Chinese Gangs in US Cannabis? Steve Robinson Tells All
On the latest episode of the Trade To Black podcast, hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell presented a doubleheader featuring Steve Robinson, editor-in-chief of The Maine Wire. Steve Robinson has been doing some of the most aggressive reporting in the country on how foreign crime syndicates—mainly Chinese-backed operations—are running illegal cannabis grows across rural Maine. Later, Michael Bronstein, president of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, joins us for the Insiders Edge and the news out of Pennsylvania.
The Maine Wire is an investigative news outlet focused on state policy, accountability, and political transparency. Robinson unpacks the findings from his recent podcast with Tucker Carlson, where he detailed how 700–1,000 illicit Chinese-run cannabis grows are allegedly operating in Maine. Many of these grow ops are:
- Using toxic pesticides banned even in China
- Exploiting U.S. taxpayer-funded land credits
- Operating with near-zero local enforcement
- Often using victims of human trafficking for labor
Robinson just appeared on the Tucker Carlson Podcast to lay his findings all out. Now, he joins Trade To Black to explain what he’s uncovered, how it ties into national cannabis policy, and what industry players need to pay attention to. He claimed that local officials were aware but remained silent. According to federal indictments, these operations involve transnational money laundering and smuggling schemes tied to Chinese nationals.
Robinson criticized Maine regulators for knowingly issuing caregiver licenses to individuals linked to criminal networks, effectively shielding them from enforcement. He also highlighted how the unregulated medicinal market is being exploited as a loophole. Some growers, facing few inspections, are allegedly supplying dispensaries with large quantities of illegal cannabis.
In the second segment, Bronstein addressed the recent wave of cannabis legislation introduced in Pennsylvania. Two new adult-use bills have surfaced—SB 120 in the Senate and a companion bill in the House—amid stalled budget negotiations. Bronstein emphasized that adult-use legalization remains on the table, but whether it will be included in the 2024 budget depends on a deal between key political leaders.
Despite pushback from some Republican lawmakers, Bronstein believes increasing pressure from constituents, media coverage, and budget shortfalls is making reform more likely. On the hemp front, he said the industry is cautiously watching language in the upcoming Farm Bill, which could reshape cannabinoid regulation and close loopholes around chemically converted THC.
