Organigram CEO Pushes for Global Cannabis Expansion
James Yamanaka, CEO of Organigram Global, is spearheading a bold vision to transform Canada’s cannabis industry into a world-leading export powerhouse. With the sector contributing $16 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024, Yamanaka sees untapped potential in expanding beyond domestic markets. Canada is already the world’s largest medical cannabis exporter, with volumes surpassing 275 tonnes in 2025, more than double the previous year. However, Yamanaka warns that federal policy must evolve to prevent Canada from losing its competitive edge.
Organigram, Canada’s top cannabis company by market share as of August 2026, is making strategic moves to capitalize on global opportunities. The company acquired German-based Sanity Group GmbH in April 2026, establishing a strong foothold in Europe’s burgeoning medical cannabis market. Europe, particularly Germany, represents a significant growth engine for Organigram, with over a third of its record $105.8 million net revenue in Q3 2026 coming from the region.
Despite these advancements, Yamanaka highlights the looming threat of competition from countries like Thailand, Colombia, and South Africa, which are building government-backed export facilities with lower operating costs. He argues that Canada’s outdated tax and regulatory framework is the biggest obstacle to sustaining its global lead. The excise rate, set at a time when wholesale prices were $10 per gram, now consumes roughly a third of legal producers’ revenue, stifling innovation and expansion.
Yamanaka advocates for excise reform and policy alignment with the One Canadian Economy Act to treat cannabis as a globally competitive export sector. Without these changes, he warns, Canada risks ceding its dominance to emerging players. 'There is a huge export opportunity for Canada,' he emphasizes. 'It’s about investing now to make sure we’re ready for it and make sure we don’t lose that lead.'