Yes, absolutely you can!

When you create the Discussion, look at the options provided.  One is a checkbox you have to check that is "Participants must respond to the topic before viewing other replies."

Check out these two Instructor Guides:

• https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-create-a-discussion-as-an-instructor/ta... - scroll down to the Set Additional Options section
• https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-create-a-graded-discussion/ta-p/1019 -  scroll down to the Set Graded Discussion section