Mark Mallen was already a highly successful, ice-cream entrepreneur In Denver when he started making the product for the state's fast-growing medical marijuana market.

The legalization of  marijuana for medicinal use in 14 US states has stoked explosive growth the in manufacture, distribution and retail of hydroponics equipment for growing the plant.

If pot becomes legal, local, artisanal growers—perhaps along with farmers' collectives—are likely to dominate in the early stage, as big firms ramp up to enter the market years later. Think Starbuds vs. Maxwell House.

Three counties in Northern California (Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity) produce more pot than any other part of the U.S. It’s a remote land of entrepreneurs, libertarians and, well, criminals. From ragweed to riches, an inside look.

Legal in 14 states, medical marijuana is already a growth business in places like Colorado and California. For some players, it's about lifestyle and helping others; for others, it's strictly business. It's also something of a legal thicket. Dr. Feelgood, I presume?

Yes, it’s a bit like the TV show. Selling marijuana these days has become a second job or part-time job for many, from stay-at-home moms to students to municipal employees.

From housewives to growers to Mexican drug cartels, everyone seems to have a hand in the Emerald Triangle’s marijuana till. It's hard to get teens to take fast-food jobs because they can make better money working in the marijuana groves.

This unique laboratory tests pot medical marijuana dispensaries, looking for contaminants such as pesticides and mold to make sure its safe for users.