NCJ Number
174468
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 1995 Pages: 201-221
Date Published
1995
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the rural Kentucky marijuana industry argues that is a form of organized crime.
Abstract
The research used information collected through 55 confidential interviews with police officials, reputed marijuana industry leaders, and current and former marijuana growers, contacted through personal and kinship networks of one of the researchers, a former resident of Bluegrass country. It also used information on arrests for growing and selling marijuana in Bluegrass country, as reported in a local newspaper. Results revealed that rural culture both nurtures and protects persons who grow and distribute marijuana. Socioeconomic factors also have a role in the continuing existence of the marijuana industry. The scarcity of employment in rural Kentucky makes the growing of marijuana a tempting and lucrative endeavor. Strong informal social control and an abiding distrust of outsiders permits the marijuana industry to thrive unabated. The violence and threat of violence in the industry are directed toward those who steal a marijuana crop rather than toward law enforcement personnel. In addition, local businesses often support and profit from the marijuana grower's illegal activities and therefore accommodate this form of organized crime. The rural Kentucky marijuana industry is similar in many ways to urban and international crime, except that rural crime groups lack a leader. Finally, the kinship network is important in every facet of this form of organized crime. Thus, the rural Kentucky marijuana industry is a clear example of organized crime. 36 references (Author abstract modified)