Cannabis Legalization Impact Across Canada and Malta

Canada's cannabis market has significantly transformed since legalization in 2018, with legal purchases rising to 72% by 2024, while illegal purchases dropped to just 5%. In contrast, Malta, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, has seen limited prosecutions, with only 39 individuals charged for public consumption, indicating a cautious approach to enforcement. Meanwhile, British Columbia's Community Savings Credit Union has begun normalizing banking services for cannabis businesses by providing a $10 million loan to Rubicon Organics, highlighting an evolving financial landscape for the industry. Kandiyohi County in Minnesota is preparing for cannabis retail licensing, having recently approved a comprehensive ordinance to regulate sales, including age verification and proximity restrictions to schools. Additionally, Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management is updating guidance for local governments as it prepares for the anticipated rollout of cannabis business licenses in 2025. These developments underscore the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation across North America, as jurisdictions adapt to new laws and market needs.