EDITOR:
Now that cannabis legalization is in full force, it’s time to examine the structure of system: Asking questions about pricing, growing and the black market.
Firstly, the price of legal cannabis from your local government operated dispensary is overpriced. Buying options is per gram, and between $10-$15, including tax, which is well above black market prices. On the street, you can buy a quarter for $40-$50, and online for as cheap as $3 a gram delivered to your door in 3-4 days.
Secondly, if the purpose of this "social experiment," is to take the money out of the hands of organized crime, it’s not serving its purpose to the fullest extent. Although we are on the right path, we must move forward and implement change.
So, I propose grants and funding for large scale grow ops including THC (psychoactive component), cannabinoids and hemp as we have seen shortages in supply. With this increase in supply, the government could lower prices and offer options of buying in bulk; quarters, half ounce and ounces, at a fair price. These options are available to anyone who chooses the black market, and is enticing to the consumer.
Such an action would be beneficial for the overall structure, beating out the competition and moving forward to a more accessible and fair legal market.
Steven Clements,
UPEI student
