Feral cannabis

Eradication Efforts:

• Responses to feral cannabis vary by time period and jurisdiction.
• The DEA’s Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression program was established in 1979.
• In 1991, the program eradicated 118 million feral cannabis plants.
• A 2003 report highlighted that 99% of the cannabis eradicated was feral.
• Feral cannabis seeds can remain dormant for 7-10 years.

Cultivation in North Korea:

• Wild cannabis is grown in North Korea.
• The legal status of cannabis in North Korea is uncertain.

Distribution of Feral Cannabis:

• Feral cannabis originates from industrial hemp plants.
• Industrial hemp was extensively grown in the American Midwest.
• States like Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota have wild cannabis populations.
• Indiana reports the highest concentrations of feral cannabis.
• Hemp is categorized as a noxious prohibited weed in Minnesota.

Indiana’s Approach:

• Authorities in Indiana have largely halted eradication efforts.
• Feral cannabis is predominantly found in Indiana.
• A police spokesman likened eradicating ditch weed to removing dandelions.

References:

• ’99 Percent of All Marijuana Plants Eradicated In US Is Feral Hemp.’
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (1914).
• Drugs, Crime and the Justice System, United States Department of Justice (1991).
• State cops and county officials fight ditch weed.
• Global Marijuana Policies: 4 Countries with Unexpected Regulations.

Feral cannabis Data Sources