Can’t speak to other areas, but from what I know, legal weed is stupid cheap, locally.
Legal where I am: $200 an ounce.
Black Market: $150 an ounce.
Quality: BM comparable or better quality, it all depends on the curing, most large growers rush it. The boutique small growers can produce a better product if they want to.
Here in Western Colorado, it gets cheap during the harvest. More economics, right? High supply + steady demand = lower prices. But, add on the State, County & City taxes on top of sales taxes, and the $25 baggie gets up there real quick. Of course, you also have little competition around here, as some cities (such as Grand Junction), prohibited dispensaries within city limits until they recently put it to a public vote, and the public said bring em in. For years, we have had 2 dispensaries within about a 40 mile radius. Within the last 2 years, we had one more open in the next town over from me.
Despite the vote to bring dispensaries back to GJ last year, current city council seems to be dragging their feet. Thus far, they have limited the # of shops in town to 10, but have yet to begin issuing permits. This is likely to continue for another year.
Just over the mountains to the east, in Denver and surrounding areas, you can find better deals more regularly, but who wants to drive for 8 hours to get a better price for it, unless you happen to be the ones going over there and getting an ounce for $50 and then bringing it here to sell tax free for $100.
Bottom line? Government interference always, ALWAYS benefits the black market.