One of the original concepts was to get rid of the black market. Problem is the street is cheaper than the clinics. If the State wants to beat the street they've got to undersell them or the street is still in business. A person I know in Colorado says the only real advantages are it's legal, the quality is good and the weight is correct. Not as apt to get ripped. If I remember pot was cheaper when it was sold as medical.
I do believe so called sin taxes expresses the worst in Government greed. Colorado was all tight a$$ed before they considered the taxes. Like in Orwell's Animal Farm. They took the sheep out to the back 40 and taught the them a new song.[sic]
Personally, I don't seek Government approval for much.
Hope you feel better though.