Is Chinese Communist Party Behind Illegal Marijuana Grows In US? Congress Wants Answers

A bipartisan group of 50 congress members from the House and Senate are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to look into potential connections between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and illicit cannabis cultivation operations throughout the United States, reported Daily Caller News Foundation.

"We are deeply concerned with reports from across the country regarding Chinese nationals and organized crime cultivating marijuana on United States farmland," a letter addressed to AG Garland said.

Led by Reps. Pete Sessions (R-TX), Jared Golden (D-ME) and David Valadao (R-CA) as well as Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Angus King (I-ME), the lawmakers asked Garland to answer a set of questions related to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts and awareness regarding illegal cannabis grows associated with the CCP.

"We write to you today to inquire about efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to address this developing criminal enterprise. Chinese nationals—including those with potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)— are reportedly operating thousands of illicit marijuana farms across the country," lawmakers wrote.

What's Happening In Maine And Oklahoma?

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified hundreds of suspected illegal Chinese marijuana grow operations in Maine. In a separate letter sent to the DOJ in August, Maine’s Congressional Delegation called on the agency to put an end to the presence of foreign-owned and illegally operated marijuana businesses statewide. "Law enforcement in the state has identified 270 suspected properties that have been used as illegal Chinese growing operations, producing an estimated $4.37 billion in revenue,” the letter said.

Oklahoma Is Facing The Same Situation

Oklahoma’s Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) served search warrants at several cannabis businesses earlier this year following an investigation that led to sex trafficking, prostitution and drug trafficking to cannabis farms statewide. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) said that among one million acres of Oklahoma farmland currently owned by foreign entities, nations like China are 100% using the land for drug production.

The issue prompted Congress members to warn the DOJ last week in a letter that "thousands of illicit Chinese marijuana growing operations pose a direct threat to public safety, human rights, national security, and the addiction crisis gripping our nation."

The lawmakers expect from DOJ to provide some insight on the issue "at the earliest possible opportunity, but no later than February 23, 2024."

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