WAGONER COUNTY, OKLA — Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry has exploded, but it’s also fueling a thriving black market, raising concerns about public safety and the integrity of the legal system.
NewsChannel 8 is diving into the complex issues surrounding this underground economy that some district attorneys say are linked to the cartel.
“I think the net worth gets into the millions of dollars because this is a substance that’s wanted nationwide,” District Attorney for District 27 Jack Thorpe said.
Thorpe said black market marijuana, meaning the illegal sale of it, is a lucrative business that’s bringing illegal marijuana grows across the state.
“We see the problems with our diverting and they know the profit there’s a lot more profit in the black market than there is through the regulated medical marijuana industry,” said Thorpe.
Thorpe is the district attorney for Wagoner, Adair, Cherokee, and Sequoyah Counties and when it comes to illegal marijuana grows, there are investigations in all four counties.
Currently, in Oklahoma, there are more than 2,200 medical marijuana dispensaries that are legal.
“In Oklahoma, we grow 10 times more marijuana than we would ever need for the dispensaries we have in the state,” said Thorpe.
Thorpe said Oklahoma has relaxed regulations when it comes to growing which makes it easier for criminals to want to illegally grow here.
To grow legally in Oklahoma, you must be 25 years old or older, able to pass a background check, and the property for growing cannot be within 1,000 feet of the property line for a public or private school.
However, some parts of Oklahoma are rural or wooded, and Thorpe said makes it more challenging to find the illegal growers who are trying to hide their operations.
“We received information many of the marijuana grows we are looking at may be related to the cartels or other multinational organized crime,” said Thorpe.
Illegal-grown marijuana is dangerous, and Thorpe is encouraging people to be careful.
“When sold on the black market and without there being any type of regulatory impact consumers do not know what is in it or led to the creation of information on those individuals associated with the distribution,” said Thorpe.
If you suspect an illegal operation is happening near you, one of the things to look out for is people coming and going at weird hours of the night. If you have suspicions, call 911.
SIGN UP FOR THE CHANNEL 8 NEWSLETTER
Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry has exploded, but it’s also fueling a thriving black market, raising concerns about public safety. Read More
