Opinion Piece from High at 9 News Correspond, Nickolas Wildstar
I must admit, I was initially shocked by the news of the recent crackdown on illegal marijuana grows in San Bernardino. Millions of dollars worth of cannabis plants were seized, and a significant amount of law enforcement resources were devoted to the operation. But after reading this story in its entirety, I’ve come to the conclusion that this crackdown and all others are misguided and ultimately harmful to the people of California.
First, let's consider the fact that the cannabis market here is heavily regulated and taxed. While this may seem like a positive thing, it actually creates a number of problems. For one, it means that legal cannabis is significantly more expensive than illegal cannabis. This drives consumers towards the black market, which is not subject to the same regulations or taxes. In effect, the government is creating its own competition.
Furthermore, the high cost of legal cannabis makes it difficult for small-scale growers to compete with larger, licensed operations. This means that the legal market is dominated by a few large companies, while smaller growers are forced to operate in the shadows. The result is a market that is less diverse and less innovative than it could be.
Another issue with the legal cannabis market is that it creates a great deal of waste. Strict regulations mean that even minor infractions can lead to entire crops being destroyed. This waste is not only environmentally harmful, but it also represents a significant financial loss for growers.
Finally, let's consider the impact of the crackdown on illegal cannabis growers themselves. These are often small-scale operations run by marginalized communities, who have very little economic opportunities. By targeting these growers, law enforcement is essentially taking away their livelihoods, and driving them further into poverty.
So in conclusion, the San Bernardino crackdown on unlicensed cannabis grows is yet another waste of time, money, and resources by clueless government officials and a nitwitted approach to drug policy. Rather than devoting resources to shutting down these growers, we should be focusing on creating a true free market for cannabis that is more accessible, diverse, and sustainable. By doing so, we can help to reduce the harm caused by the war on drugs, while also creating a more equitable and just society for all. Reporting for the High At 9 News Hour this is Nick Wildstar aka The Governor. Speak now or forever hold your peace!
View the article in review, here.
