Quote:
Originally Posted by Agamemnon
The main question here on the head, will the newly regulated marijuana system replace the currently robust and successful black market system.
I would imagine the only sane way to regulate it would be to ensure the regulated/allowable/taxable retail prices are competitive with the current black market prices. If weed becomes legal, and I'm used to buying it for say $200/ounce, and the govt wants to sell it at $300/ounce, I would continue to get it from the black market. So what would be the point of legalization? I don't see why the black market would necessarily shrink unless the regulated one can compete with it along price and quality lines.
I think it could be a multi-billion dollar industry. I think it's BC's second or third most valuable export... though obviously the govt isn't seeing much from that  |
Further to your point is how much more will you pay for quality control and convenience.
I don't buy weed anymore but I can guarantee that if I was able to roll up to my local weed dispensary on a Friday night at 930pm and pay $80 for a qtr instead of $60 from my usual weed guy but be guaranteed instant service with amazing choice and great quality, that I wouldn't even hesitate.
On the other hand if I'm forced to drive half way across the city because there are only a few dispensaries and they are only open a few hours and that $20 premium becomes a double in price or even a $40 premium, then I'm probably not gonna bother with the legal stuff. I don't care how good it is, if I have to pay too much and drive too far I'm not gonna bother.