ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a classification of offenders that could not only accommodate the notions of 'professional' and 'amateur' criminals, but also provide meaningful categories of offenders for everyone falling in between these two extremes. It illustrates what might constitute a career as a 'professional' in the context of cannabis cultivation. By focusing on two key characteristics skill and commitment level one could derive four types of offenders: professionals, average career criminals, pro-ams, and amateurs. To become a cannabis grower, one needs to associate with others who are already in the industry. The two case studies illustrated the importance of a social opportunity structure to succeed as a professional grower. While Marc had a head start early in adolescence where he could learn the ropes alongside a number of social and technical mentors, Mai had no such background when she entered the industry. Marc was a professional grower working for a professional criminal.
