What is it about?
This publication examines how cannabis retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) perceive the legal cannabis market. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities they face under NL’s unique regulatory framework, which includes centralized distribution, strict licensing, and pricing rules. The study uses qualitative interviews with both licensed and prospective retailers to understand their experiences and perspectives.
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Why is it important?
Policy Impact: The findings show how regulations intended to protect public health can also affect market participation and business sustainability. Economic and Social Relevance: Retailers’ experiences highlight barriers such as high fees, restrictive advertising, and supply chain issues, which influence the success of legal cannabis markets. Broader Implications: While focused on NL, the insights are relevant for other jurisdictions with similar regulatory models, helping policymakers align regulations with real-world outcomes.
Perspectives
I find this publication valuable because it bridges policy design and on-the-ground realities. It emphasizes the importance of listening to retailers when shaping regulations, ensuring that public health goals do not unintentionally create barriers for small businesses or limit market diversity. From my perspective, this research reinforces the need for ongoing policy evaluation and stakeholder engagement to create a cannabis retail system that is sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with both economic and health objectives.
Tanisha Wright-Brown
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Insights from the ground: A qualitative investigation of retailer perspectives of the challenges and opportunities in the legal cannabis market in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, PLOS One, October 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333706.
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