Despite legalization, people still obtain cannabis by shady means: Survey

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While there are plenty of ways to legally purchase cannabis, most Americans still get their greens through illicit ways, according to a survey.

According to a survey published by New Frontier Data, only one in three U.S. pot buyers purchase their goods from legal brick-and-mortar stores.

The survey also suggests that the most popular way to get high is by obtaining it through friends while another 20% get their ganja from dealers.

The survey shows how well the illegal marijuana market is doing, according to Bloomberg. There’s also a strong opportunity for companies to direct pot purchasers to legal sales.

Consumers spend an estimated $89 billion annually on legal and illegal marijuana in the United States. States such as New Mexico, Virginia, and New York say they’re on board to make recreational use of cannabis legal.

With the Democrats in power, the topic of federal legalization of marijuana has become hot as well. Bloomberg reported the New Frontier Data survey may not have captured the momentum towards legalization since it surveyed only 4,601 cannabis users in September.

Of those surveyed who got their goods from friends, 34% stated they could still get cannabis products legally, but chose to purchase or share outside of legal means — such as the sharing of marijuana with someone who has it for medicinal use.

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So why the continued persistence in purchasing weed under the table?

The survey suggests that many users continue to live in states which only permit medical use of marijuana.

Those who purchased weed from a physical store jumped up to 41% compared to the 27% in 2018, while those who obtained pot from buddies or dealers has declined.

For states looking to legalize recreational use and start cannabis sales, the inflated costs due to tax levels, licensing fees, and other factors have an impact on demand for legal products. The study concluded setting pot prices too high could cause a majority of American consumers to turn to illicit networks.