On October 17, 2018, the state-owned Québec Cannabis Society (SQDC) was launched to educate consumers about cannabis consumption and integrate them into the legal market by selling quality, lower-risk products that minimize its health impacts.

Almost 6 years on, it seems to be working.

"Since the legalization of cannabis in Québec, the transfer from the illicit market to the legal market has occurred more quickly than initially expected," Marie-Claude Lacasse, communications director for Québec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services, told Medscape Medical News. "Although there is still some way to go, it is important to note that progress has been significant," she said.

According to the SQDC’s latest annual report (French only, at press time), the SQDC achieved a sales volume of 122,478 kg cannabis in the fiscal year ending March 30, 2024; a 15% increase from 2022 to 2023. Total sales were $662.1 million, 10% higher than those of the previous year.

"The latest report shows a capture percentage estimated at 62.8% of the total market by the SQDC, representing an increase of 6.8% compared to the 2023 assessment," said Lacasse.

"Cannabis consumption in Québec has been really stable over time, at about 17%-19% of the population," SQDC Corporate Communications Director Vanessa Roland told Medscape Medical News . Since the overall consumption has been stable, the increased sales for the SQDC can be attributed to the company shifting consumers over to the legal market, she said, rather than an overall increase in cannabis use. Harm Reduction Key

The SQDC’s profits go to the Cannabis Prevention and Research Fund , which is managed by Québec’s finance ministry and earmarked for cannabis-related education, prevention efforts, and research.

The fund supports consumption-monitoring activities; researching the effects of cannabis on population health; curative care related to cannabis use; and programs for preventing the harms of cannabis and promoting health, Lacasse said. "Since 2018-2019, more than CA$300 million from the sale of cannabis have been invested in these interventions, carried out in collaboration with various partners, like the public health network, community organizations, etc." Vanessa Roland Roland added, "The legal framework in Québec is helping for harm […]

Québec State Sells More Cannabis Than Black Market