FLORIDA Real Estate Catastrophe contributes to Drug Trafficking

peaceandlove · 07-30-2009, 08:59 PM

Florida's Hydroponic Pot: House-Grown and Super-Potent

By CARMEN GENTILE / MIAMI – Thu Jul 30, 3:15 am ET

California may be the center of the marijuana trade and the controversies over its legalization. But Florida has surpassed it in one important category: the Sunshine State is now the country's leader in indoor marijuana cultivation. It is a potent distinction because most of the marijuana grown this way is cultured hydroponically - that is, mostly without soil and with a carefully calibrated cocktail of chemicals and lighting - to create some of the highest level of highs on the market.

In 2006, Florida law enforcement here discovered 480 homes growing marijuana indoors. Last year, 1,022 grow houses were busted. "This isn't your grandma's marijuana," quipped a Miami-Dade narcotics officer at one bust as he tossed garbage bags stuffed with confiscated marijuana into an unmarked police truck. Levels of THC - the agent in marijuana that produces feelings of euphoria, and in some users mild hallucinations and paranoia - have risen dramatically because of indoor techniques. Thirty years ago, most marijuana contained about 7% THC. Today, indoor growers boast THC levels of 25% or higher thanks to the additional care that indoor plants receive. (See pictures of 4/20, the unofficial pot holiday.)

Continues: http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/2009073...08599191340100

07-30-2009, 08:59 PM	#1
peaceandlove Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Turtle Island Posts: 2,776	FLORIDA Real Estate Catastrophe contributes to Drug Trafficking Florida's Hydroponic Pot: House-Grown and Super-Potent By CARMEN GENTILE / MIAMI – Thu Jul 30, 3:15 am ET California may be the center of the marijuana trade and the controversies over its legalization. But Florida has surpassed it in one important category: the Sunshine State is now the country's leader in indoor marijuana cultivation. It is a potent distinction because most of the marijuana grown this way is cultured hydroponically - that is, mostly without soil and with a carefully calibrated cocktail of chemicals and lighting - to create some of the highest level of highs on the market. In 2006, Florida law enforcement here discovered 480 homes growing marijuana indoors. Last year, 1,022 grow houses were busted. "This isn't your grandma's marijuana," quipped a Miami-Dade narcotics officer at one bust as he tossed garbage bags stuffed with confiscated marijuana into an unmarked police truck. Levels of THC - the agent in marijuana that produces feelings of euphoria, and in some users mild hallucinations and paranoia - have risen dramatically because of indoor techniques. Thirty years ago, most marijuana contained about 7% THC. Today, indoor growers boast THC levels of 25% or higher thanks to the additional care that indoor plants receive. (See pictures of 4/20, the unofficial pot holiday.) Continues: http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/2009073...08599191340100