California is home to the largest legal marijuana market in the world, but consumers are almost three times more likely to purchase cannabis products from unlicensed dispensaries and delivery services in the state than regulated sellers, resulting in lost tax revenue and a thriving underground pot trade, according to an audit made public last week.
The study was conducted by the United Cannabis Business Association (UCBA), which describes itself as “the leading voice for legal cannabis” in the Golden State. The group has criticized elected officials and law enforcement for failing to shut down shops operating illegally. It claims many consumers are lured to unregulated stores via an online community forum called Weedmaps, where users can discuss the potency of various strains and find recreational and/or medical marijuana dispensaries in their area.
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