One of the most popular topics on the 2015 elections agenda is legalization and cannabis is by far the most widelyused illegal drug in the Canada. The interplay between potential legalization models and our current MMPR system isimportant because it will probably shape the direction legalization takes in Canada. Our federal system is unique globally and over one year later, has some important big name interests vested within.

It’s certainly no secret that LPs have had this recreational market in mind. With massive facilities, sophisticated surveillance and technology, alongside experience moving through one of the most complicated and drawn out licensing processes, LPs would certainly be at the forefront of a potential recreational market, but what does this mean for a public health approach to cannabis policy?

People often compare a potential legalization model to alcohol. At one time, they say, alcohol was forbidden and constructed as a “bad drug”, and now its one of the most accepted legally regulated drugs in the world. At one point inour history, alcohol was only available by prescription from a doctor (or as we like to call it, a “medical document”). And they’re right – it should highlight how many of practices and seemingly “real” facts of social life are situated, constructed and structured. Alcohol, although legal, is linked to many deaths and social ills and the social acceptanceoften allows us to ignore its harms.

Private sellers were at the policy table and very influential in how legalization unfolded, particularly in Colorado where it really became the anchor of the legalization model.

In our Canadian approach, all of our provinces except one monopolize the sale of alcohol (Fischer et al. 2015).Pointing to one study by Gieschrecht et al. (2006), the way alcohol is regulated in Canada provides some reallyimportant public health benefits. For one, it actually sets some limits on the availability, and secondly, it leaves the government at the head of the policy...