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Cannabis is legal in Canada and Colorado companies want in; talented workforce could be poached

Posted at 4:43 PM, Oct 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-17 20:08:43-04

DENVER, Colo. -- Cannabis is now being legally sold in Canada and Colorado companies are already eyeing an expansion. As the green rush moves north, some experts worry Colorado could experience a drain on its workforce.

"I think one of the immediate drawbacks we're going to see is a possible brain drain." said Greg Huffaker with Canna Advisors. "Right now here in Colorado we have the best and brightest in cannabis and with more investment, larger companies in Canada, I think we're going to see those people move up to Canada." 

Canada legalized marijuana on the federal level, making it a more attractive place to do business. Marijuana can be bought online and companies will have access to the banking system.

"I think you could see a loss of business of people who decide to never come here, who are thinking about starting a cannabis business and Colorado was at the top of that list until today," said Huffaker.

Native Roots has 20 dispensaries in Colorado and will soon open four stores in Canada under the name Garden Variety. According to a spokesperson, Native Roots was the first U.S. company that was awarded a recreational retail license in Canada.

"Because of the federal legalization, there's a very open and supportive market and business environment in Canada which makes things very attractive," said Kim Casey, a spokesperson for Native Roots.