United States

Industry peddles 'Pandora's box' of unregulated cannabinoids

Posted on November 22nd, 2022 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

Delta-8The legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids by the 2018 Farm Bill has left a yawning regulatory gap that is being avidly exploited by purveyors of high-potency edibles and sketchy vape products.


That's the contention of a report just issued by the leading California cannabis trade group, warning that the law inadvertently opened a "Pandora's box" that poses threats to public health.

Advances for cannabis in midterm elections

leafThe Nov. 8 midterm elections saw mixed results for state cannabis legalization efforts. In Maryland, voters approved Question 4, amending the state constitution to permit the purchase and possession of up to 1.5 ounces. In Missouri, Amendment 3 passed, allowing adults to purchase and possess up to three ounces, with a provision for registered home cultivation. Similar measures failed in Arkansas and North and South Dakota. (Vox, CNBC)

New York: the taming of the 'Wild East'?

Posted on September 5th, 2022 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , .

NYCNew York state is just now accepting applications for retail cannabis licenses. But the Big Apple already sees a thriving retail trade in cannabis products, from both storefronts and street stalls—more or less tolerated by authorities. What legal rights do these unlicensed operators have, and will they survive the imposition of the licensing regime?

Cannabis and climate change: challenge for an emerging crop

Planet WatchSome of the key cannabis cultivation zones around the world are also those feeling the earliest and harshest impacts of the impending global climate disaster. How can the global cannabis community respond?

Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville traces history of plant and culture

Posted on July 20th, 2022 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , .

Baba IsraelNew York’s East Village this summer witnesses the world premiere of a multimedia extravaganza centered on the cultural politics of our favorite herb.

Five years in the making and twice postponed by COVID lockdowns, a theatrical concert dedicated to celebrating cannabis, and raising consciousness around the pant, has opened in New York.

Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville uses music and projected images as well as dialogue to trace the journey of cannabis from the herblore of ancient India and China through bohemia, prohibition, counterculture and finally legalization.

Oregon's cannabis paradox: legal market depressed; illicit market booms

OregonIndustrial-scale illicit cannabis grow operations are being raided by police in Southern Oregon. Licit-market prices are totally depressed in Oregon, yet the illicit market continues to be evidently lucrative. What explains this contradiction, and what can be done?

Yes, George Washington grew cannabis... but it was rope, not dope

Posted on June 25th, 2022 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , .

constitutionHemp really did become a symbol of patriotism during the American Revolution, and was certainly grown by some of the Founders. But not all the stoner folklore checks out...

Has your cannabis been irradiated? And should you care?

Posted on May 23rd, 2022 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , .

cannabisIrradiated cannabis? Yes, it’s a reality. While it may sound scary, industry tells us not to worry. Consumer advocacy groups, however, are raising concerns.

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