there were times in ottawa when i couldn't get street dealers to sell it to me. the conversations went something like this.

"you buying?"
"maybe. do you have any pot?"
"i have speed."
"i'm looking for pot...."
"i don't sell it."
"why not?"
"it's not addictive."
"that's why i don't do speed."
"if you don't want speed, get out of here, you're just slowing me down."

and, it's the truth.

the reality is that there's not a lot in it for gangs. anybody can grow it, so they're not controlling any kind of supply routes. that's why gangs take over, right? because they can take it past check points with bribes. there's just no need for this with pot. you get it from your uncle's basement grow-op, or your friend's friend's backyard. and, because the laws aren't enforced, nobody needs the muscle or the protection. the other reason that gangs take over is because it's a revenue source, but because they can't control a monopoly, and it isn't addictive, marijuana doesn't have the same kinds of return. people buy it sporadically, and grow out of it after a while.

the gangs want you to take speed or meth or coke. they'll turn you into an addict, that way. and that's what they want.

there was one time when i bought it in a baggie with a confederate flag. that's the one and only time i've ever been convinced it was organized. every other time - and there's been lots of times - it's been totally ad hoc.

so, this idea that they're stomping something out is completely wrong. what they're stomping out is free enterprise.

but, i don't even care. i just want to avoid the hassle and be able to walk into the store and buy the amount i want to buy when i feel like it. who gets paid, and how it's regulated, is of essentially no concern to me.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/gangs-less-involved-in-cannabis-compared-with-other-drugs-report/article33712001/