In many other states, the punitive approach was favored: everybody with a record was forbidden from the industry. That, combined with the exorbitant tax rate,

In many other states, the punitive approach was favored: everybody with a record was forbidden from the industry. That, combined with the exorbitant tax rate, encouraged the black market to continue operating. By offering people a path to legitimization, you have a hope of meaningfully reducing criminality. With the puritanical fire and brimstone model, you push the criminals into other markets, like fentanyl.