WV on Track to Top 2011 Marijuana Eradication - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

WV on Track to Top 2011 Marijuana Eradication

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:16:09 GMT
    A West Virginia senator who's long pushed parents, coaches and communities to help protect young athletes from concussions is now sponsoring federal legislation to set safety standards for helmets. U.S.
    A West Virginia senator who's long pushed parents, coaches and communities to help protect young athletes from concussions is now sponsoring federal legislation to set safety standards for helmets.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:09:00 GMT
    It was a special day Wednesday for children and faculty at the Mercer County Early Learning Centers as they got special visitor. "I've never been down to the southern part of the state that much as a
    It was a special day Wednesday for children and faculty at the Mercer County Early Learning Centers as they got special visitor.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:04:23 GMT
    Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is offering West Virginia's emergency response resources to Oklahoma officials following this week's deadly tornado. Tomblin said Wednesday he spoke with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin,
    Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is offering West Virginia's emergency response resources to Oklahoma officials following this week's deadly tornado.
CHARLESTON (AP) -

The West Virginia State Police is on track to seize and destroy up to 200,000 marijuana plants statewide this year.

That would top the 2011 total of 185,510 plants.

Sgt. Mike Smith tells the Charleston Daily Mail that about 150,000 pot plants have been destroyed so far this year.

The locations vary from year to year. Growers move from areas targeted by the eradication program to other areas. But marijuana crops aren't as plentiful in southern West Virginia as they once were.

Smith says traditional growers in the region are aging and switching to pills.

Smith says West Virginia is ideal for growing marijuana because of its climate and terrain.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)