The right (and wrong) way to legalize cannabis

How to build a legal marijuana system that’s convenient, protects public health and keeps commercial forces in check
Maclean's (Canada)
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Trudeau government’s proposal to legalize cannabis will no doubt generate heated debate. The question of how to legalize is likely to receive less attention. The struggle between commercial logic and the public interest will define the new politics of legal cannabis. As the new government proceeds to draft a new system of laws, it should keep in mind the need to prevent the cannabis industry from acquiring excessive political influence. One approach would be to make the sale of cannabis a state monopoly rather than relying on private-sector retailers. (See also: Canada and the logistics of legalization)