The head of a Canadian cannabis extraction firm is generally in favour of legalized pot across North America.
But Quadron Cannatech CEO Rosy Mondin believes it's better for the Canadian industry if that happens slowly.
Currently US legalization of marijuana is happening at the state level and not federally.
The University of Windsor graduate is in favour of the Canadian industry becoming more established.
She says a slow rollout of legalization in the US is best for Canada.
"I have to say though, because I am Canadian and I want to protect our industry before it even starts, so the longer the US does stay illegal I think the better for our market to expand and create it's own foothold."
Mondin says the fledgling Canadian cannabis industry needs to develop.
"I'd prefer to see our Canadian producers gain traction because we already see people trying to bring US products, state products into Canada."
She says Canada has an opportunity to be a global leader in the cannabis industry.
"What I want to see is our Canadian brands grab a foothold first then we can take those brands to the international market. So as far as I'm concerned it'll be great of course because I want to see legalization across the board, but as if benefits Canada I'm happy for it to take a little longer."
Mondin was attending the WEcann 2018 conference in Leamington.