Quote:
Originally Posted by Daradon
I never thought it was going to be a whole lot cheaper. Plus I don't smoke, so I won't be disappointed either way. But it certainly can't be more expensive. Like the article above, there could be a breaking in period, but very shortly, the price should be the same or lower than than it is now. It makes zero sense for it to be more expensive. That wouldn't help the problem at all, and wouldn't make much money for the government. If it is more expensive, you'll still have all the illegal grow ops, and all the crime that goes with them.
I think the article above says it's about 4 bucks cheaper per gram, or 25-33%. That's a noticeable chunk. I know I love a 25% sale on my favorite 12 pack.
I would think they figure out how to make and distribute it cheaper, than adjust the taxes so it stays just below black market value, a sort of sweet spot.
Also realize, that even though it will be taxed and regulated, there will be companies involved, (how close the relationship will be to the government remains to be seen, but there will be companies involved, the government can't undertake this all on their own) and if they can make more money by reducing costs and providing cheaper product, they'll do it. The companies are not out to help the government, they're out to make coin. And competition breeds cheaper products.
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Even if prices increased slightly, people would still likely use the legal channels. There is more certainty with what you would be getting and most people would rather not have to interact with drug dealers.
In Vancouver, the dispensary is about $10/gram. Street price is closer to $5/gram. People would much rather have the convenience of going to a store, not risking getting arrested, and knowing your getting your favorite rainbow kush (or whatever weed smokers call there stuff).
From the suppliers side of things, it makes less sense to have a random grow op. The risks remain and your customer base has been cut down to a fraction of what it was.
Washington state has seen prices plunge by 40%, but they still remain at $15 USD/gram (or $20 CAD gram):
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...shortages-ease