The growing legalization of cannabis in the United States is forcing Mexico's drug cartels to rethink their illicit business model, turning to opium poppy plantations and domestic pot consumption, experts say.

Americans have been legally allowed to light up joints in the US capital since late last month, joining Washington state and Alaska, while Oregon will follow suit in July.

A total of 23 US states have legalized the drug for medical use, and opinion polls show that a slim majority of Americans favor legalization.

The changes in the world's biggest drug market appear to have prompted the criminal organizations producing narcotics in Mexico to switch strategies.

Federal authorities have seized more than 15 tons of marijuana in a near-record bust at a border crossing in Southern California.
  

U.S. Customs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers made a record-breaking bust in California Thursday evening. Officials seized more than 15 tons of marijuana hidden inside a truck claiming to carry mattresses at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The pot shipment has an estimated street value of nearly $19 million, news station KNSD in San Diego reported Friday.

Plant count triples for producers; patients allowed 8 ounces every 90 days.

After months of contentious public debate, New Mexico Health Department Secretary Retta Ward has adopted three new sets of medical marijuana rules for patients, producers and even her own Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. Once they’re published in the State Register next Friday, Ward says she will consider reopening the license application process for up to a dozen new nonprofit producers. 

Patients tell SFR they generally support the new rules that allow them to purchased 8 ounces of medication every three months (two more than current rules permit), but they continue to question why THC potency levels have been capped at 70 percent.