The head of a regional Conservative electoral district association in New Brunswick has put forward a policy proposal to abolish excise tax on medical cannabis.
The proposal will be considered for inclusion in the Party platform as the Conservatives prepare for their national convention from September 7-9 in Quebec City.
The submission calls on the Conservative Party of Canada to adopt a policy that will “abolish the excise tax on medical cannabis, fostering compassionate patient care and promoting its potential as a ‘Made in Canada’ safer alternative to addictive opioids.”
It argues that ending this tax would encourage economic growth, support healthcare affordability, and could lessen opioid use.
“Canadians seeking relief through medical cannabis face undue financial burdens due to the current excise tax,” reads the proposal. “This policy removes such inequities, emphasizing compassionate care. Moreover, amid an opioid crisis, medical cannabis may serve as a safer, homegrown alternative to highly addictive opioids. Simultaneously, it bolsters our local cannabis industry, spurring economic growth. Removing this tax also aligns with principles of fiscal conservatism, eliminating a regressive levy that disproportionately impacts those with chronic health conditions. This policy aligns compassionate care, potential reduction of opioid dependence, and economic growth, demonstrating a balanced approach to health and industry.”
Max Monahan-Ellison, board chair with Medical Cannabis Canada (MCC), a national, non-profit medical cannabis advocacy group, says MCC is broadly supportive of the proposal and points out individual Party members have previously supported similar messaging.
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Conservative Party policy proposal calls to abolish medical cannabis tax
