Burning Kentucky's Illegal Weed: A Ride-Along With the Cannabis Cops

There's a corps of Kentucky law officers that enforces marijuana laws, and busts and destroys illegal growing operations throughout the state, with funding from the federal government. In 2009, the Kentucky State Police Cannabis Suppression Branch eradicated 330,699 plants, arrested 483 cultivators, and seized $966,078 in forfeitable assets, according to kentuckystatepolice.org. The busts come even as pot gains acceptance nationwide. So far, four states permit recreational pot sales, while in 23 you can buy marijuana for medical uses. Photographs by Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg