Oklahoma Overrun With Chinese-Operated Marijuana Farms—What to Know

A vast quantity of marijuana grown in the state leaves for the black market. Officials say 85 percent of grow sites have Chinese connections.

Oklahoma National Guardsmen load eradicated marijuana plants during a multi-agency operation targeting illegal cultivation and trafficking in Oklahoma City on Feb. 22, 2022. Courtesy of Oklahoma National Guard

Chinese gangs are taking advantage of loose marijuana rules in Oklahoma to grow and transport marijuana to other states for sale on the black market, authorities say.

Oklahoma narcotics officials told Congress that a total amount of marijuana worth $153 billion is unaccounted for and likely leaving the state for the black market in other states.