Legalizing pot didn’t kill the black market, it created a marketing department for it

The legalization of marijuana failed to eliminate the black market, as illegal dealers remain active while the legal industry faces declining sales and profits. Legal cannabis sales in California dropped by 11% from 2023 to 2025, despite rising marijuana use nationwide. Legal marijuana businesses are accused of marketing cannabis, driving demand, and indirectly benefiting the black market by normalizing use.