What's the Rush, RI?
Advocating for Evidence Based Marijuana Policy
Black Market or Underground Economy?
Posted by on July 2, 2014
The term Black Market suggests a criminal ‘enterprise’ focused solely on enriching drug lords and gangs. However, some observers have suggested that many individuals unable to obtain employment in Rhode Island’s depressed economy sell marijuana in order to supplement inadequate or unstable legitimate incomes. It would, therefore be reasonable to ask:
“What evidence exists to suggest that the legitimate needs being met through this underground economy, that is fueled by poverty and high unemployment, would diminish under legalization?”
And, “How will legalization for adult recreational use impact the underground economy that adolescent users maintain to support their marijuana use?”
