821: John Nores | Reclaiming America's Wildlands from the Drug Cartels

Cannabis Laws

John Nores explains how the legalization of cannabis in California under Prop 64 has inadvertently incentivized illegal grows by drug cartels. Despite the regulation, the black market has flourished, with cartels operating openly due to the lenient penalties for illegal cultivation. He notes that even large-scale illegal operations face minimal consequences, overwhelming law enforcement efforts 1.

Illegal cannabis under Prop 64, they watered it down to a misdemeanor.

--- Lt. John Nores

Jordan Harbinger emphasizes the importance of supporting the show’s sponsors to keep such critical conversations going 2.

   

Law Enforcement

Jordan Harbinger and John Nores discuss the severe challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling illegal grows. These operations are not only environmentally destructive but also pose significant risks to officers, who often encounter dangerous traps and armed cartel members 3. The financial incentives for cartels are immense, with some grows valued at around $16 million, making the fight against them even more daunting 4.

They steal land, they steal water, they use crazy poisons that are super lethal.

--- Jordan Harbinger

The discussion underscores the need for greater resources and cooperation to effectively combat these illegal activities.