10 Facts on the Economics of Weed
9. Legal weed in America is hurting Mexican drug cartels
Even before Colorado or Washington legalized recreational use, advocates had highlighted the potential for drug cartels to lose money. Since legalization has taken hold in those states, there has been a drastic decrease in cartel income from marijuana. Again, it is incredibly difficult to come up with actual numbers as cartels are notorious for keeping their balance sheets close to the vest, but a decrease in seizures from Mexico along with a serious cut in profits to Mexican producers can not be good for the bottom line. The fact is that legal weed is likely cutting into marijuana profits for cartels. However, criminal organizations are usually quickly adaptable, the cartels have and will turn to other nefarious means to make up for whatever financial shortfall they may suffer.
