NCJ Number
162524
Journal
Deviant Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Journal Volume: 16 Dated: (1995) Pages: 201-221
Date Published
1995
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article explores the rural Kentucky marijuana industry, arguing that it is a form of organized crime.
Abstract
The article focuses on marijuana growers and the communities in which they live. Rural culture is shown to both nurture and protect those who engage in growing and distributing marijuana. Socioeconomic factors play a role in the continuing existence of the marijuana industry. The scarcity of employment in rural Kentucky makes growing marijuana a tempting and lucrative endeavor. Strong informal social control and an abiding distrust of outsiders permits the marijuana industry to thrive unabated. Business expenses incurred by marijuana growers are detailed, including the costs of security and weaponry needed to deter thieves. Differences and similarities between traditional urban organized crime groups and the rural marijuana industry and marijuana's relation to the culture of rural Kentucky are discussed. This analysis makes four major points regarding the organization and operation of the rural Kentucky marijuana industry: (1) it is a rural form of organized crime; (2) the rural community supports it by accommodating or concealing its presence; (3) rural crime networks should be viewed as organized crime entities; and (4) kinship networks are as important here as in any organized crime operation. References