Officials say marijuana growing crackdown is working

Here is a story from the heart of the marijuana growing capital -- California.

Officials Say Marijuana Crackdown Is Working (Sacramento)

Readers will remember that weeks back I set up a google alert for the words "Plants" and "garden" and found to my amazement that all the stories were about busted "pot" growers. (see Google delivers marijuana.)

I guess it was no fluke that I noticed this. This year's gardens that were discovered carried a jaw dropping $6.7 billion street value, and over 477 raids in 34 counties.

To me, these statistics are startling when we hear about legalization and medical use legislation coming out of California. I guess both side of the argument are battling just as hard.

While the street value can be shocking, what you won't read in police reports is that street value is a result of prohibition. If marijuana could be taxed and regulated the criminal element would be removed. Unfortunately you won't read this either because arrests equal jobs for law enforcement.

It's beyond me how El Dorado County officials can claim success when the number of arrests never seems to go down. This is one of those so-called victories that looks great on paper and if you're up for re-election. Though, lying and propaganda probably aren't real American values.

In the face of a looming healthcare crisis in the US what is the harm in taking an honest approach to marijuana?

"Officials say" is big indicator that B.S. is on the way. It will great if someday reporters discover, once again, what it really means to be a reporter.

What "officials" say should not be the story, but just a starting point. The current reliance on the official viewpoint by "journalists" is a large part of what is wrong with our country.

The press is supposed to be a vital part of the checks and balances of our system, but these days, they act more like Russia's Pravda, being a mouth organ for the "official" view. I despair for our country.

Of course, Taylor is right. Not only is price a function of prohibition (marijuana is an easily grown herb), but that prohibition is a monstrously destructive fraud that destroys the lives of 800,000 innocent Americans EVERY YEAR. Where can any justification for this lie when every study has shown marijuana is far less harmful than alcohol?

Truth and justice the American way? Not anymore.

it cracks me up to read about law enforcement agencies claiming victory over a problem after they've reupped their efforts. cause: intensify your marijuana seeking operations. effect: find more marijuana. not that the efforts of the police could do anything to keep it off the streets. you can still buy marijuana most anywhere in this country. if these kind of crackdowns do anything to the pot black market, it will force out the small grow ops and put control in the hands of the few that can sustain operations after a major bust. see: mexican drug cartels?

our tax dollars at work.

They won a battle but they'll lose the war. They should figure out on how to control it, not eliminate it because that's impossible. Blessed are the peacemakers......

20 years ago, I recall a friend's father coming home from a 'work trip.' He was on a consulting gig, helping the National Guard find & destroy 'farm' plots in National Forests in Kentucky. He had a snapshot of a pickup truck overflowing with plants. By overflowing, I mean a full bed, the plants were long enough that they were hanging over both the cab and the tailgate.

So, point being, how's that crackdown working again? 20 years later they're still up to the same fun & games?

I have to wonder if the police still weigh the roots and stems in order to boost the news reports.

As long as the drug makers can't figure out a weigh to profit by patenting pot will remain illegal.