International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) 2024

Pre-Legalization Perspectives: Cannabis Retailers' Insights

The presentation meticulously examines a study involving 21 cannabis vendors conducted several months before the landmark cannabis legalization in Canada in 2018. Its primary objective is to comprehensively capture the unique perspective of these pivotal players in the illicit market, providing a nuanced view before a significant regulatory transformation. The study delves into the depth of their knowledge concerning the imminent legalization, shining a light on the critical information that profoundly shaped their anticipations.

The survey findings intricately delineate the specific changes these cannabis vendors foresaw in their business operations post-legalization. This includes nuanced modifications in distribution models, the array of products offered, and the dynamics of customer interactions. The presentation goes beyond the surface, offering valuable insights into these actors' perceptions of the potential impacts on the black market, thereby illuminating the multifaceted challenges and opportunities they envisioned with the advent of legalization.

In summary, this comprehensive study presents a vivid and distinctive snapshot of the Canadian cannabis landscape, precisely capturing the intricate details before a pivotal regulatory shift. By articulating the depth of knowledge and anticipations of cannabis vendors, the presentation significantly enriches our understanding of the intricate dynamics of the black market. These insights are poised to provide pertinent and actionable information for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders within the broader context of cannabis legalization.