Buying illegally was always sketchy, never knowing if someone would show up, how good the product was, if it actually was indica or sativa or hybrid, it was always just “good shit”, which wasn’t always true.

Prices feel the same and it’s defiantly not lower potency in my experience.

When I lived in California I could have it delivered even.

Here in Colorado the black market continues to thrives because shit heads don't think they should have to pay taxes, but the actual experience of legally buying pot is super easy.

And like you I call my guy who sends me a list of at least 5-6 different strains, two regular strains he will always have (king and platinum kush), always fresh, with volume pricing up to pounds. Then he shuffles strains and special items like prerolls, edibles, exotics in jars, and oil carts. So there's always a variety. Plus free door to door delivery. So our experiences are similar and the reason why the legal market has yet to catch up with the black market.

Living in Portland, OR that experience is wild to me. All of the shops I’ve been to don’t have any guards, just an employee during the required ID check.

Wish I didn’t have to use an ATM though.

Since I was just curious and don't really consume weed, and wanted to buy something to bring to a friend's place as a gift, I just GTFO. The whole experience was awful and time-wasting, though I guess if you're a pothead wasting time isn't a concern.

My experience in CO was far superior. The place I went to there didn't even have the entrance doors closed, it was like going into a tourist shop selling overpriced t-shirts but instead it was marijuana products. The prices were ridiculous, but at least it didn't feel sleazy or like a huge unnecessary waste of my time where a hold-up may occur at any moment.

Only inconvenience are: Some puritan counties/cities have banned recreational stores. Prices in turist/ski areas can be a bit more expensive depending on supply/demand. And I think higher CBD stuff is getting divereted to the medical & CBD oil market but that's just a theory.

The illegal market obviously varies dealer to dealer... not everyone has that same kind of stay-and-chill relationship with their dealer.

I live in Denver and I can order online, walk to a dispensary in 10 minutes, show my id and be handed a bag with my order.

I don't know where you live. But here in San Francisco, my neighborhood dispensary ("Apothecarium") is a top-notch experience, sort of like visiting a luxury goods store. They have a great waiting area, and when your name is called (usually within a few minutes), there's a concierge waiting for you who will take you through the entire buying process. It's very civilized.

What's the deal with this? Admittedly "cash only" sounds more like how the illegal market works...

Gorgeous location, knowledgable staff, fair prices

I buy my weed from a closet in the back of a clothing store. At least I get quality, correct humidity and I can bring my own packaging.

And don't get me started on the egregiously-named "hobo" run by the sexual-predator-defending Donnelly group.