Title: Exploring the potential impact of blockchain technologies in Health Canada's cannabis supply chain

Authors: Stephen Johnson

Addresses: Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, W.I., Jamaica

Abstract: This case study explores Health Canada's ability to detect and prevent illegal cannabis infiltration into its supply chain and investigates how blockchain might help address identified weaknesses. The Canadian government's regulatory framework reveals a need for stricter oversight of the cannabis supply chain to enhance security. Current monitoring has a critical weakness, making it susceptible to black market infiltration. This deficiency has led to negative customer perceptions of cannabis production and distribution. Maintaining the status quo risks customers switching to cheaper, higher-quality black-market cannabis. Introducing blockchain technology could shift Health Canada's regulatory approach from human-dependent to a shared responsibility model involving all cannabis ecosystem stakeholders. Blockchain could effectively track cannabis production and distribution, enhance state monitoring of quality standards, detect contaminants, and reduce consumer risks. The study highlights blockchain's potential benefits but also acknowledges its potential high costs.

Keywords: blockchain; cannabis; government regulations; supply chains; cyber security; cannabis reform; digital transformation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2024.140163

International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, 2024 Vol.5 No.1, pp.1 - 13

Received: 24 Oct 2023
Accepted: 12 Feb 2024
Published online: 26 Jul 2024 *

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