Many very interesting comments.
I have a medical prescription. I prefer marijauna to opioids, sedatives, and other analgesics (for which I also have prescriptions). The nearest dispensary is in Manhattan. I still buy from a local unlawful dealer, who has better quality at lower prices, and he delivers with no paperwork. My medicare Part D does not cover my marijuana prescription.
I have no idea what to expect from legalization, which is now finally in the legislative works here. Living in one of the nation's highest taxed states, I doubt if the tax revenues will be more than a minor blip on the local radar, and the politicians will use it as an excuse to spend more than the revenues gained.
I have no method to verify what my dealer tells me. He does say that he is seeing surplus from Colorado growers (and other lawful growing states) appearing in the black market here, a growing presence, as Colorado usage levels off, and that has reduced his costs, and what he charges. I have witnessed a $50 per ounce drop for high test strains over the past year from him. An ounce lasts me 6-7 weeks, and my wife indulges occasionally.
I have 16 grandchildren with who I do my best to maintain honest and open relationships, aged 3 1/2 to 17. I do my best to refrain from negative judgment, endorsing and encouraging positive decisions by them, and not passing on to their parents conversations between us when they wanted discretion. (obviously, if there is something a parent needs to know, it happens) So far, two of the older girls told me they've tried pot, but didn't like the choking, the smell, the taste, the interference with their athletic abilities, and so on. I believe them, but that is open to change. I expected to first hear about usage from one of the boys. So far no, and they all know I indulge. A few of my older nephews and nieces have told me they've tried some, but most being very goal oriented, didn't make much of the experience. One complained it made him feel lazy, he didn't have time for that.
Wild marijuana grows throughout upstate NY, the middle states and New England. The deer love it. The THC content is relatively low.