Law Enforcement Can Overcome The Illicit Cannabis Market

21 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, another 10 have decriminalized its use, and medical cannabis is legal in 37 states. This cannabis legalization process began over 25 years ago, with the most substantive policy changes occurring in the last 10 years. This change in approach has provided a roadmap for new states, local governments, and law enforcement to learn from one another and develop best practices that leave room for unique political and socio-economic differences between communities while streamlining the implementation of the medical and adult-use markets.

While the expansion of legalization has disrupted the illicit market for cannabis, the illicit market continues to exist, posing a threat to the regulated market because in some cases it is competitive in size and scope to a state’s legal markets. It also remains a threat to public health and safety, making enforcement against illegal operators important, but complex and sometimes ambiguous. Finding solutions to curbing illicit activity is paramount to the industry, consumers and law enforcement.