Respectfully GIAUS BALTAR, the Democrats authored the raise from 10% to 15% I do believe; and when legalization was being proposed, that was it's major selling point too, one that the majority who supported legalization reiterated over and over. I too think the tax is way to high as it is, the Black Market growers hope like tobacco it goes higher! 
Today thanks to government raising taxes, tobacco competes with pot as one of the largest black market smuggled products in America. Tobacco is also a billion dollar mom and pops, along with many terrorist organizations and organized crime syndicates involved, black market today as well. New York City is the biggest payday, millions in profit just for one smuggled truck load of cigarettes today!
Government loves Black Markets, since it is the major reason that helps the unsavory elements flourish with high taxation, on any and all vices, don't think they don't like that secret, unaccounted for cash, flowing into their hidden coffers as well!