Marijuana Culture

With the legalization and regulation of cannabis, numerous states have attempted to address the lasting harms of the drug war by creating social equity grants for entrepreneurs from impacted communities. In Massachusetts, a bill is being considered that would offer loans instead.

Plans for a cannabis-friendly campground in Michigan have been shut down by officials as a safety threat because the proposed space currently lacks “sanitary or potable water facilities.”

California’s Long Beach City College has announced its first class focused on the cannabis industry: the eight-week course will cover cannabis cultivation, retail, history, and an overview of the state’s seed-to-sale system.

A recent survey suggests that cannabis consumers are using cannabis more frequently during the pandemic and are shifting away from smoking to vaporizers.

Dr. Lester Grinspoon — famed cannabis doctor, advocate, and author — passed away last week at 92.

A recently conducted survey of cannabis consumers found that 70 percent of respondents were still unfamiliar with the terms “terpenes” and “entourage effect.”

“Cops,” the long-running reality TV show that glorified U.S. police and reinforced criminal stigmas, has been canceled indefinitely amid growing calls for police reform and heightened accountability.

Researchers have identified a material found on altars at the entrance of an ancient Judahite shrine as cannabis; experts say the cannabis was likely used for its mind-altering effects.

Canadian researchers behind a 10-year survey have suggested that setting the legal age for cannabis access at 19 would help avoid some potential adverse health effects.

The latest documentary from streaming platform Netflix features celebrity interviews and re-enactments of psychedelic experiences alongside real information about psychotropic medicines. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics is a wonderfully built look at your brain on drugs — but in a good way.

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s joined in the 4/20 festivities this year — not as a marketing ploy, but to advocate for responsible and progressive cannabis reforms.

While browsing dispensary shelves, it’s not uncommon to come across the name Jack Herer. The clear-headed, focused, pine-scented cannabis strain is named after the beloved activist, writer, and father — “The Hemperor” himself.

COVID-19 is spreading through the U.S. prison system like wildfire and people who remain locked up on cannabis and nonviolent drug charges are being forced to face their mortality.

The Last Prisoner Project and 4Front Ventures have partnered to provide liquid disinfectant products such as hand sanitizer to help reduce the spread of coronavirus in prisons.

As we continue to celebrate heroes of the cannabis movement this month, this week’s icon is Bob Marley: musical genius and legendary advocate for peace, love, and cannabis.

Social distancing hasn’t stopped cannabis aficionados from celebrating their love for the plant this 4/20: there are a wide variety of virtual gatherings to choose from.

A localized survey of 500 Hash Bash attendees in Michigan showed that even among the most enthusiastic consumers, knowledge about cannabinoid content and cannabis dosing can be very limited.

Continuing with our theme this month of honoring heroes to the cannabis movement, the next person on our list is “Brownie” Mary Jane Rathbun, a cannabis activist, baker, waitress, and mother figure to young patients at the height of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco.

With social distancing and stay-at-home orders still in effect, cannabis events and enthusiasts are turning to an online format for celebrating the 4/20 cannabis holiday later this month.

A recent survey found that cannabis consumers were fairly evenly split when deciding whether or not to stockpile cannabis while practicing social distancing.

Family members have announced the passing of Charlotte Figi, the young epilepsy patient who inspired the CBD-rich Charlotte’s Web cannabis strain and sparked an acceptance movement for medical cannabis.

In celebration of the 4/20 holiday this month, we are using the whole month of April to focus on courageous cannabis and drug policy pioneers. Today, on what would have been his 89th birthday, we celebrate Baba Ram Dass, who helped legitimize the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s and awaken the public to the immorality of prohibition.

The first federal prisoner in the U.S. to die from the novel coronavirus was locked up on nonviolent drug charges.

Cannabis advocacy group Last Prisoner Project has launched a round-up change donation program for cannabis retailers that will aid the organization’s efforts to free all prisoners locked up on cannabis charges.