MEDFORD, Ore. — A troubling incident in Southern Oregon has sparked renewed concerns over youth drug access and social media’s role in illegal cannabis sales. On Saturday, May 31, detectives from the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), working in coordination with Jackson County Sheriff's Deputies, arrested 19-year-old Jake Eugene Cunningham of Medford. He is accused of selling black market marijuana to local middle school students.
According to authorities, the arrest occurred in the parking lot of the Rogue Valley Mall after detectives observed Cunningham conducting hand-to-hand cannabis sales with minors. Investigators say that Cunningham used popular social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, to arrange these illegal transactions—targeting children and selling them marijuana products and concentrated THC vape pens, commonly known as “dabs.”
This arrest is part of a broader effort by IMET to crack down on illegal cannabis operations in Jackson County. While Oregon has a regulated recreational marijuana program for adults 21 and older, black market activity continues to threaten public safety, especially when minors are involved. Law enforcement officials emphasize that unlicensed cannabis often lacks quality control, may contain dangerous additives, and is frequently marketed in ways that appeal to young users.
Cunningham is currently facing one count of unlawful possession of marijuana and one count of unlawful delivery of marijuana. Both charges are serious offenses in Oregon, particularly when they involve sales to minors. Further charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
The case highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement: the use of encrypted and disappearing-message apps like Snapchat to facilitate illegal cannabis sales among youth. IMET and local school officials are urging parents to stay informed about the apps their children use and to have open conversations about the risks associated with drug use and online interactions.
“It's deeply concerning when we see adults targeting children for cannabis sales,” said a spokesperson for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re committed to investigating and prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
Community leaders and law enforcement are also stressing the importance of early education, community outreach, and prevention programs to deter underage cannabis use. As Oregon’s legal cannabis market continues to evolve, the incident in Medford serves as a reminder that regulation and enforcement must go hand in hand to protect vulnerable populations—especially children—from the dangers of the illegal market.
