Marijuana cited as major state crop / LJWorld.com

Kansas and regional news

Study calls plant ‘untapped source of revenue’

December 24, 2006

Kansas is the land of wheat, sorghum and ... weed?

A new study that's raising eyebrows around the country suggests that the nation's top cash crop isn't corn or wheat, but marijuana. The report, published in the "Bulletin of Cannabis Reform," puts the value of the nation's marijuana crop at $35.8 billion, compared with $23.3 billion for the nation's corn crop and $7.4 billion for wheat.

The study, by Virginia-based consultant Jon B. Gettman, found Kansas to be 31st among the states in marijuana production, with a crop value estimated at $64 million.

By comparison, Kansas' wheat crop was worth $1.25 billion in 2005, and its grain-sorghum crop was valued at $317 million.

California was the No. 1 state listed for marijuana production, with a crop estimated at $13.8 billion.

The study began with a federal estimate that there are 10,000 metric tons of marijuana produced nationwide, multiplied it by a value of $1,606 per pound, and apportioned it to states based on the average seizures of cultivated marijuana plants through a federal marijuana-eradication program from 2003 to 2005.

The study describes marijuana as an "untapped source of revenue" for states that could potentially be regulated. Gettman wrote that in the past two decades, a federal marijuana-eradication program "has been unable to curtail the growth of domestic cultivation in the United States, let alone make any progress toward suppressing, abolishing or eliminating this market phenomenon."

Illustration by Karl Gehring

Kansas receives a federal grant of about $230,000 per year for its marijuana eradication program, said Kyle Smith, deputy director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. By far, the majority of the plants seized in Kansas are untended, wild-growing plants without high levels of the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.

For example, in 2005, there were 1.18 million wild marijuana plants eradicated in Kansas, compared with 3,690 cultivated plants.

The wild-growing plants, commonly known as "ditchweed," were not included in Gettman's study.

Smith, the KBI spokesman, was skeptical of the study, which was touted in a nationwide press release by the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project.

"It's kind of a publicity stunt. I can't really blame them," Smith said. "They have an agenda, and they're pushing it."

He said he thinks advocates for marijuana reform are a vocal minority, and that if the nation truly wanted to change the laws related to the drug, it could have elected leaders by now to do so.

Bob Eye, a Lawrence-based attorney and a founding board member of the reform-minded Drug Policy Forum of Kansas, said he views the study as evidence the war on drugs is not working.

Photo by Karl Gehring

"It's pretty clear that the efforts by law enforcement to essentially eliminate marijuana-growing have been a failure, and on the other hand what has been a success is the capacity of growers to hone their craft and essentially make it a part of the economy," he said.

"The fact that any activity generates $35 billion worth of transactions bears very close study, and I think it also reflects the relative acceptance of marijuana in the culture."

Said Smith, "Just because a lot of people want it doesn't make it right."

Discussion

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24 December 2006
at 2:52 a.m.

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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

“Bulletin of Cannabis Reform” by the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. Gee, I wonder if they are unbiased or if they have an agenda? This is front page news in the LJW? Give me a freeking break.
24 December 2006
at 2:54 a.m.

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local_support (Anonymous) says…

No surprise here.

Also love the pertinent google ads.
24 December 2006
at 4:04 a.m.

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Harry_Manback (Anonymous) says…

“Supercloset grow cabinet”

Gotta love that one!
24 December 2006
at 6:26 a.m.

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fairylight (Anonymous) says…

With all the legitimate studies regarding MJ as excellent in helping pain or nausea control for chemo , MD, Glaucoma, and various other maladies…I can't understand why Kansas has to be so backward! Grow it, control it, but let those who benefit from it use it without fear of arrest!

I am 50+ , ovarian cancer survivor. I do not think I could have done the chemo on a regular schedule without the temporary help from cannabis! That I, and others fighting these diseases, it should be criminal that we are forced underground…FORCED into illegal acts in order to manage our illness. They would rather we be pumped full of morphine and other addicting drugs that allow a joint a day!
24 December 2006
at 6:55 a.m.

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merrill (Anonymous) says…

Allowing americans to grow their own marijauna would not only reduce crime substantially it opens the door for USA farmers to produce industrial hemp like they did 60 years ago = http://everything.hemp.com/ = profitable family farms.

A family member was advised by the family eye doctor that marijuana would be the best treatment for Glaucoma. However paranoia prevents taking such a step, that and not having a clue where to begin if she would.

It seems that violent crimes deserves the attention and funding being directed at marijuana . Decriminalize usage and growing your own frees up valuable docket time at the court house. It could free up prison space for rapists,child molestors and killers.
24 December 2006
at 7:05 a.m.

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jonas (Anonymous) says…

fairylight: “They would rather we be pumped full of morphine and other addicting drugs that pump money into the pharmacutical companies than allow a joint a day!”

There. Fixed that for you.
24 December 2006
at 7:48 a.m.

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Leprechaunking13 (Anonymous) says…

Not only for medical uses but also Hemp can used to make many different things like clothes and paper. The only real reason that the government hasn't legalized pot is because they have all their money in Tobacco Farming and don't think they would make any money off MJ. I hope this study makes some politicians think about the money the government could potentially make off legalizing it and paying farmers to grow it like they do Tobacco.

24 December 2006
at 8:40 a.m.

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Fatty_McButterpants (Anonymous) says…

If the state were to legalize marijuana that would pretty much solve the education funding crisis in Kansas. Seems fairly simple to me.
24 December 2006
at 9:23 a.m.

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jonas (Anonymous) says…

Fatty: Haha. A two-pronged assault. In a social welfare sense: more money for schools! In a social darwinist approach: keeps the true potheads at home eating chips, so they don't such up teachers time and flunk out quietly! Genius!
24 December 2006
at 9:45 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Actually, Big Fat Log, I am and have been a proponent of decriminalisation of not near total legalisation of what are now illegal drugs.

Very much as the Volstead Act gave us athe Mafia, our War On Drugs (Read: War On The American People) has given us athe DEA, the Cartels, gangs and we now incarcerate the highest percentage of our population of any country on the planet; mostly due to drug law violations.

The War On Drugs is madness and I have been writing such for several years on this and other forums so I suggest that you take your ill-mannered spin and put it in your pipe ans smoke it.

Or shove it; makes no difference to me.

Now, if you're going to run true to form, you must mow come out in favour of continuing the War On Drugs as I oppose it and you most certainly dare not find yourself in agreement with me.

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 10:54 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

You know what?

Your post is really offensive in its tenor and I am under no obligation to even deal with it, however in the interst of setting the record straight; not for you and RC; neither of whose opinions but rather for the more rational and reasonable viewers of this forum.

Call it what you will, in the early 1970s I worked with for the Kansas Attorney genral as a drug agent.

So what?

Leaving that position in around 1973, I then worked for several other agencies both public and private.

It was that work which specifically led me to my well-founded opinions on what is theremd “The War On Drugs”, which I term The War On The American People.

There is no real interest in stopping the flow of drugs, only interst in making the occasional headline.

the flow of “illegal” drugs will not be stemmed anyway as humanity ahs been seeking ways to alter minds and perceptions for 10,000 years that we know of and most likely, even before that!

We lock up people for possession of a plant which grows wild.

Madness!

We have set the stage for the creation of drug cartels and organised crome exactly as was done 1919-1933 during prohibition.

The “War On Drugs” serves only to keep the boneheads happy with the illusion that “something is being done” to fix what is indeed a problem.

The fact is, the problem would be minimised thrgough decriminalisation and legalisation.

it was not until the early 1900s that there were ANY prohibitions agianst the use of ANY drug in the USA and those conntrols were only able to be implemented by an odd interpretation of what became the Interstate Commerce act and the impostion of federal taxes on drugs.

Those actions set the stage for the subsequent intrusion of government into the lives of private citizens and it ain't stopped yet!

We must send this madness and soon!

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 11:29 a.m.

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Ragingbear (Anonymous) says…

There is ONE main reason why the government does not want marijuana made legal. It is too easy to grow compared to tobacco and alchohol. All you needs is some grow lights, fertilizer, a few pamphlets on how to grow it, and some time. This would make it very difficult to regulate and tax the crud out of. With alchohol, the government generates massive amount of taxes, same with just about any other legal recreational substance.

Basically, it's the conservative agenda that believes that anything remotely fun is immoral, and should be illegal. Yet another shining example of your tax dollars at work.

Ooooooh! Cheetos.
24 December 2006
at 11:46 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Ragaingbear:

You are a long way towards being correct.

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 12:49 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

It's not all Bush and the reality is that Bush is only continuing the policies of every postwar president.

FDR actually started the War On The American People in association with his Dug Czar, Harry Anslinger.

Big Fat Log:

I actually have no idea how many folks got time for breaking laws in cases to which I was connected.

Most likely, very few as the penalites were not nearly so severe as today and it doesn't make anydifference anyway; they brokie the law and got caught.

I have been advocating for the decriminalisation and legalisation of currently illegal drugs for years and quite provably so.

I have rocked more than one boat on this forum and others as the result of my postion.

Look it up.

Do your homework.

Are YOU a member of NORML?

Have YOU written, called or emailed your people in Congress?

I have done all of the above.

Thanks.,

Marioni.
24 December 2006
at 1:30 p.m.

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marion4pres (Anonymous) says…

Marion,

…mind you I'm not doubting, complaining or criticizing…
just curious as you seem to have varied experiences.
Based on prior posts, did you do the “agency” work before or after the several years you spent in the auto-retail business. Tell us more about the “agency” work, please.

24 December 2006
at 1:36 p.m.

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fairylight (Anonymous) says…

Thank you Jonas…That is indeed much better!

'Posted by jonas (anonymous) on December 24, 2006 at

fairylight: “They would rather we be pumped full of morphine and other addicting drugs that pump money into the pharmacutical companies than allow a joint a day!”

There. Fixed that for you.
'
24 December 2006
at 1:42 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

m$pres:

Actually before, during and after.

I am not disposed to comment further due to various non-disclosure agreements with private sector companies.

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 2:31 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

I have no “behaviour” to account for, Big Fat Log.

In the same way that a motorist gets a speeding ticket some folks get busted for drugs.

They made choices and if they made the wrong choice, they paid for that choice.

No one twisted their arms, so quit it with the spin.

I' really tired of dealing with you, so might I suggest that you …………

Well…….

Can't wite that here but you get the idea!

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 3:33 p.m.

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marion4pres (Anonymous) says…

Sounds like some interesting history is getting stirred-up. Marion or Logrithmic please explain.
24 December 2006
at 4:43 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Oh, Big Fat Log is just having some juvenile fun with one of my typos.

Big Fat Log has some very distinct personality issues, cherishes odd beliefs, may be psychic, can most likely communicate with the dead, may well be a Herald to the Second Coming and is certainly a legend in its own mind.

Big Fat Log is, shall we say, “Special”.

As long as we are the subject of laws…….

If we have laws which we don't like, we should change them, not ignore them.

That's actually the fastest way to get a law changed; to enforce the Hades out of it for even the most trivial violations.

Problem is, with the drug laws, we would not have enough room in the courts, the prisons or even enough money to run such investigations!

Enforcing drug laws is VERY expensive as it can easily cost the investigating agecny $250.000.00 to move up the chain to a distributor and the agency may never get the money back so it tends to be only street level dealers which get the chop.

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 5:04 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

AS you see, Big FAt Log, is spinning agin.

I have discussed my brief career in law enforcement many times in the past on this forum and others so it ain't like its anything new, although Big Fat Log would have you beoieve that he/she/it has pulled off some kind of journaistic coup worthy of a Pulitzer.

Big Fat Log might be surprised to learn that I sought out a position in law enforcement preparatory to law school, thinking that it would provide me with good experience.

Got a lot of experience andf totally lost interst in goth law enforcement AND law school, having decided that there ain't no justice anyway!

Any person who experiences a crminal conviction knew at the outset of their activites that they were running such a risk and the responsibility whould not be placed on others as Big Fat Log would have you do.

Big FAt Log seeks to place hold the individual harmless of personal responsibility for that individual's actions, in typical Pseudo-liberal/Neo-socialist thought.

“I'm not responsible! I'm a VICTIM!”

Right.

Big Fat Log would also have you beleive that most dealers oaare “addicts” and out of control when nothing could be less true.

Most dealers are pure capitalists, being very careful to not use too much of their own product, if any amount at all.

Too dnagerous to operate in the dark if you are stoned!

Additionally, despite what Big Fat Log would have you beleive, after a few years, most convictions may be expunged and I have assisted a few folks in doing that very thing over time.

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 5:19 p.m.

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marion4pres (Anonymous) says…

This presents two compelling arguements:

1.) regardless of how unfare or un/enforcable an action may be, if it's unlawful and someone chooses to engage in that activity then suffering the consequences are their own choice. It's not the “fault” of anyone else even a narc. That is a simple, obvious reality…no further point, period.

2.) although it happens all the time in all facets of life, to choose to portray oneself as a friend, then deliberately trick, set-up and betray another's trust that results in arrests, criminal charges and/or jail is unforgivable. If indeed, this scenario even happened as it seems is being speculated. ( A true honorable, friend would keep another from falling into such trouble by any legitimate means possible.)
24 December 2006
at 5:20 p.m.

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always_amazed (Anonymous) says…

Hey Marion…..what was that narc's name that used to jump out of the trunks of cars back in the mid 70's…hmmmmm…..wonder if he is to old to do that now.

24 December 2006
at 5:21 p.m.

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heysoos (Anonymous) says…

I just want to comment on Sigmund's first post of the day.

The Marijuana Policy Project “touted” the study. You try, like so many of the trolls on this website, to make a false connection. Did you read the article?

A lot of pro-reform groups “touted” the study.
24 December 2006
at 7 p.m.

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Laxman (Anonymous) says…

Please help stop the war on drugs—thank you.

Happy HanaRamaKwanzMas to each and all!
24 December 2006
at 7:38 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Yes, Happy Holidays to all!

One of the best presents we could give ourselves would be to restore our freedoms and end this War On the American People.

Neither of the two political parties will do it without pressure from YOU, so get busy!

Thanks.

Marion.
24 December 2006
at 8 p.m.

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MacHeath (Anonymous) says…

Wow! Another discussion turned into a Marion-fest.
Marion, If you worked for Veron Miller, you are a despicable swine. If you Libs think Phill Kline is bad, you should have seen that piece of work. Grand-standing, jumping out of car trunks, piece of work that he was.

Marijuana should be legalized for its medical benifet alone. It won't be until my generation realizes there is a pile of MONEY in it for them. The sad truth, pure and simple.
24 December 2006
at 8:42 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Oink, oink, MacHeath!

And a jolly Christmas to you, too!

And a didn't even say anything about chewing the bark off of…….

Well……….

never mind.

Thanks.

Marion.
25 December 2006
at 12:15 a.m.

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a2thek (Anonymous) says…

Ditch Weed? What's that? It's nice to know that they are keeping track of that. Is Ditch Weed like Poison Ivy or something? THis is something you smoke that gives you the scratches. LOL
25 December 2006
at 12:45 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Cheech And Chong, re: Ditchweed:

“Man, that ch++ woulnd't get a fly high!”

Thanks.

Marion.

PS:

Dave?
25 December 2006
at 7:09 a.m.

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MacHeath (Anonymous) says…

Yeah, they use our money for a war on fiber.