Mendocino loves da herb
Pot growers thrive in Northern California
Cash crop now accounts for two-thirds of Mendocino County economy
MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Two hours from San Francisco, Northern California’s Mendocino County is a world away from the urban bustle. At first glance, it’s a picture postcard of the far West. But beneath its beauty lies a controversial, profitable and increasingly violent criminal enterprise.
The marijuana trade is an exploding underground industry. Marijuana is being grown in homes, backyards, even in our national parks.
Since the 1960s, the so-called Emerald Triangle – Northern California’s Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties – has increasingly become the haven for people looking to make a living growing marijuana.
Marijuana is the major cash crop here. A county-commissioned study reports pot accounts for up to two-thirds of the local economy.</em>
Imagine. An industry in this economy that both makes money and keeps people well and happy. Can’t have that, can we?
