Report: In Legal Marijuana States, Just 6% of Consumers Purchase From an Illegal Dealer

According to a new report, even in states with high marijuana tax rates legalization is reaching one of its primary goals of eliminating the black market

According to a new report by New Frontier Data, 52% of current marijuana consumers in states where its legal said their primary source of marijuana and marijuana products is from brick-and-mortal marijuana stores. 17% said they have their marijuana delivered by a legal marijuana store, and 16% get it primarily from friends. Just 6% say they purchase marijuana from a dealer who is not licensed to sale the plant.

In states that have legalized medical marijuana but not recreational marijuana, the percentage of those who purchase from a dealer is doubled, at 12%. 37% of those in medical only states purchase from a brick-and-mortar location, 26% obtaining it from a friend and 14% have it delivered.

When you account for all 50 states, 29% of consumers obtain marijuana from a marijuana retail outlet, 31% from friends, 12% from delivery and 17% from a black market dealer.

“These data indicate that the legal, regulated cannabis market is displacing the underground marketplace,” says NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “Over time, consumers are becoming more comfortable with and more reliant upon licensed retailers – who offer greater convenience, product quality, and safety.”

The full report can be found by clicking here.

Thank you for reading The Marijuana Herald! You can find more news stories by clicking here.

More articles from The Marijuana Herald:

Rhode Island Lawmakers File Bill to Create “RICare” Universal Healthcare System, Ban Premiums and Copays

Rhode Island Lawmakers File Bill to Create “RICare” Universal Healthcare System, Ban Premiums and Copays

CBD May Help Limit the “Second Wave” of Brain Damage After Traumatic Brain Injury, Study Finds

CBD May Help Limit the “Second Wave” of Brain Damage After Traumatic Brain Injury, Study Finds

CB1 Activation Helps Speed Wound Healing, Reports Study

CB1 Activation Helps Speed Wound Healing, Reports Study

Florida Senate Committee to Vote Feb. 18 on Bill Tightening Low-THC Marijuana Rules and Expanding Buffer Zones for Dispensaries

Florida Senate Committee to Vote Feb. 18 on Bill Tightening Low-THC Marijuana Rules and Expanding Buffer Zones for Dispensaries

Study: CBD Kills Rare Ovarian Tumor Cells by Targeting TRPV2 Channel and Mitochondrial Pathway

Study: CBD Kills Rare Ovarian Tumor Cells by Targeting TRPV2 Channel and Mitochondrial Pathway

Edible Hemp Film Helped Keep Freeze-Dried Berries Fresher in Storage, Study Finds

Edible Hemp Film Helped Keep Freeze-Dried Berries Fresher in Storage, Study Finds

Maryland Cannabis Industry Generates $98.9 Million in Sales in January, Prices down 12% from January 2025

Maryland Cannabis Industry Generates $98.9 Million in Sales in January, Prices down 12% from January 2025

Utah Committee Advances Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Telehealth Recommendations, Expand Low-THC Products in Pharmacies

Utah Committee Advances Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Telehealth Recommendations, Expand Low-THC Products in Pharmacies

New York Bill Would Let Liquor Stores Sell Low-THC Cannabis Beverages, Taxed at 9% Wholesale and 13% Retail

New York Bill Would Let Liquor Stores Sell Low-THC Cannabis Beverages, Taxed at 9% Wholesale and 13% Retail

U.S. Congress: Legislation to End Cannabis Prohibition Nationwide and Allow Expungements Gains Sponsors from Nearly 30 States and D.C.

U.S. Congress: Legislation to End Cannabis Prohibition Nationwide and Allow Expungements Gains Sponsors from Nearly 30 States and D.C.

Bipartisan Oregon Bill Would Allow Physician-Supervised Ibogaine Treatment

Bipartisan Oregon Bill Would Allow Physician-Supervised Ibogaine Treatment

Virginia Bill to Require Hospitals to Allow Medical Marijuana for Terminally Ill Patients Approved by Committee

Virginia Bill to Require Hospitals to Allow Medical Marijuana for Terminally Ill Patients Approved by Committee

Tilray Expands UK Medical Supply Network Through New Distribution Deal With Smartway Pharmaceuticals

Tilray Expands UK Medical Supply Network Through New Distribution Deal With Smartway Pharmaceuticals

Virginia House Appropriations Committee Advances Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Sales 16 to 6

Virginia House Appropriations Committee Advances Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Sales 16 to 6

New York Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Marijuana Dispensaries Near Houses of Worship, Sends Measure to Governor

New York Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Marijuana Dispensaries Near Houses of Worship, Sends Measure to Governor

Florida Appeals Court Upholds State’s THC Limits on Hemp Products

Florida Appeals Court Upholds State’s THC Limits on Hemp Products

U.S. Congress: Legislation to Prevent Cannabis Businesses From Taking Tax Deductions Following Rescheduling Gains 15th Sponsor

U.S. Congress: Legislation to Prevent Cannabis Businesses From Taking Tax Deductions Following Rescheduling Gains 15th Sponsor

New York Senate Committee Advances Bill Allowing Parolees and Probationers to Work in Legal Marijuana Industry

New York Senate Committee Advances Bill Allowing Parolees and Probationers to Work in Legal Marijuana Industry