Advance to the Nearest Dispensary: How Quebec's Marijuana Monopoly Is a Model for Future Legalized States

Authors

Jason Levine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note argues that a state-run monopoly model for marijuana sales, inspired by Quebec's approach, could more effectively promote public health and reduce black-market competition compared to the current license authorization model used in U.S. states like Colorado and California. By centralizing control over pricing, distribution, and product regulation, a monopolistic structure could address challenges such as high taxes, slow transition phases, and the dominance of illegal markets. The analysis draws parallels to alcohol sales frameworks and highlights how a government-run system could avoid federal tax burdens under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code.

Disciplines

Comparative and Foreign Law | Criminal Law | Criminal Procedure | Food and Drug Law | International Law | Law

Recommended Citation

Jason Levine, Advance to the Nearest Dispensary: How Quebec's Marijuana Monopoly Is a Model for Future Legalized States, 5 Cardozo Int’l & Compar. L. Rev. 881 (2022).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/ciclr/vol5/iss3/6