Mexico drug cartels adapt to U.S. pot legalization
By Yemeli Ortega, MSN
The growing legalization of cannabis in the United States is forcing Mexico’s drug cartels to rethink their illicit business model, turning to opium poppy plantations and domestic pot consumption, experts say.
Americans have been legally allowed to light up joints in the US capital since late last month, joining Washington state and Alaska, while Oregon will follow suit in July.
A total of 23 US states have legalized the drug for medical use, and opinion polls show that a slim majority of Americans favor legalization.
The changes in the world’s biggest drug market appear to have prompted the criminal organizations producing narcotics in Mexico to switch strategies.