You can't drink weed yet, but that isn't stopping the major players from getting a head start on what could become a fast-growing market.

As the federal government announces it's marijuana legislation Thursday, questions remain about the impact it will have on cannabis research.

Medical marijuana producers are bracing for the possibility that Canadians could elect a new government this fall - a change that could accelerate the already breakneck pace of growth in the burgeoning industry and usher in new players such as tobacco companies and pharmacy chains.