The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, July 16, edition that the black market for cannabis is still strong, largely due to a tax structure that hinders the legal industry. A Globe editorial says reforming this tax structure is crucial to advancing the goals of legalization, which include keeping cannabis away from youth, preventing criminal profits and ensuring public safety. Progress has been made in legalizing cannabis, with about 75 per cent of sales now legal. However, illegal dispensaries still operate openly, with Toronto estimating 77 unauthorized shops, alongside on-line retailers and drug dealers across the country. Legal growers and retailers are losing sales to black-market producers who bypass production standards and safety requirements. Health Canada tests indicate that illegal cannabis often contains harmful heavy metals, as well as pesticides and microbes. These unregulated vendors are frequently linked to organized crime. While increased enforcement against illegal sales is necessary, the intent of legalization was to leverage market forces to eliminate the black market. Governments should reduce taxes and regulations on cannabis to help the legal industry thrive and outpace the black market.