NY Times: Six out of ten "Hardest Places to Live" in America? Found in southeastern Kentucky.

[censusdata]

I'd guess Mary Jane production is way down due to improved methods of finding it. Now that involves satalite images which are 99% accurate rather than manually flying over in a helicopter. All plants reflect light differently. You can use this to find exact locations of large plots of any plant. (Another cool fact you learn taking geography classes in college)

I'd guess the focus for illegal production has shifted to meth and prescription pills.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by censusdata

I'd guess Mary Jane production is way down due to improved methods of finding it. Now that involves satalite images which are 99% accurate rather than manually flying over in a helicopter. All plants reflect light differently. You can use this to find exact locations of large plots of any plant. (Another cool fact you learn taking geography classes in college)

I'd guess the focus for illegal production has shifted to meth and prescription pills.

I graduated from college with a geography degree, so I am very familiar with how remote sensing works. I'm assuming that is what you are referring to when you mention finding the maryjane plants. However, I didn't know that satellites images were being used to fight marijuana growth.

I have heard about oxycontin becoming a big issue in eastern Kentucky.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Here is an awesome and very relevant rebuttal of this article from author Silas House. Great article!

A Country Boy Can Surmise: The Matter Is You Don’t Know What You’re Talking About

[Kybourbon]

I live in Corbin and am from the northeast originally. There are definetly parts of SEKY to avoid, but a lot of positives also. Corbin Independent schools are some of the best in the state. There are many of the upsides of a rural area here, lower stress and no traffic issues. I live in city limits and utilities and water quality are fine. Cost of living is very low which is great because our family can live well despite the fact that my wife fell ill a few years back and is now on disability (I know a Kentucky stereotype). Jobs are harder to find here and I feel lucky to be in the minority with an above $50,000 a year job. If I was stuck like many in the region with menial wages or unemployment I would have gone back to where I came from a long time ago.

[marino760]

Eastern Kentucky is rated by many sites as among the highest or best places to retire in the state. Corbin, Somerset, and London take up the top 3 out of 4 spots. Of course, one would assume that retirees don't need to look for jobs and would not be involved in the drug problem.
https://local.niche.com/rankings/tow...re/s/kentucky/

Another site has Pike county as #1 in Kentucky, Perry county as #3 and Harlan county as #9.
10 Best Places to Retire in Kentucky - Insider Monkey