Legal marijuana is replacing black market weed in this state

Marijuana advocates argue that building a legal cannabis industry is an effective way to curb marijuana on the black market and prevent its risks. While the cannabis industry is relatively new across the country and black market companies have had the advantage over it for years, Maine appears to be reaping the benefits of the legal cannabis industry.

Legal marijuana is impacting black market sales, and the “current illicit market has declined more than expected,” according to a new report from the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP).

The report examined feedback from 2,000 Maine residents, 64% of whom said they purchased marijuana products from legal sources. The report found that the majority of young adult users and those prioritizing their cannabis quality turned to legal stores in January 2021.

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Other interesting findings include the fact that people who lived closer to cannabis stores were more likely to look for legal cannabis products, and that people who bought legal marijuana had the same risk as others of developing cannabis use disorder and impaired driving.

Erik Gundersen, director of the OCP, discussed these findings in a press statement, claiming that they are positive for legal cannabis and that they reinforce the benefits of a functioning legal market. “We are pleased to release this report, which highlights the successful launch of the adult market in Maine,” he said. The findings in this report point to policies and practices that promote and maintain public health and safety while allowing legitimate businesses to compete.”

The study’s authors call these results “an achievement in both public health and cannabis policy,” demonstrating that legal cannabis generates revenue for the state and promotes safe and appropriate use of the drug.

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Maine opened its legal marijuana retail stores in October 2020, a decision that has brought significant revenue to the state.