The Rural Kentucky marijuana industry: Organization and community involvement

Abstract

This article explores the rural Kentucky marijuana industry, arguing that it is a form of organized crime. The article focuses on marijuana growers and the communities in which they live. Rural culture is shown both to nurture and to 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 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. 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 are also discussed.