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On the Trail of Medical Marijuana

California's system has plenty of gray areas, New Yorker finds

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2008 4:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – California's legalization of medical marijuana helped create a cultivation and distribution network that promises big money for those willing to work in legal gray areas. Guided by an old friend, Blue, who's a dealer in all but name, David Samuels of the New Yorker follows the trail of Tibetan prayer flags from boutique-style urban dispensaries to lush fields in virtually lawless rural areas.

Starting with "the holistic health nuts, masseurs, d.j.s, art-school dropouts, and New Age types who populate the medical-marijuana scene in Los Angeles," Samuels crisscrosses the state, occasionally indulging along with his interviewees. One day, having woken up on the floor, he reflects on Blue's career path: "Though he is not a dangerous criminal, he is not exactly a hospice worker, either."

Supporters smoke marijuana with Ed Rosenthal, a grower brought up on cultivation charges, even after a federal judge urged them to drop the case.
Supporters smoke marijuana with Ed Rosenthal, a grower brought up on cultivation charges, even after a federal judge urged them to drop the case.   (AP Photo)
Protesters protesting Drug Enforcement Agency raids on medical marijuana clinics in Los Angeles.
Protesters protesting Drug Enforcement Agency raids on medical marijuana clinics in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
High-grade marijuana buds are displayed at an Oakland dispensary.
High-grade marijuana buds are displayed at an Oakland dispensary.   (AP Photo)
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