Covering the marijuana business beat

Miles Epstein of Commerce magazine interviewed CNBC reporter Trish Regan about her job and what she thinks about the country’s economy.

Here is an excerpt:

Q. What is your latest project for CNBC?

A. In December, my documentary Marijuana USA, looks at the underground business of marijuana — the most profitable drug in the world, which attracts criminal activity and violence. As more and more states seek to legalize medical marijuana, this quasi-legal industry is growing out of control. One example is Denver, where there are more pot dispensaries than there are Starbucks in the entire state. It has become a new gold rush, and it is totally against federal law. I also have a new book coming out in April 2011, Joint Ventures: Inside America’s Almost Legal Marijuana Industry.

Q. A tough economy, unemployment, criminal activity and drug money—that’s quite a salad to digest. Can we expect better days in the future?

A. We interview a lot of smart people on The Call, and while they have concerns about the next few years, long-term they are bullish on America. Ultimately, the key to success will be the American people. Already voters and businesses are demanding more fiscal responsibility from Washington. They’re pushing Washington to make smart economic decisions. They want a business environment that encourages both entrepreneurialism and fiscal restraint so the country can prosper in the years to come.

Read more here.