It seems that the illegalities would be eliminated with a blanket legalization (duh)
The criminal element survives because a black market exists in the next state or county.
Is eight ounces of pot a lot? Is that a little? Wouldn't this depend on the quality of the pot in question?
MicroB, 12 plants (cultivated intelligently) can yield well beyond 8 oz. Half a pound (8 oz) is a
lot of grass.
In the late 80s, 1/4 oz of greenhouse (high quality
Cannabis indica) grass used niggardly could keep one unnamed individual tuned out for 7-10 days. Less if he was sharing in the evening. A full ounce would cover 3 weekends. Eight ounces would extrapolate to 4 months, since news of such a quantity would get out and increase sharing opportunities, which would bring people around who might want to buy "just a little bit".
I've heard the potency of today's reefer is considerably greater.
For strict individual recreational use, I estimate a half pound would keep the unnamed individual tuned out for 5-6 months, considering increased tolerance.
And please, rest assured I have no clue about and mean no disrespect to those with a legitimate medical condition.