Roland, I really appreciated your efforts on this issue. The connection to the history of the Opium Wars and today’s drug policy is a warning, not just a reminder, that addiction isn’t just a public health. It is also a geopolitical weapon. It reminded me of a podcast I did with John Nores, the retired game warden and author of Hidden War. We talked about how cartel-backed grow operations are thriving in California, even after legalization, often hidden in plain sight on public lands. The idea that legalization somehow eliminates the black market just doesn’t hold up. In many ways, it actually creates more opportunities for criminal enterprises to operate under the radar.
What’s even more concerning is the growing evidence that some of these operations are tied to foreign interests — including Chinese-backed grows recently uncovered in Maine. Those of us in law enforcement have been seeing this for well over a decade! Add to that the fact that precursor chemicals for meth and synthetic fentanyl have been flowing in from China through Mexico and Canada, and you start to see a much bigger picture. When marijuana is treated like a harmless Friday night joint, we ignore the reality: super-potent THC can trigger psychosis, especially in young men, and there’s no clear scientific consensus around its medicinal value. Legalization isn’t just a moral or recreational debate — it’s a complex issue involving public safety, national security, and youth mental health. Thanks for taking the time to dig into that.
You prove again that you have the knowledge and understanding that few LE executives have in their career or retirement. It is unbelievable that Florida can actually have sheriffs who appear in TV ads pushing recreational cannabis. I'm going to find your podcast with Nores and listen to it. I hope you and I connect soon.
Incredible breadth of work, Roland. I didn't know China was once a victim of what they are now complicit in perpetrating against us. Interesting.
I'm not certain most Americans understand the threat the Chinese government poses. Aside from the drug war, China has infiltrated universities, government, Hollywood, and media. Their military planes are similar in quality to ours and have longer / faster range missiles. Thank goodness we have an administration who understands these threats.
On a different note, I just want to point out that other groups were also targeted by evil Hitler and died during the Holocaust. Of course, the Jews were the main target, but millions of Christian Poles were also killed and tortured. Given that I have relatives who were tortured by Hitler's people, this is an issue close to my heart.
Roland, I really appreciated your efforts on this issue. The connection to the history of the Opium Wars and today’s drug policy is a warning, not just a reminder, that addiction isn’t just a public health. It is also a geopolitical weapon. It reminded me of a podcast I did with John Nores, the retired game warden and author of Hidden War. We talked about how cartel-backed grow operations are thriving in California, even after legalization, often hidden in plain sight on public lands. The idea that legalization somehow eliminates the black market just doesn’t hold up. In many ways, it actually creates more opportunities for criminal enterprises to operate under the radar.
What’s even more concerning is the growing evidence that some of these operations are tied to foreign interests — including Chinese-backed grows recently uncovered in Maine. Those of us in law enforcement have been seeing this for well over a decade! Add to that the fact that precursor chemicals for meth and synthetic fentanyl have been flowing in from China through Mexico and Canada, and you start to see a much bigger picture. When marijuana is treated like a harmless Friday night joint, we ignore the reality: super-potent THC can trigger psychosis, especially in young men, and there’s no clear scientific consensus around its medicinal value. Legalization isn’t just a moral or recreational debate — it’s a complex issue involving public safety, national security, and youth mental health. Thanks for taking the time to dig into that.
You prove again that you have the knowledge and understanding that few LE executives have in their career or retirement. It is unbelievable that Florida can actually have sheriffs who appear in TV ads pushing recreational cannabis. I'm going to find your podcast with Nores and listen to it. I hope you and I connect soon.
https://www.amazon.com/Sparrow-Sings-Us-All/dp/B0FJ6FSQ2G
Chapter 13
The Opium Wars 2.0
Wow, congratulations on your book too. Thank you for getting it out there!
And you too. Hopefully more people come to realize what is going on.
I see you have published two books. I'm getting ready to publish my first very soon. I'll keep you posted.
Two great books. Not very many sales. :)
But the second one just came out.
Keep me posted.
Terrific article and timely.
Incredible breadth of work, Roland. I didn't know China was once a victim of what they are now complicit in perpetrating against us. Interesting.
I'm not certain most Americans understand the threat the Chinese government poses. Aside from the drug war, China has infiltrated universities, government, Hollywood, and media. Their military planes are similar in quality to ours and have longer / faster range missiles. Thank goodness we have an administration who understands these threats.
On a different note, I just want to point out that other groups were also targeted by evil Hitler and died during the Holocaust. Of course, the Jews were the main target, but millions of Christian Poles were also killed and tortured. Given that I have relatives who were tortured by Hitler's people, this is an issue close to my heart.
Great job!