to succeed in the legal market.
d) Foster Community Collaboration
Building an inclusive cannabis industry requires collaboration between all stakeholders, from policymakers and businesses to advocacy groups and community leaders. Hosting regular forums, workshops, and public consultations can help ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard and their needs addressed.
e) Address the Illicit Market Thoughtfully
The illicit cannabis market remains active in Toronto, largely because legal options are often unaffordable or inaccessible. Rather than punitive measures, the city should focus on integrating legacy market participants into the legal industry, providing pathways for experienced operators to transition.
5. Celebrating Toronto’s Cannabis Culture
Despite its challenges, Toronto’s cannabis community has much to celebrate. The city is home to innovative businesses, passionate advocates, and a consumer base that embraces cannabis for recreation, wellness, and creativity. Events like the Lift Expo and grassroots gatherings continue to highlight Toronto’s role as a cultural hub for cannabis.
As legalization matures, the opportunity to shape a uniquely Toronto cannabis identity emerges. By combining the city’s entrepreneurial spirit with its commitment to diversity and social justice, Toronto can build a cannabis industry that reflects its vibrant and inclusive character.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
Cannabis legalization was a monumental step forward, but it’s just the beginning. Toronto has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to learn from its past and create a cannabis industry that is fair, equitable, and accessible to all.
This means asking tough questions: How do we ensure the benefits of legalization reach everyone, not just the privileged few? How do we repair the harm caused by decades of prohibition? And how do we build an industry that values inclusion as much as innovation?
The answers to these questions won’t come overnight, but with intentionality and collaboration, they can be found. By supporting initiatives like SEED, investing in social equity, and celebrating the city’s diverse cannabis community, Toronto can lead by example—not just for Canada, but for the world. The future of cannabis in Toronto isn’t just about profits; it’s about progress.
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