Ep 6. The Last Outlaws

In Murder Mountain season 1 episode 6, entitled "The Last Outlaws," viewers are taken on a journey into the heart of the Emerald Triangle of Northern California, where marijuana has been grown for generations by outlaw farmers. This episode focuses on the last of the true outlaws of the area and their struggles to maintain their livelihoods in the face of changing laws and a rapidly evolving market.

The episode begins with Robin, a long-time resident of the area, questioning the future of the outlaw farmers who have lived there for decades. With legalization on the horizon, Robin fears that many of these individuals will be forced out of the industry, as larger corporations move in and take over.

To get a better understanding of this issue, the show's hosts journey deep into the mountains to meet with outlaw farmers who have defied the law for years to grow and sell marijuana. These farmers have honed their craft over generations, perfecting their skills to create some of the finest buds in the world. But with legalization looming, they are faced with an uncertain future, and many are struggling to keep their farms afloat.

One farmer, named Hank, shares his story with the hosts. Hank is a grizzled old-timer who has been growing marijuana for over 40 years, and he's seen the industry change dramatically over that time. He talks about the days of self-sufficiency, when farmers like him could grow their crop in peace and sell it for a decent profit. But now, with big business coming in, Hank feels like he's being pushed out of the industry he helped to create.

Another farmer, named Johnny, tells a similar story. Johnny is a younger farmer who's been growing marijuana for about a decade. He talks about the excitement he felt when he first got into the industry, but now he's worried about where he'll fit in with the new legal landscape. He laments that the days of the outlaw farmer are coming to an end, and that he'll have to find a new line of work soon.

Throughout the episode, the show's hosts investigate how legalization is affecting the industry, and what it means for the small-time outlaw farmers who have made their home in the mountains. They talk to advocates for legalization, like Patrick Murphy, who believes that the change is long overdue. Murphy argues that outlaw marijuana farming has had a negative impact on the environment, and that legalization will provide much-needed regulation.

But others, like Robin, fear that legalization will lead to the end of an era. For her, the outlaw farmers of the Emerald Triangle are a vital part of the area's culture and history, and she worries that their disappearance will have a negative impact on the entire region.

As the episode progresses, the hosts draw upon the perspectives of both sides to explore the complex issues at play in the Emerald Triangle. They discuss the environmental impact of outlaw farming, the economic dynamics at play in the industry, and the cultural significance of the farmers themselves.

Ultimately, the Last Outlaws episode of Murder Mountain provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the issue of legalization and how it's affecting the small-time farmers of the Emerald Triangle. It's a complex issue with no easy answers, and the show does an excellent job of exploring the various perspectives involved. Whether you're a proponent of legalization or an advocate for the outlaw farmers, this episode will give you a lot to think about.