cannabis

Cannabis euphoria in NYC —but for how long?

Posted on October 6th, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , , , .

NYCNew York's new Gov. Kathy Hochul is hyping the coming cannabis boom in the state — although no adult-use licenses have yet been issued, and the bureaucracy is just starting to move on this. Meanwhile, the cops in Gotham City are turning a blind eye to small outfits that are setting up tables in the parks and on the sidewalks, selling edibles, extracts and bud. How long will this utopian free-for-all last?

New Yorkers stuck in city's deadly jails for cannabis —even now?

Posted on September 23rd, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , .

prisonersThe horrific and deepening crisis at New York City's principal jail, Rikers Island, was crystalized by the 11th death at the facility this year — that of Isaabdul Karim. Despite a supposed official policy of drawing down the number held at the facility in preparation for its closure, it turns out he was only being held for parole violations. And, despite New York state's new legalization law, one of these concerned cannabis use. Are there others similarly held on cannabis-related violations at the facility that has been called a "moral stain" on the Big Apple?

VA still punishing vets for using medicinal cannabis

Posted on September 21st, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , .

VA medical marijuana accessMilitary veterans continue to be denied much-needed treatment by the VA because of their cannabis use, even in states that have legalized. While there has been some progress on the question, vets are still being cut off—amid a combined national crisis of veteran suicides and opioid abuse.

Criminal element seen in illicit grow ops amid Oregon crackdown

Posted on September 11th, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , .

OregonAuthorities in southern Oregon are making accusations of criminal labor and environmental practices by illicit cannabis growers—and carrying out militarized raids. The grim headlines are starting to make legalization in the Beaver State look like something of Pyrrhic victory.

Panama approves medical marijuana law —Costa Rica next?

Posted on September 2nd, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , .

Central AmericaPanama's national legislature approved a medical marijuana law—a first for the nations of the Central American isthmus. Advocates in neighboring Costa Rica are taking heart, and redoubling efforts to make their country the next. But cultural conservatives are pledging resistance in both countries.

Happy Munkey smoke out at Immersive Van Gogh

Posted on August 19th, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , .

HappyMunkeyNew York City's Happy Munkey "cannabis lifestyle purveyor" held two after-hours affairs this month at the East River waterfront venue hosting the popular Immersive Van Gogh exhibit. The twin soirées were seen as marking the arrival of an open presence for cannabis in the Big Apple's vaunted cultural life.

Coming soon: Taliban hash?

Posted on August 16th, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , .

AfghanistanHaving funded their long insurgency with opium and hashish, the Taliban are poised to establish a “narco-state” in Afghanistan. The multi-billion dollar 20-year US effort to suppress cultivation of illicit crops in the county failed as dramatically as its war against the Taliban. Exports of Taliban-tainted smack and hash are already reaching Europe, and may reach US shores.

Pressure rising on Hmong cannabis growers in California's far north

Posted on August 3rd, 2021 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , .

CaliforniaA disturbing escalation is reported in California’s far-north Siskiyou County, where Hmong immigrants from Laos have been getting in on the cannabis economy—sparking a xenophobic backlash. Conservative politicians are making hay of the tensions, while the local Hmong are starting to stand up and protest.

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