Oklahoma’s Illegal Marijuana Market Worth Over $100 Billion, Officials Say
A recent report by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area has revealed that the state’s illegal marijuana market is worth over $100 billion. The report, which was commissioned by U.S. Senator James Lankford, found that between March 2024 and March 2025, state tracking systems failed to account for approximately 70 million pounds of marijuana. This is a significant increase from the 22 million pounds that went unaccounted for between 2022 and 2023.
The report suggests that the increase in illegal marijuana production is likely due to more growers complying with reporting requirements amid tighter enforcement, rather than a surge in production. The report also highlights the involvement of Chinese criminal groups in the illegal marijuana trade, as well as the environmental and national security risks associated with the industry.
The director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Donnie Anderson, urged the legislature to take action to address the issue. He called for a formal study to determine how much marijuana is needed for the state’s medical market and to develop production limits for grows based on the findings. Anderson also emphasized the need to address the issue legislatively, rather than relying solely on enforcement.
The report’s findings have significant implications for Oklahoma’s economy and law enforcement. The state’s oil industry generated roughly $55.6 billion in 2023, but the illegal marijuana trade could be worth up to $245 billion. The report also highlights the human trafficking and environmental problems associated with the illegal industry.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area are calling for legislative action to address the issue. The report’s findings suggest that the illegal marijuana trade is a significant problem that requires a comprehensive solution.
