Abstract

MARTENS MOLAS, Juan A.. Experiences and Economic Impacts of Marijuana Eradication in Two Communities of Canindeyú, in 2025. Poblac.Desarro. [online]. 2025, vol.31, n.61, pp.76-90. ISSN 2076-0531.  https://doi.org/10.18004/pdfce/2076-054x/2025.031.61.076.

This article analyzes the economic and social impact of the destruction of marijuana crops in two communities in Canindeyú, where this activity represents the main source of income for numerous families. The analysis is based on the concept of the differential management of illegalisms, the theory of hegemonic power networks and macro-criminality, as well as the punitive selectivity of secondary criminalization processes. Information was produced through ethnographic research with continuous presence in the territories since 2019, using strategies such as participant observation, interviews, informal conversations, and document review of official sources. Testimonies from local authorities, merchants, growers, and residents helped to understand the complexity of the phenomenon. The findings show that the destruction of plantations generates impoverishment, indebtedness, the collapse of family economies, and forced migration. In addition, the State acts with evident punitive selectivity, tolerating or negotiating with certain actors while penalizing the most vulnerable. This practice perpetuates social exclusion and reproduces circuits of illegality that serve the hegemonic order. Therefore, the fight against drugs cannot be separated from a comprehensive public policy for rural development and social inclusion, where criminal intervention is used only as a last resort.

Keywords : marijuana economy; governance of illegalisms; informal and illicit economies; drug control policies; organized criminal networks.

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