cannabis manitoba

Overview

In 2018, the municipalities of Steinbach and Winkler voted by plebiscite to prohibit licensed cannabis retail within their city limits. These decisions occurred at the onset of federal legalization, amid widespread public uncertainty, in the absence of proven operational models, and under a provincial government opposed to the recreational cannabis framework. At the time, stigma was widespread, reliable market data was scarce, and both municipalities joined a small minority of Canadian communities that closed their doors to legal cannabis retail.

TobaGrown will be taking action to challenge the current status quo.

Cannabis Manitoba

Approach

As the October 2026 municipal elections draw near, a pivotal opportunity emerges to revisit this decision through a council-led resolution under Manitoba’s Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act. The environment has evolved dramatically—backed by six years of comprehensive legal, economic, and public health data, and reinforced by the growing cultural normalization of cannabis.

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What are TobaGrown's Arguments?

Evidence-Backed

Democratic Integrity & Local Control

The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act empowers councils to revisit plebiscite outcomes by resolution (October 28, 2025 – July 28, 2026).
 

Economic Growth & Job Creation

Since legalization, cannabis has added $76 billion to Canada’s GDP

The industry supports over 98,000 jobs across cultivation, logistics, retail, compliance, and ancillary services.

Public Safety & Health Protection

Restricting local access forces residents to travel or rely on unregulated markets, increasing the risk of impaired driving and exposure to illicit products.

Policy Consistency with Alcohol & Tobacco

Both Steinbach and Winkler currently allow:

  • Liquor and beer vendors
  • Tobacco retailers
  • Bar/VLT establishments

Public Opinion Has Evolved

In 2019, just 37% of consumers purchased cannabis legally. By 2025, that figure had risen to 71.7%, a testament to successful market transition and public trust.

Community-Centered Regulation & Control

A new vote does not mandate cannabis stores, it simply authorizes municipalities to create thoughtful frameworks for zoning, location, and retail operations.

National Impact Snapshot

Economic Contributions

$76 billion added to GDP

98,000+ full-time jobs

 

Public Safety Advancements

Over 75% of cannabis purchases made on the legal market

Drop in criminal profits as consumers transition to legal channels
 

Public Health & Research

Expanded access to cannabis-related clinical studies

Reduced stigma for patients seeking therapeutic cannabis

Opportunity to study effects on opioid substitution and pain management

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Quote From TobaGrown's Founder

“When Steinbach and Winkler voted to prohibit cannabis dispensaries in 2018, the decision was made in a climate of uncertainty and stigma. Today, after six years of proven public health data, billions in economic impact, and overwhelming consumer preference for legal sources, the case for change is undeniable. It’s time for these communities to move forward, embracing fairness, economic opportunity, and the rights of Manitobans.”

Jesse Lavoie