The unchecked expansion of recreational cannabis legalization in southern Berkshire County, driven by an overemphasis on tourism, has had a devastating impact on the region’s long-standing, multi-generational communities. The proliferation of cannabis dispensaries and the pervasive smell of marijuana have transformed once-quiet neighborhoods into commercial hubs, eroding the … [Read more...] about Cannabis and tourism have destroyed the Berkshires
cannabis
Majority of States Could Have Legal Weed After November: ‘Winnable’
Marijuana will be legal in over half the United States if several ballot measures pass in November, with lobbyists confident that at least a few will succeed. Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota residents will vote on initiatives calling to legalize recreational marijuana, while Nebraska, Arkansas and Oregon will look to legalize or expand medical marijuana … [Read more...] about Majority of States Could Have Legal Weed After November: ‘Winnable’
By dessert ‘You’re in outer space’: Chef Matthew Brehm caters multi-course cannabis-infused meals in the Valley
Chef Matthew Brehm plates a course of handmade fresh stringozzi pasta with chard broccolini, Fresno chili pepper, fried shallots, and Parmesan “canna-butter.” STAFF PHOTO/CAROLYN BROWN Chef Matthew Brehm takes photos of the dessert course, a “chocolate-canna lava cake,” inspired by a Joël Robuchon recipe, with wild berry sauce, candied walnuts, a “canna-cookie,” vanilla gelato, … [Read more...] about By dessert ‘You’re in outer space’: Chef Matthew Brehm caters multi-course cannabis-infused meals in the Valley
Hazelden Betty Ford hosts cannabis summit for first time
ST PAUL, Minn. — Whether purchased from dealer or dispensary, weed has become more potent over the years. In 2022, the federal government reported THC levels more than tripled since 1995. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Graduate School addressed this Friday at its first cannabis summit. Attendees primarily included the nonprofit's graduate students as well as undergraduate … [Read more...] about Hazelden Betty Ford hosts cannabis summit for first time
Florida first lady, officials warn against youth pot use ahead of amendment vote
The Florida Department of Health has issued a warning about the risks of marijuana use ahead of the statewide vote on whether to make it legal for adults for recreational use. It’s the latest instance of the DeSantis administration using government resources to try and sway next month’s election. Tuesday's notice does not mention Amendment 3 on this year’s ballot. The health … [Read more...] about Florida first lady, officials warn against youth pot use ahead of amendment vote
What’s in your weed? A Missouri state lab to check industry claims
Missouri plans to spend millions from state marijuana taxes on a laboratory to help regulators keep tabs on the safety and potency of more than $1 billion of joints, edibles and other cannabis products sold annually across the state.Health experts and consumer groups applauded the added regulatory check, outlined in an Oct. 11 report about Missouri’s cannabis industry. A dozen … [Read more...] about What’s in your weed? A Missouri state lab to check industry claims
New limits, oversight for Pa.’s medical marijuana doctors proposed in response to Spotlight PA investigation
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Health would be empowered to impose new limits on doctors who want to practice in the state’s medical marijuana program under legislation prompted by a Spotlight PA investigation.Earlier this month, a group of Republican lawmakers in the state House of Representatives introduced a bill that would give regulators the power to impose a … [Read more...] about New limits, oversight for Pa.’s medical marijuana doctors proposed in response to Spotlight PA investigation
More guilty pleas in California-wide ‘Operation Sticky Fingers’ retail cannabis theft case
SANTA CRUZ — An additional three men implicated in the statewide “Operation Sticky Fingers” retail cannabis theft case pleaded guilty to charges Thursday.In deals coordinated by the state Attorney General’s Office, Dante Williams Jr., 22, Kalif Collins, 24 and Antonio Gainey Jr., 39, were among the 24 men charged with retail theft and burglary relating to cannabis facilities … [Read more...] about More guilty pleas in California-wide ‘Operation Sticky Fingers’ retail cannabis theft case
Getting High With the “Pot Lady” Running for the Texas House
Sally Duval, a 59-year-old first-time candidate for the Texas House, has just taken what can only be described as a heroic bong rip, vigorously bubbling the water in the glass bong’s bottom chamber and then expertly riding the weed-packed bowl out of its holster as she inhaled deeply. Sitting at her kitchen table, she holds it in her lungs for several seconds while making that … [Read more...] about Getting High With the “Pot Lady” Running for the Texas House
Depressed? These Marijuana Strains Might Help
There’s a growing acceptance within the U.S. that the cannabis plant is medically beneficial for many purposes. In Colorado, for example, the following conditions are state-approved for medical marijuana treatment: Cachexia (a condition typically caused by a disease like cancer or AIDS that causes significant weight loss, including muscle loss) Cancer Glaucoma HIV or … [Read more...] about Depressed? These Marijuana Strains Might Help