The business isnt about growing good weed.
Im 28, I spent my late teens growing with an oldschool cat for the blackmarket, and I only know what he taught me and what I have wittnessed.
Dispensaries got a good name because in the old days, cali dispos were supplied by local growers. This had a whole lot of grand effects on marijuana culture, but for the sake of the topic, it made dispensaries look like an absolute miracle to those who lived and smoked through prohibition. It remained this way for years, even after big farms took over.
When other states started to legalize, something happened. People with connections in the industry and more money than god contacted their welthy friends, or just straight up moved to places where legalization was potentially on the horizon. They didnt take over, but they took a big bite out of the production pie, and they set a standard for getting products on shelves, and money in their pocket, quick and efficiently. This happened in the 2nd (3rd?) wave of medical/legalization that started in the early 00’s, which coincided with what strains popularity? Girl Scout Cookies. Right product at the right time, nothing conspiratorial or anything, but I digress…
Now, dudes who bought 80 dollar eighths in college of schwag get the best weed they have ever smoked, same with the old school smokers who quit when they started a family or a career or whatever, and came back when it wouldnt potentially ruin their life.
Heres the silver lining. One day these motherfuckers will go to a party or a bar or a concert and see a joint being passed their way, and they will say “oh man, this is going to be sweet! I havent done this in years/ever and I am at a point where I can handle this.” They will take one, maybe two hits, and realize they are higher than bird pussy. Some will sleep it off, but some will start digging, they will find the world of cultivar marijuana, and we will welcome them with open arms, even when they ask if a plant in week 4 of flower is ready to harvest.
End of rant.
edit: not early 00s, early 10s, my bad