Black market will persist.

The legal market and the illicit market thrive off of each other, creating a positive feedback loop with no indication of slowing down. The markets in legalized states are essentially fueling the black market in non-legalized states.[xxvii] The relationship leads to increased black market presence in non-legalized states, and also in legalized states. Black markets thrive when demand for a product is not met by the legal market. Differences in regulations across states motivate participants in the market to smuggle marijuana across state borders. Legalization of marijuana has actually increased the black markets in surrounding states because access is far easier than before marijuana was legalized.[xxviii]

Currently, black markets in the United States for marijuana thrive due to the imbalance of regulations across the country. If legalization were to occur on a federal level, black markets would not disappear. Black markets will thrive as long as they are making money. Since a goal of legalization is to make money off taxes, illicit markets will persist because their product is cheaper. If taxes increase gradually, however, more black markets will likely be eliminated because consumers are willing to pay a premium for safer marijuana.

Marijuana legalization has had many effects on markets and the overall well-being of citizens in legalization and non-legalization states. Most legalization states have had negative short-term effects, but hope remains for a positive future impact. Although legalization has allowed for more consumers to obtain marijuana, black markets persist to avoid stigmas and punishment. Legalization has even increased accessibility to those outside of legalized states. The legalization of marijuana in just a few states has changed America, its citizens, and the marijuana black market across the country.