Shahbaaz Kara: A Canadian Entrepreneur Shaping the Future of Cannabis, Leadership, and Identity
In a time when the world seems increasingly divided over issues of leadership, identity, and opportunity, few figures navigate these complexities with as much insight and transparency as Shahbaaz Kara. A Canadian entrepreneur with deep ties to both Canada and the United States, Kara is in the unique position of bridging two cultures and offering a perspective on the issues that are shaping the future of both nations. From Canada’s evolving identity to the burgeoning cannabis market, Kara speaks candidly about the opportunities, challenges, and changes he's seeing unfold across North America. At the heart of these complexities is an issue that looms large in both Canada and the U.S.: leadership. Kara highlights the strained relationship between the countries, particularly during the era of Donald Trump’s leadership. His tariffs and policies created tension between the two nations, and Kara sees this as a test of Canadian resilience and sovereignty.
Canada's Leadership: Room for Growth
When Justin Trudeau first took office, many saw him as a beacon of progressive leadership, especially with his bold stance on cannabis legalization. However, for Kara, there’s a sense that Canada's leadership has faced some growing pains, particularly when it comes to following through on the promises tied to those progressive policies.
"Trudeau made history with cannabis legalization, and that’s a huge achievement. But there are still challenges we’re working through—like how to handle taxes and ensure the benefits of legalization reach the communities that need it most," Kara notes. "It’s a complex process, and while we’ve made strides, there’s a lot of potential left untapped."
Kara acknowledges the progress that has been made under Trudeau but also points out areas where Canada has struggled. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, revealed some inefficiencies. "There were definitely some missteps with the COVID response, but I think there's room to improve. Canada is still a great place, but there’s always room to get better," he says, taking a more optimistic stance on the future.
A Shifting National Identity: What’s Next for Canada?
Kara recognizes that Canada’s sense of identity is evolving. Once known for its peacekeeping reputation and strong diplomatic role, Kara feels that Canada is at a crossroads, especially when it comes to its relationship with the U.S. "Canada is changing, and that’s okay. We’ve always had a unique position, but now we’re working to redefine what that means in today’s world," he says.
While he believes Canada’s policies, particularly in immigration and business, need some fine-tuning, Kara sees the country’s strength in its diversity and natural resources. He stresses that Canada still has much to offer but needs to foster a more dynamic environment for innovation. "The cannabis market is a great example. We got there first, but the real question is: how do we make it work long term? That’s a conversation that needs to happen," Kara explains, with a focus on collaboration and improvement.
Trump’s Tariffs: A Test of Canadian Resilience
As the U.S. and Canada navigate their evolving relationship, particularly under the leadership of Donald Trump, Kara sees both challenges and opportunities. He acknowledges that Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods created tension but also believes that this period of friction is an opportunity for Canada to showcase its resilience.
"Trade relations have definitely been tense, but I think it’s important to look at this as a chance to come together and think about how we can protect our own interests while maintaining a healthy relationship with the U.S.," Kara states. He adds that while the political landscape is changing, Canada’s unity remains a key strength in these uncertain times.
And while Kara doesn’t believe Canada is in danger of losing its sovereignty, he does believe the next decade will be crucial in determining how Canada and the U.S. will coexist. "There are challenges ahead, but that’s true for any nation. It’s about finding a balance and staying true to our values while adapting to the global landscape," he says.
Cannabis: A New Era of Opportunity
When it comes to cannabis, Kara’s perspective is far from ordinary. He sees cannabis not just as a commodity, but as a tool for wellness, recovery, and progress. For Kara, cannabis is part of a larger conversation about human health and innovation. His journey into the industry began with a personal discovery of cannabis’s benefits, particularly for athletic recovery, which led him to see an untapped market among athletes and students.
"I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, safe cannabis options, especially for people who wanted to use it for recovery or wellness," Kara explains. His entrepreneurial drive led him to jump into the cannabis space at a time when the industry was still in its infancy in Canada.
Now, as New York embarks on its own journey to legalize and regulate cannabis, Kara sees both parallels and distinct differences from the Canadian experience. "New York is a different beast," he says. "The competition here is fierce, and the market is moving quickly. But that’s what makes it exciting—there’s so much opportunity for those who can navigate it with the right strategy."
Kara is focused on the long-term picture, emphasizing the importance of timing, innovation, and collaboration. "The key in New York will be understanding how to scale smartly, not just quickly," he says. "There’s room for everyone, but only if you’re thoughtful about how you position your brand and how you contribute to the market."
The Future of Cannabis: Regulation and Opportunity
As the cannabis industry matures, Kara has seen firsthand the regulatory hurdles that entrepreneurs face. From banking restrictions to the challenges of social media advertising, navigating the legal landscape of cannabis is far from simple.
“Regulations are still evolving, and it can be frustrating, but I think the industry is learning as it goes,” Kara says. "There’s a lot of opportunity to collaborate with regulators and find solutions that benefit everyone—from consumers to businesses to the broader community."
Despite the challenges, Kara remains optimistic about the future of cannabis, both in New York and globally. "We’re still in the early days of cannabis legalization. The potential is enormous, and we’re only scratching the surface of what this industry can do, not just for business, but for wellness and healing."
The Road Ahead: Connecting and Innovating
Looking forward, Kara sees himself continuing to serve as a connector, educator, and innovator within the cannabis space. Through his company, Can Acquire, he’s helping smaller cannabis operators navigate the complexities of the market and position themselves for success.
"I believe in the power of collaboration. It’s about working together, learning from each other, and pushing the industry forward," Kara says. "If we can do that, then the future of cannabis is going to be incredibly exciting."
As the industry grows and evolves, Kara is committed to staying ahead of the curve—helping to shape the conversation around cannabis, leadership, and what it means to be part of a changing world. "I’m excited for what comes next, both for cannabis and for Canada," he says, with a sense of optimism and a vision for a brighter, more unified future.
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