[nmodu]

One key component that neither the article nor the commenters have explicitly mentioned is the threat that cartels pose to the the legal marijuana business.

Since legalization could potentially eat away at a sizable chunk of a cartel's marijuana revenue stream [1], dispensaries already run the risk of being targeted by cartels/gangs. The fact that these dispensaries are forced to hold large cash balances in their back rooms makes them even more appealing as a potential target.

[1] http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-us-marijuana-legalization-...