Colorado DEA agents push for cannabis legalization

Some Colorado drug enforcement officers are calling on neighboring states to legalize cannabis in order to eradicate the black market in their region.

An interstate black market

The legalization of cannabis in Colorado hasn't completely destroyed the black market, it's actually shattered it. In essence, the giant dealing points have disappeared. On the other hand, the number of small-scale dealers has risen sharply. Anyone with surplus production can become a weed dealer. However, Colorado's supply of cannabis is so large that it exceeds demand. As a result, Colorado is becoming a supplier for all states still practicing prohibition. Especially the conservative border states of Nebraska, Wyoming and Kansas. This interstate traffic prompted Oklahoma and Nebraska to file suit against Colorado. Colorado in 2014 for non-compliance with federal laws (no action taken).

On CBS, a DEA agent drives Arizona, Maine, California, Nevada and Massachusetts to vote for legalization on November 8. In the event of a successful «yes» vote, legalized states will find it easier to combat old and new illegal growers, while at the same time reducing their scope for action as a result of the legal market.

Also on CBS, Jim Gerhard, a police association representative, says: »It's still too early to draw conclusions about the effects of legalization. It seems to be working for the states of Colorado and Washington. DEA agents have been chasing dealers ever since consumers were left alone». However, he underlines the negative consequence of the black market explosion: «Legalization in Colorado is an opportunity for anyone who wants to start an illegal business».

Like something out of a Hollywood movie, Tom Gorman, a narcotics analyst, denounces the influence of Russian, Chinese and Mexican mafias in Colorado: »In 18 months, we've noticed the emergence of a network that distributes throughout the territory, taking advantage of the fact that it's legal here and exporting it elsewhere.»

State Governor, John Hickenlooper, is pleased with Colorado's legalization for the time being. Although the black market has not been eradicated, more than 75% of cannabis transactions take place within a legal framework.