Dr Jonathan Newman - Transgression and Economy During Drug Reform

Cannabis reform is inextricably linked to the tension between illegal and legal economic structures. As the cannabis industry transitions toward legalization through methods such as genetic modification and the development of standardized cannabinoid concentrates, it increasingly mirrors conventional corporate models. This movement away from informal, transgressive origins toward a regulated market often creates barriers for smaller, traditional providers while prioritizing corporate profit. Legalization efforts must therefore address how these new economic frameworks potentially alienate users and reshape the social significance of consumption. The shift relies on aligning policy with established, often profit-driven, systems of commodity production rather than fostering community-based networks.