A Comparative Study of Cannabis Legalization Models (Issues and Contradictions)

The present study aimed to examine the frameworks and regulations governing legalization in Canada, Uruguay, and the two states of Washington and Colorado to gain a deeper understanding of legalization models and the related issues in the light of this comparative study.

To conduct the research, the descriptive-analytical method, and in fact the comparative analysis, was used. The research was of qualitative type and the data collection tool was the study of articles, reports, and laws related to legalization.

The results of the study showed that the mentioned governments have tried to codify various mechanisms in the field of cannabis supply patterns, pricing, setting age limits for consumption, etc. In the meantime, whether governments have paid more attention to the health of consumers or reducing consumption in the context of public health, or whether revenue generation is generally the main justifier for implementing legalization or not, are issues discussed in this study.

The business model and the government model, as the two main cannabis legalization models, have their own issues and therefore it seems that action should be taken based on specific expectations and in terms of specific regulations of these models.