In October 2013, to be specific. That legalizing marijuana would be a total failure, to be more specific. That was 3 months BEFORE legal marijuana became law in Colorado, and 9 months before in Washington. And I based it strictly on market forces, just as Admin does for his many praiseworthy articles. As usual, I got hammered for my article. Here's what I said.
Quote. “So let's look at some market realities about the marijuana business in the u.s. And how these realities stack up against states who have legalized marijuana for personal and/or medical use to make a few bucks.
CULTIVATION. Cannabis cultivation and marijuana production operations are extensive throughout California, particularly in northern California. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is increasing dramatically in the northern region of the state, primarily because of expanded cultivation by Mexican DTOs (Drug Trafficking Organizations); as a result, the area is becoming one of the most significant outdoor cannabis grow areas in the state.
Oops. Not only is marijuana being grown extensively in Mexico, the cultivation here in the U.S. is largely under the control of the Mexican DTOs. I pointed that out two years ago when I cited an example of marijuana cultivation by Mexicans in a U.S. National Forest near Green Bay, Wisconsin (good grief, Green Bay?). And where was the labor coming from? Illegal Mexican aliens. And what do you think is happening in California's forests, with the help from 2 1/2 million illegals, mostly Mexican, residing in that state?
LABOR COSTS. This one is a no-brainer. For cultivation, harvesting and processing, the marijuana cartels operate on third world labor, in which wages are one-half or less of anything a legal process can establish in the U.S. End of story. No further discussion needed.
MARKET RESTRICTIONS. The states that have legalized marijuana for either medical and/or personal use all prohibit the sale to persons under 21 years of age. That's MILLIONS of lost customers. Gee, I wonder where the youngsters will get their blow? Same place they get it now.
