tfs

In cities across the country big and small, Craigslist, the classifieds website that bans “illegal activity,” is becoming a breeding ground for illegal marijuana sales.

What’s more interesting is that local and federal law enforcement are aware of the activity, but the amounts sold are generally so small they’re not very concerned.

In this Seattle Times article, Eric, who spoke on the condition that his last name not be used, says he doesn’t make much of a profit, (if any,) but sells enough marijuana so he can smoke for free. He sells small amounts — usually an eighth of an ounce, which brings in $30 to $40. Most clients are friends or friends of friends.

He usually finds customers by using code names like “Mary Jane,” “MJ,” “the sticky icky,” “the chronic” and “420.” Wow, how will law enforcement ever figure out what he really means?

Recently, Eric posted an ad on Craigslist indicating he was willing to trade marijuana for sexual favors from women or money from men. Men who offered up a woman for sex would get a discount.

It’s not prostitution. It’s like a date, just weed instead of dinner.

Craigslist is awesome, but with the good comes the moronic. Since the guys who run CL know what will keep them above water, they’ve made a response, and in a big way.

Sweeping new measures are taking effect immediately. CL is will now requires telephone verifications for “erotic services” and will soon start charging a small fee for each of those ads. On top of their built-in flag system, CL is also working with 40 state attorney generals and the NCMEC.

Jim Buckmaster, the no-nonsense CEO of Craigslist said:

Preventing site misuse and improving public safety are our highest priorities.

It’s safe to say that Craigslist is taking its oversight duties seriously. When you consider the millions of legitimate ads and transactions that cross through their site each and every day, the percentage of shady activities is lower than most would believe. Still, it’s nice to see action being taken.