Weed, Need and Greed: A Study of Domestic Cannabis Cultivation

The established model for cannabis markets is one of importation from 'traditional' producer nations in the developing world. However, this model is increasingly flawed, with domestic production replacing importation across the West. Weed, Need and Greed examines the cultivation of cannabis in the West, mostly grown indoors with increasingly hi-tech cultivation methods. The methods employed by an individual grower depend on the opportunity, the intention, and, importantly, the ideological position which may influence grower's choice. Although a large number of cannabis growers seek no financial reward whatsoever for their involvement in what is essentially an act of drug trafficking, others are financially motivated, though both are equally motivated by non-financial 'drivers.' Consumer concerns can be seen to influence the market, with smaller independent 'social' and 'social/commercial' growers offering an ideological (ethical, even) alternative to larger scale organized crime outfits. Explanations for the recent surges in domestic cannabis cultivation are offered, along with predictions for the future domestic production of cannabis, and other drugs as well.