ā¢ The unregulated marijuana market is booming all across the United States and it is undercutting the legal market. While states that are having issues include Colorado, Michigan, and Washington, it's a bigger issue in New York. The illegal market in NY has been operating for decades, the legal market isn't up-to-date and the first dispensary is set to open before year end, despite recreational marijuana being legal for almost two years.Ā Ā It is estimated that the value of the illegal market is around $60 billion while the legal market is half of that. The city has sent out cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed businesses but as one closes, another opens. Ā Taxes play a big part as well in the illegal markets and New Yorkers will likely be in for a surprise in price when it comes to legal ganja. California has struggled with the taxing of cannabis and as a result, the illegal market has thrived. One thing is for sure, 2023 will be interesting for the cannabis industry. Ā ā¢ Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is making a pledge to keep working at the federal decriminalization of cannabis in 2023 after setbacks earlier this month. More on the politics can be found here. | 
