Skip to Content

Double dealing: Legal, illicit blur in California pot market

KTVZ

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As California enters its fifth year of broad legal marijuana sales, industry insiders say the practice of working simultaneously in the legal and illicit markets is all too commonplace in the struggling pot economy. Legal businesses have long complained that heavy taxes and regulation — paired with thriving illegal sales — make it impossible for licensed shops to turn a profit. To survive, an increasing number of license holders are secretly operating in the underground — working both sides of the marketplace to make ends meet. Leading companies recently warned Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom the legal market could collapse. Newsom says he’s open to changes.

Article Topic Follows: AP National Business

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content