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Legal pot in California sparks corruption

Legal pot in California sparks corruption

The legalization of marijuana in California saw dozens of cities allow dispensaries in a bid for tax revenue. But as more opened up, civic corruption slipped in.

Headlines From The Times · David Toledo, Madalyn Amato, Heba Elorbany, Shannon Lin, Jazmín Aguilera, Mario Diaz, Shani O. Hilton, Denise Guerra, Mike Heflin, Mark Nieto, Kinsee Morlan, Gustavo Arellano, Kasia Broussalian, Ashlea Brown

September 21, 202219m 1s

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Show Notes

Ever since California legalized cannabis in 2016, the state’s weed market has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s estimated to be the largest legal market of its kind in the world. But whenever you get that much money anywhere; well, you’re gonna get political corruption.

Today, our investigation into how illegal moves around marijuana are plaguing city halls across the state. Read the full transcript here.

Host: Gustavo Arellano

Guests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Adam Elmahrek

More reading:

$250,000 cash in a brown paper bag.’ How legal weed unleashed corruption in California

Legal Weed, Broken Promises: A Times series on the fallout of legal pot in California

Would this California town have become so pro-cannabis if not for a councilwoman’s pot industry ties?

Topics

californiapoliticscannabis lawspotweedlegal weedcannabismarijuanacorruption