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The legal patchwork of cannabis regulations makes it difficult to implement a consistent approach to equity. Illinois’s medical and recreational cannabis laws often conflict with federal laws governing intoxicating cannabinoids derived from the industrial hemp industry. Hemp entrepreneurs—some of whom could be considered social equity participants—are often at odds with regulated entrepreneurs holding official social equity status. Additionally, there are those who support social equity but cannot afford to operate legally, opting instead to conduct business successfully in the legacy market.
It’s no secret that some supporters of the legal cannabis industry cross state lines to purchase cheaper, larger quantities of marijuana—some of which ultimately gets packaged and sold to consumers at prices far below the legal market rate.
In this edition of Cannabis Corner, we spoke with a legacy buyer, broker, and businessman who chose to remain anonymous. He shared his thoughts on how the legal industry affects his finances.
Cannabis Corner (CC): What do you call yourself?
Anonymous (A): I consider myself a retailer—I’m not the person with a green thumb. I have a lot of knowledge about the industry, and I’m a people person.
CC: Your products don’t come from licensed growers. Where do you source your cannabis, and how do you ensure the quality?
A: I have growers across the country, and I’ve been in this industry for years. Over time, you learn how to make connections and find high-quality products. I can’t knowingly contribute to my customers consuming products that are unsafe or unreasonable for them to ingest. That’s why I choose to source exclusively from small-batch growers. This way, I can ensure the product is good for my customers. If someone gets sick from my product, I lose a customer—and I can always go back to my grower to address the issue.
CC: When we first met, I asked if your product was delta-8 THC. You laughed and didn’t seem surprised. Why?
A: These days, you can find a lot of counterfeit cannabis flower, distillate cartridges, and edibles. Those products just aren’t real cannabis.
CC: How do your prices compare to Illinois dispensaries? Small batch doesn’t necessarily mean lower prices, right?
A: I know some products are more expensive than mine, and some are cheaper. It totally depends.
CC: How do you market yourself? Dispensaries and the legal market have a huge problem with self-promotion.
A: All I’ll say is, good dope moves itself.
CC: Do you ever feel like you’re harming the social equity space?
A: Nah. Some people say the legacy market is one of the reasons social equity isn’t working, but honestly, entrepreneurs in the legal space aren’t succeeding because they can’t compete with all their regulations.
CC: You have connections in multiple states but work most often with Michigan growers. How do you find your business partners? How do you spot someone trying to finesse you?
A: That’s the name of the game—you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time. You learn to tell who’s real and who’s fake. People who can’t articulate their product or answer questions? That’s a dead giveaway.
CC: Are you aware of the federal penalties for trafficking marijuana across state lines?
A: I don’t know them specifically...but let’s just say I know where my line is. I believe you shouldn’t do the crime if you’re not willing to do the time.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.