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    The Hidden Agenda Behind Marijuana Legalization: Corporate Interests and Financial Gains

    Author: Ondrej Stovicek

    Corporations primarily aim to maximize profits for their shareholders. It’s no surprise that corporate America is now focusing on the profitable movement to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. In 2015, profits from legal marijuana sales in the USA increased by 17% to $5.4 billion, and projections for 2023 anticipate a 25% increase to $6.7 billion. Corporations are eager to claim their share of this lucrative market.

    The Growing Marijuana Market

    The figures behind legal marijuana sales are staggering, especially considering that the first hemp stores in Colorado opened only two years ago. This is just the beginning.

    According to ArcView Market Research, cannabis market sales could reach an astonishing $21.8 billion by 2020. This projection suggests that the legal hemp market will eventually surpass even the NFL, which is estimated to be worth $25 billion by 2027.

    "I think that in the year of 2016 we are going to see another wave of investors, businessmen, and people who, until this moment, were rather observing the situation in the marijuana market, who are going to actively participate in this market field," said ArcView CEO Tray Dayton.

    As of now, four states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, making it legal in 23 states. Additional states are considering legalization following the presidential vote in the autumn of 2016.

    California is a state being watched with high expectations. If California legalizes hemp for recreational purposes, the financial turnover from industry sales will likely skyrocket. Combined with improvements in hemp legislation in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, investors within the USA will be well-positioned to finance the legal hemp market. This potential has caught the attention of corporate entities.

    Hidden Motives for Marijuana Legalization

    Despite appearing as a grassroots movement, the push for marijuana legalization has significant backing from wealthy individuals, most notably George Soros. Along with his team of wealthy sponsors, Soros has invested at least $80 million into hemp legalization.

    Through his Foundation to Promote an Open Society, Soros has channeled funds into the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), a nonprofit aiming to end the US war on drugs. He also contributes annually to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which finances marijuana legalization efforts and supports the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).

    Official documents from the DEA state that "several rich businessmen," rather than a broad spectrum of US citizens, started and continue to support the US marijuana legalization movement. Without their financial backing and influence, the movement would likely falter.

    Soros has also been instrumental in Uruguay, the first country to legalize hemp cultivation, sale, and consumption. He leads the DPA, the most influential organization for hemp legalization globally. The DPA's influence extends beyond the USA to Uruguay and other Latin American countries.

    Corporate Connections and Genetic Modification

    George Soros, a hero of the hemp legalization movement, has strong ties to the pharmaceutical industry and Monsanto. Monsanto, known for developing Agent Orange, DDT, PCBs, toxic pesticides, rGBH, and genetically modified foods, is rumored to be researching THC to genetically modify hemp.

    William Engdahl, author of "Seeds of Destruction: The Hidden Agenda of Genetic Manipulation," suggests that Monsanto is positioning itself to control patented hemp varieties. David Watson of Hortapharm created the largest collection of hemp seeds in the 1990s. In 1998, GW Pharmaceuticals signed an agreement with Hortapharm to use its hemp for research. By 2003, Bayer AG partnered with GW Pharmaceuticals for hemp extract research, and in 2007, Bayer AG agreed to a technology exchange with Monsanto. By 2009, GW Pharmaceuticals announced the successful modification of hemp, leading to a new patented variety.

    GMO Hemp and Industry Impact

    Engdahl believes Monsanto is laying the groundwork for future control of patented hemp varieties, particularly in Uruguay, where President Mujica seeks to prevent a black market. Monsanto's history of successful genetic cultivation of corn and soy in Uruguay supports this possibility.

    In the USA, criminalizing hemp for technical and medical use benefited many industries, including the military, corrections, banking, fossil fuels, construction, cotton, and pharmaceuticals.

    Conrad Justice Kiczenski warns that the next level of control lies in regulation, licensing, and taxation of hemp cultivation and use, coupled with genetic manipulation and patenting of the cannabis genome.

    Conclusion

    The legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use is not just a movement of ordinary people but is significantly driven by wealthy individuals and corporate interests. While the financial potential is vast, it is essential to remain aware of the underlying motives and the potential for corporate control over this emerging market.