And this news highlights who creates black markets: government regulations. In some cases, black markets are largely harmless, and the regulations guide rather than demand adherence. In others, like this UK nonsense, incentivize MORE illegality.

My longstanding maxim when COVID first happened was that the gov’t crackdowns on masking, social distancing, Zoom school, etc. would eventually lead to more lawlessness. I contend that I accurately predicted our future we’re living through now.

The solution is likely for more degens like us on Nostr to get elected or placed in government positions so we can rip out and tear down regulations in whatever ways we can.