Stricter cannabis regulations have led to higher production costs, pushing many small growers out of the legal market. In California, mandatory testing, compliance fees, and environmental permits add significant expenses. Consumers ultimately bear these costs through higher prices at dispensaries, driving some toward the black market, where products are often cheaper but less regulated. Balancing consumer safety with market affordability requires creative policy solutions, such as tax relief for compliant growers and subsidies for sustainable farming initiatives. Learn more about Pure Roots