They’re going because it’s novel. Young people will always fall for newness. This is going through the stage CBD did a few years ago.

People who know better are still getting good stuff from their Guy (who doesn’t have overhead costs). Stable prices, safe and top quality.. what these shops unregulated shops can’t offer. Many are about hawking adjacent smoking pipes, lighters, vapes and papers, and ultimately, are profit minded because they have high rent and taxes to pay.