RE:Who is better positioned Agree. Ontario will likely follow the Alberta liquor store model where there are private liquor stores but all of their product must be bought through the Alberta Liquor Commission. This means that in Ontario, all inventory from all retail establishments must be purchased through the Ontario Cannabis commission of the LCBO. Not bought through the government body means its illegal.
Have you ever gone to a liquor store and sampled the scotch from open bottles before you buy? Never you say? The same will apply to the sale of cannabis. There will be no open containers, no loose product. Only product in sealed containers purchased from the Ontario Cannabis commission. This means that anyone selling loose product is selling illegal product. Plain and simple, just like alcohol. Loose product means illegal product means your operation is shut down and you are going to be charged. Just like with alcohol.
This is the best approach. You don't see stores selling open alcohol products. You don't see people selling their home made wine or screech. You soon won't see people selling loose cannabis product.
When enforced, this will be hugely positive for those tax paying, regulated LPs and the police will now have the means to shut down the illegal non tax paying growers and dealers. A good day is about to arrive. Finally.