Prof. Andrew Hathaway, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, was featured this week in an interview on Global News Radio’s 640 Toronto with Jeff McArthur. Hathaway is an expert in the cannabis market and Canada drug policy.
640 Toronto was marking the one-year anniversary since cannabis became legal in Canada, bringing attention to the fact that there is still a thriving black market for cannabis products in this country.
Hathaway said the price of cannabis products is a key factor in keeping profits in the illicit market. Bringing the price down would likely make the government more competitive, he said. Cost, convenience and the quality all come into play in capturing a larger segment of the market.
To date, Alberta appears to be doing the best job of marketing the legal product, Hathaway said. The province was quick to establish numerous retail outlets. Ontario may need to do the same.