The black market will always thrive....just the way it is, some things will never change.
This is an interesting discussion.
The amount of regulation from state and federal government is so very important here. Too much regulation keeps the black market thriving, as does too little (current time could be an example of this, "grey market"). I have to think that's a huge reason why the federal government is letting states work it out. The idea that the federal government could make a ruling on this that will legalize it in proper fashion. It's not like the black market is generally a good thing, the lack of transparency is disgusting so if legalization is done properly it benefits both individuals and the government as a whole in the idea we can have a little regulation while giving up a little to tax $ for the things we all enjoy. Roads, firemen, knowing you aren't buying food with disease, ect, ect.
Another question. Is cannabis a market that can self regulate? With the amount of money involved it seems that's not realistic. By that I mean if they made it recreational with no restriction, tax, ect, abuse would be rampant. Not necessarily from anyone in the scene now, but from big business, ect.
Back to the main question. Will the black market for cannabis, always thrive? Will regulation costs turn people back to the black market?
You'd be surprised what people pay to walk into a store and purchase something packaged nicely. As growers want to become a part of society, so do users.