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The oversaturated cannabis market in Oregon, caused by over-licensure and poor policy, has created a survival-of-the-fittest environment that mirrors the novel “Lord of the Flies.” It is a chaotic struggle where only the most ruthless, well-funded or well-connected operators survive, (“Marijuana prices hit record low: Oregon’s supply is nearly double demand,” Feb. 2).
As the state ignores supply-and-demand economics, prices have plummeted, and margins have shrunk. Businesses undercut each other to stay afloat, much as the boys in the novel fought over dwindling resources.
Oregon’s hands-off approach to market stability has largely left operators to fend for themselves. Without clear leadership or regulation to maintain balance, bad actors, corporate interests and underground market forces come to the surface.
With survival at stake, morality becomes optional. The boys in the novel abandoned ethics for survival and dominance. Oregon’s cannabis industry has seen price wars, debt, predatory partnerships and shady business tactics.
And just as the boys are stranded without adult supervision, Oregon’s cannabis businesses operate under a government system which hasn’t provided the necessary tools to correct the imbalance. The industry exists in a regulatory free-for-all.
While Oregon’s cannabis industry hasn’t devolved into literal violence, economic survival has felt violent and has destroyed families. As businesses collapse under financial pressure, larger, more predatory entities are taking over the market. In essence, we have all fallen victim to the Lord of the Lies.
Bret Born, Portland
To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.