Legalizing cannabis was supposed to spark a revolution — a bold new era of progress, opportunity and transformation. Instead, it began a complicated journey marked by significant achievements but also frustrating setbacks. Canada’s legalization has shifted both the culture and the industry, paving the way for innovative products, strict quality standards and a burgeoning … [Read more...] about Opinion: Government overkill is why illegal cannabis still accounts for 30% of the market
Black Market
Black market marijuana cultivation in Maine is a big deal
MACHIAS, Maine — The blue four-bedroom house, with two red barns out back and neighbors few and far between, looked like any number of nondescript farmhouses that dot the sparsely populated towns of central and northern Maine. But last November, on a crisp fall day, as he got out of his cruiser to check out a tip about suspicious activity at the remote home, Machias Police … [Read more...] about Black market marijuana cultivation in Maine is a big deal
California’s cannabis black market thrives despite legalization
Omar Buddakey estimates he saves the equivalent of a paycheck each year by buying his weed on the black market © Robyn BECK / AFP Los Angeles (AFP) – Omar Buddakey emerges from a nondescript building in Los Angeles with a joint in his hand. Five years after cannabis was legalized in California, black market transactions like this one -- where no one pays any taxes, … [Read more...] about California’s cannabis black market thrives despite legalization
The big winners in this year’s General Assembly: black market pot dealers
You know who the big winners in the recent General Assembly session were? Dope dealers. That’s a harsh and uncharitable view of things, but not necessarily an inaccurate one. For the second straight year since the General Assembly legalized the personal possession of marijuana, it failed to come up with a way to create a legal market to grow and sell the devil’s lettuce. That … [Read more...] about The big winners in this year’s General Assembly: black market pot dealers
Why Is Legal Weed So Darn Expensive?
Ah, legal cannabis. The answer to all of our problems, or so we thought. As more and more states and countries legalize the green stuff, one thing has become increasingly clear: legal cannabis is expensive. So, what gives? Well, for starters, legal cannabis businesses have to comply with a ton of regulations. And we mean a ton. From security requirements to packaging and … [Read more...] about Why Is Legal Weed So Darn Expensive?
