Is Canada missing the mark on cannabis tourism?

A cannabis plant approaching maturity is shown in Fenwick, Ont., on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

By Analysis by The Big Story podcast

Posted Dec 3, 2025 07:17:28 AM.

Last Updated Dec 3, 2025 09:15:22 AM.

Imagine a wine tour experience, but for cannabis.

Canada has strict consumption regulations for cannabis products, although government-owned weed shops decorate plazas across the country. That gap between retail shops versus consumption spaces has hospitality and business experts alike urging Ottawa to take advantage of a tourism goldmine.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Susan Dupej, a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Guelph, to discuss Canada’s current tolerance for tourists looking for a cannabis-friendly experience, and what steps our government should take to reach our potential.

You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple PodcastsSpotify.
Keep it Factual
Add CityNews Kitchener as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
Add as a preferred source on Google
Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Four arrested after fireworks struck vehicles, officers on Victoria Day

Four people were arrested after regional police painted another chaotic scene unfolding in Kitchener on Victoria Day Monday. According to an update from officials, they responded to "a large volume...

7h ago

Suspects still wanted after theft of $1,600 worth of ice cream and pop

Police laid several charges in connection with a theft and property damage to a Cambridge business that happened earlier this month. Waterloo Regional Police Service said in a release that on May 3,...

8h ago

Police investigate Cambridge home invasion

The residents of a Cambridge home were awoken by a frightening scene, early Tuesday morning. Waterloo Regional Police (WRPS) are investigating a home invasion in the Anglerock Dr. and Nutcracker St....

7h ago

One person missing after water emergency at Pinery Provincial Park

One person remains missing after what the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are calling a water emergency at Pinery Provincial Park. On Victoria Day, around 3 p.m., Lambton OPP were called to the shores...

12h ago

Top Stories

Four arrested after fireworks struck vehicles, officers on Victoria Day

Four people were arrested after regional police painted another chaotic scene unfolding in Kitchener on Victoria Day Monday. According to an update from officials, they responded to "a large volume...

7h ago

Suspects still wanted after theft of $1,600 worth of ice cream and pop

Police laid several charges in connection with a theft and property damage to a Cambridge business that happened earlier this month. Waterloo Regional Police Service said in a release that on May 3,...

8h ago

Police investigate Cambridge home invasion

The residents of a Cambridge home were awoken by a frightening scene, early Tuesday morning. Waterloo Regional Police (WRPS) are investigating a home invasion in the Anglerock Dr. and Nutcracker St....

7h ago

One person missing after water emergency at Pinery Provincial Park

One person remains missing after what the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are calling a water emergency at Pinery Provincial Park. On Victoria Day, around 3 p.m., Lambton OPP were called to the shores...

12h ago

Most Watched Today

0:40
Lab tests confirm first case of hantavirus in Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada says one of the four Canadians isolating in British Columbia who had been on a cruise ship where there was an outbreak of hantavirus has tested positive.

May 17, 2026 2:55 pm EST EST

2:39
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides empowers Canadians living with disabilities

Each year, 200 playful puppies begin an incredible journey to become life-changing dog guides. But what does that training process really look like? Catalina Gillies visited the Lion’s Foundation facility in Oakville to get a closer look.

May 17, 2026 2:56 pm EST EST

2:26
Carney defends Canadian military spending

The Prime Minister says Canada is meeting NATO spending targets, after America paused participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense. The U.S. Undersecretary of War says it's because Canada is not meeting defence commitments.

5h ago

2:44
Canada's inflation rate rose in April. Why it isn't all bad news.

Canada's inflation rate soared in April as gas prices continued to rise, but it wasn't all bad news. Business Analyst Kris McCusker looks at how inflation is slowing on some other essential items.

7h ago

2:40
Rare Ebola strain triggers global alarm

The W.H.O. is warning a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in central Africa could worsen quickly. Officials say more than 500 suspected cases are under investigation involving a rare strain with no approved vaccine. Brandon Rowe reports.

7h ago

More Videos