2 – Mexico
Major Drug or Illicit Herb – Cannabis
Major Drug or Illicit Herb Production – 15800
Mexico is arguably the largest producer of cannabis. Mexico’s remote areas with difficult terrains provide the ideal conditions for the illicit growth of cannabis. Mexican drug cartels are notorious throughout the world, and their presence adds a layer of complexity to the cannabis trade. These cartels operate sophisticated networks within the country, which bring Mexican cannabis to the global markets. Mexico’s proximity to the United States is its competitive advantage against other illegal cannabis-producing countries. The United States is a major market for cannabis, and trafficking routes take advantage of smuggling between the US-Mexico border. Drug traffickers also use underground routes to smuggle cannabis to the United States.
