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California's Pot Crop Draws Thieves, Violence

'Just legalize it already,' says one local

By Emily Rauhala,  Newser User

Posted Oct 3, 2010 6:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – In California's conservative Central Valley, legions of recession-hit farmers are growing medical marijuana legally. But protection from the law can't keep robbers at bay, and there have been at least five confrontations in the last month, two of which were fatal, notes the Los Angeles Times. In one incident, a 70-year-old woman fended off attackers using a machete. In another, a suspected robber was shot in the head.

"I don't know how you could not have known something like this was going to happen," one local said of the violence. "It was like someone put candy in my driveway and told all the kids, 'It's not for you.'" She, like many there, supports the legalisation bid known as Prop 19. "A man died over a plant, next to my floral shop," she said. "Just legalize it already." For the Governator's take on Prop 19, click here.

Watch out for robbers.
Watch out for robbers.   (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
Brass
Oct 7, 2010 11:14 PM CDT
If they legalize pot the government will fuck it up... They always do. Still, it is the only thing that makes sense.
TopsyKrets
Oct 3, 2010 6:06 PM CDT
Legalizing marijuana would make SO much money, create new jobs and totally kill drug cartel's profits and power. Conservative people need to open their minds to this idea if they are really serious about saving the economy or jobs
myflap.blow
Oct 3, 2010 12:32 PM CDT
This is nothing but propagandist media mindfuck demonization. Where are all the prop 19 specific commercials? No, this is what we get. How sad. Republicans destroy everything... Democrats can't do anything... Legalize and tax pot properly and STONERS will end up saving the country. You know it, they know it, and THAT is why they don't want to see it happen. Our third party needs to be "The Peoples Pot Party". Already over 100 million Americans strong! Wanna see the world REALLY change?!
 

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