Observations and formal and informal interviews indicate that the young black marijuana seller of the 1980's differs in several ways from the white counterpart of the 1970's. Some of these differences are attributable to legal changes and increased market prices, others involve cultural variations in motivations, job opportunities, and values. Police crackdowns and an expanding market contributed to an increased cost of marijuana and increased profits, while legal changes have decreased risk. Compared to earlier white counterparts, black weedslingers are systematic in their street dealing. They are more businesslike, guided by the profit motive, and enter dealing after a consideration of the possibilities and costs of other forms of legal and illegal enterprise. Finally, behavior, such as street dealing, demonstrates successful achievement in competitive spheres of valued activity and provides an important service to marijuana-using youth, thus, earning respect from peers and an image as a successful entrepreneur. 21 references.