Catherine Arseneault
Catherine Arseneault is a professor at the School of Criminology at the Université de Montréal. Her research focuses on the relationship between drugs and crime, examining both individuals who engage in these behaviors and the services available to them. Her work explores the intersections of substance use, criminal justice interventions, and social policies, with a particular emphasis on evidence-based approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
Session
The legalization of cannabis aimed to regulate the market, ensure product safety, and reduce illegal sales. However, the persistence of the illicit market raises questions about the competitiveness of the legal framework. This study presents a comparative analysis of cannabis prices, product diversity, and accessibility between the legal and illegal online markets. By examining a dataset of product listings from both sectors, we assess price variations, product availability (flowers, edibles, concentrates, CBD/THC ratios), and purchasing conditions. Our findings highlight key discrepancies in cost structures, consumer preferences, and regulatory barriers that may influence market choices. The study discusses policy implications, particularly whether taxation and regulatory constraints are limiting the legal market’s ability to displace illicit sales. We propose recommendations for balancing public health objectives with economic sustainability to enhance the legal market’s attractiveness and effectiveness in achieving its intended goals.