What I envision is a mix of farming and beer/wine. That's why I say more along the lines of alcohol, but not exactly like it. There would be a level that anyone who is determined to achieve, can. Think home brew, nano brew, micro brew, brewery.
It will be grown on a farm. You then have local weed shops. Like liquor stores. The stores get licensed locally. Overall, the cost of the permit for the weed store, compared with the overall budget to open a store(building and/or remodeling costs, purchasing inventory, hiring employees, etc.) is a tiny portion of the budget. License to grow it for growers wouldn't be any more expensive. Includes different classes and levels as well. From your closet, to Phillip Morris.
Laws will vary, state to state(inserting edit here) county to county and town to town(end edit). Dont like Arizona's laws? Open in Idaho, where their regs are less stringent(entirely fictional example state).
5 grand for a liquor license? They will make up that cost quickly.
There is a process to go through, obviously. There will be costs associated with it, obviously.
But if you're determined, you get through it and open your business. If you just quit because it takes some work, then don't open one. I feel like that's what you're advocating. It's too hard, give up. Not my style.
Opening a business isn't a walk through the park.