Keywords
cannabis, legalization, Ontario, Alberta, Conservative, Liberal
Abstract
Recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada on October 17, 2018 and has created new business and income for the country. Focusing on Ontario, this paper analyzes how the province failed to benefit from legalization during its first year. As a result of the change in provincial government—which led to ineffective sales models, delays, and financial losses—Ontario has failed in cannabis legalization. Using the theory of federalism, this paper explores the division of power within Canada’s levels of government and its impact on cannabis legalization and sales. Further, this paper includes a case study on Alberta and its free-market success with alcohol and cannabis to assess Ontario’s rollout of cannabis sales and argues that, despite the failures of its first year, Ontario has potential for success in the future.
Primary Advisor
Dr. John Sutcliffe
Program Reader
Dr. Stephen Brooks
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
Document Type
Internship Paper
Convocation Year
2020