As predicted by SP+GTM algorithm, Canada’s black market for cannabis remained strong in the fourth quarter. Data from the Canadian government shows that the black market for cannabis remained strong in the fourth quarter of 2018, accounting for C$1.17 billion ($878.7 million) of sales, compared with $307 million in legal sales. The black-market purchases were 8% lower than in the third quarter, the first to follow full legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use on Oct. 17. On a percentage basis, illegal sales accounted for 79% of the overall market, down from 90% in the third quarter, the data showed.
Dead excuse by Canadian officials: The development of the legal market was hampered by shortages of product after many provinces underestimated demand.