In Era Of Legalization, Illegal Marijuana Grows (And Busts) Continue In Northwest States
Listen
Recreational marijuana may be legal in Washington and Oregon, but police continue to bust illegal pot operations that aren’t licensed by the state.
The latest numbers from the Washington State Patrol show that 89 illegal marijuana grow operations were shut down in Washington in the past year. Some were indoor grows, most were outdoor.
In total police seized 24,000 marijuana plants, more than 100 weapons and made more than 100 arrests. The total value of assets seized was nearly $2 million.
This represents a big jump from 2016 except in one category: the number of plants seized. That number is down significantly this year. The State Patrol said that’s because federal funding for marijuana eradication on public lands was cut. Usually those grows are identified by spotters in an airplane or helicopter.
In recent months, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has expressed concern about black market marijuana operations in states like Washington and Oregon where regulated pot is legal. But so far, the Justice Department has not intervened.
Related Stories:
Lawsuits draw attention to role of local authorities in enforcing federal immigration policy
Two lawsuits against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office have drawn attention to the role of state and local authorities in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Unpacking the intersection of health care and religion
Religion can sometimes impact health care access in places like Washington and Idaho. (Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Listen (Runtime 3:22) Read Phineas Pope: Tracy Simmons is the executive
COVID-19, 5 years later: Reflections on the scars we carry, and resilience in unprecedented times
NWPB caught up with local residents and doctors to talk about how they’ve moved forward following the COVID-19 pandemic. They spoke about how the experience changed them and wisdom they’ve gleaned along the way. These are their reflections.
