NCJ Number
123528
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 97-116
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Marijuana has become Kentucky's primary drug problem. Considering all four categories of illicit drug activity (use, cultivation, production, and distribution), marijuana is easily the most widespread illegal drug in Kentucky.
Abstract
The Marijuana Eradication Program, begun in 1982, has led directly to several major adjustments in the organization of crime. It has stimulated smaller-scale production, resulted in crop dispersal throughout the entire State, led to a significant increase in the quality of cultivated marijuana, and stimulated a system of false production which has artificially inflated the size of the total marijuana crop. The campaign against marijuana has resulted in the creation of public support for the marijuana industry. Law enforcement efforts against marijuana have resulted in the creation of organized crime groups. The marijuana enforcement program is expensive and diverts needed resources from more serious crime and social problems. Recommendations to be evaluated include: (1) whether Kentucky should cease a policy of proactive drug enforcement with regard to marijuana; (2) whether proactive drug enforcement activity should be directed at the most vulnerable points of the drug industry; and (3) if it would be more effective to allocate more funds to ameliorating the many social ills that make Kentucky so susceptible to illegal commerce. 4 notes, 32 references.