In 2018, Canada made history by becoming the first G7 country to legalize cannabis, sparking excitement across the nation. The idea was clear—by regulating cannabis, the government would end the illicit market, reduce crime, and create a safe, reliable space for users. It promised a new age of responsible consumption, where people could enjoy cannabis legally and safely. But as time has gone on, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that legalization hasn’t fixed the problems many had hoped for. In fact, some issues have become even more complex. So, what went wrong?

The High Price of Legal Cannabis

One of the most glaring issues following legalization has been the high cost of legally purchased cannabis. While the goal was to cut down on black market sales, the prices of legal cannabis have often remained prohibitively high. Taxes, licensing, and the costs associated with maintaining a regulated market have led to higher retail prices. For many consumers, this means that they still turn to the illegal market for cheaper options.

It’s an irony that isn’t lost on users who initially voted for legalization with the expectation that it would make cannabis more affordable and accessible. Yet, the cost of quality legal cannabis often means that people continue to support illegal dealers who can offer more competitive prices. The government’s attempt to regulate and tax cannabis to death may have inadvertently caused the very issue it aimed to solve.

Supply Shortages and Slow Delivery

Another major flaw in the system has been the supply issues. Even though legalization was meant to establish a steady and dependable supply of cannabis, the reality has been quite different. After legalization, dispensaries struggled to meet the demand for cannabis, with empty shelves becoming a familiar sight.

There was also the question of how quickly legal cannabis could be delivered. Many users found the waiting times for legal orders frustrating. After a long wait, customers would often receive a product that didn’t live up to their expectations, further driving them away from the legal market and back to their trusted sources. The convenience and immediacy that illegal dealers offer make them a hard competitor for a slow and often unreliable regulated market.

Cannabis Quality and Variety

For many consumers, quality and variety are paramount. With legalization, Canadians hoped that they would have access to a wide variety of cannabis products, from strains to edibles to oils. However, the legal market has not kept up with the vast variety of products available on the illicit market. Users looking for specific strains or unique products have often been disappointed by what is available at legal dispensaries.

The reality is that legal cannabis products are often mass-produced, lacking the personal touch or niche options that so many cannabis enthusiasts crave. This has left many users feeling unsatisfied, turning them back to the illegal market where they have more choices and higher quality.

The Unintended Consequences of Over-Regulation

The Canadian government’s over-regulation of cannabis has also led to unintended consequences. Strict regulations, including complicated packaging laws, have made it difficult for consumers to quickly understand the product they are purchasing. Consumers often find themselves overwhelmed by complicated labels and unclear instructions, which detracts from the experience of buying cannabis.

Furthermore, the over-regulation has made it harder for smaller, independent cannabis growers to thrive, with many unable to navigate the red tape that comes with starting a legal business. This, in turn, has created an environment where larger corporations dominate the legal market, pushing out the very people who would have made the industry more innovative and diverse.

The Cannabis Conversation Is Far From Over

So, what does this all mean for Canada’s cannabis future? Legalization was supposed to be a solution, but it has highlighted just how complicated cannabis consumption and regulation truly are. The black market remains alive and well, and users continue to face the same issues that existed before cannabis was legalized.

However, all is not lost. The cannabis conversation is far from over, and the system can evolve. As time goes on, Canadians will continue to push for reforms that make cannabis more affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. The lessons learned from the initial struggles of legalization can pave the way for a more thoughtful, well-regulated industry in the future. While the road to full cannabis reform may be rocky, we can still look forward to a day when it’s easier than ever to buy legal cannabis that meets our needs.