From: Calgary Herald
For nearly a century, the marijuana industry in Canada has been left to the black market. This has enriched criminal organizations, promoted violence in communities and done little to prevent youth access to the drug. Today the federal government is seeking to redress this issue and, by legalizing marijuana, it intends to shift it from the hands of criminals and into a more responsible marketplace.
The policy’s success will largely depend on the regulatory details, which will govern aspects of sale ranging from taxation to packaging and promotion. If the government is serious about keeping criminals out of future marijuana sales, it must ensure that pricing is competitive, that consumers can identify legal brands versus illegal supply, and that access is convenient. After all, why would consumers buy from a legal source if the price is considerably higher, if they cannot identify trustworthy brands, or if the legal products do not satisfy their preferences?
