Guide to the Cannabis Industry

An accessible overview of the cannabis industry, offering legal, ethical, and business insights from Canada and the U.S., with global relevance for students and professionals.

Guide to the Cannabis Industry by Opal Man-Ching Leung offers a comprehensive introduction to one of the fastest-growing and most complex emerging industries. With cannabis still illegal in many parts of the world, there are widespread gaps in public understanding about how cannabis is produced, regulated, and sold. This book fills that gap by providing a foundational overview of the cannabis industry, with a primary focus on developments in Canada, the first G7 nation to legalize recreational cannabis at the federal level, and selected U.S. states that have implemented legal markets.

Combining legal, ethical, financial, medical, cultural, and sociological perspectives, the book equips students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and policymakers with the tools to better understand the current and future landscape of cannabis. It also examines how global trends, shifting legislation, and evolving social attitudes influence the industry. As more countries such as Germany move toward legalization, the experiences of Canada and the U.S. provide valuable lessons for international markets and regulatory approaches.

This accessible guide is ideal for students in business, public policy, health, and social sciences, and for anyone seeking a clear, informed starting point for engaging with the cannabis sector.