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Scientists have discovered cannabizetol (CBGD), a new cannabis compound with "remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory" properties. This dimeric cannabinoid, formed when two cannabinoid molecules bind together, shows promise for dermatological applications and adds to the growing knowledge of marijuana's therapeutic potential. The study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, suggests the existence of other unknown methylene-bridged dimers with potential biological activities. This discovery comes as advances in testing equipment are leading to a deeper understanding of the over 100 known cannabinoids. < Back Scientists Discover New Cannabis Compound With ‘Remarkable Antioxidant And Skin Anti-Inflammatory’ Benefits Oct 3, 2025 Aaron Houston Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A new cannabis compound that appears to have “remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory” properties has been discovered by scientists. The isolated cannabinoid, classified as cannabizetol (CBGD), shows promise for the expanding base of knowledge regarding the therapeutic and medicinal potential of the marijuana plant. Cannabizetol is formed when two cannabinoid molecules bind together with a methylene bridge, the researchers explained in a new paper. Aside from its promising medical findings, cannabizetol is also one of the rare compounds in a class known as dimeric cannabinoids, one of only four dimeric molecules currently identified in cannabis. “We demonstrate that cannabizetol exhibits remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory activity, significantly higher than that observed for the known dimeric cannabinoid cannabitwinol,” the study says. “These results highlight cannabizetol as a promising bioactive metabolite with potential dermatological applications.” The Italian and Swiss authors, writing in the September 2025 issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Natural Products, said their results “suggest that among the many still unknown cannabinoids there are also methylene-bridged dimers of other cannabinoids, including dimers composed of two different cannabinoids, with potential biological activities of great interest.” “The synthesis of analytical standards could be useful in facilitating the identification of these compounds in cannabis extracts,” they wrote—adding that “natural dimeric compounds are of considerable importance, as they enable further exploration of chemical space, potentially leading to novel biological activities beyond those of their respective monomers.” The researchers used a number of inflammatory genes to test against CBGD. After a six-hour treatment, “the anti-inflammatory activity of the molecules was evaluated on 84 inflammatory genes using an RT-PCR array (RT2 Profiler PCR Array Human Inflammatory Cytokines and Receptors, QIAGEN S.r.l., Hilden, Germany), as previously described” they wrote. The chemists examined NF-κB, a molecular pathway that seems to serve as a master switch for inflammation, given the prolific nature of its impact across a wide range of cells that lead to the condition. Cannabinzetol appeared to show significant potential to inhibiting inflammation. “Several cannabinoids have demonstrated biological activities, making Cannabis sativa particularly attractive as a source of potential medicinal active principles,” they noted. This study comes as the sophistication of testing equipment in the past decades has significantly increased, allowing scientists to study an ever growing array of cannabinoids. The number of known cannabinoids is over 100, though many require further study to characterize them. “The significant biological activity of these dimeric cannabinoids prompted us to optimize the synthetic approach by exploiting the flow chemistry technology,” the authors wrote. Growing on past research, this study is groundbreaking. The primary intoxicating compound in the marijuana plant, well known to the public, is THC, isolated and discovered by an Israeli scientist in 1964. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the endocannabinoid system was identified in rats and humans. Building on that knowledge, chemists isolated other compounds with potential therapeutic effect, including cannabigerol and cannabinol. This comes as a cascading flow of new research on cannabinoids are classified. Scientists reported in May 2025 that they identified 33 “significant markers” in the cannabis genome that “significantly influence cannabinoid production”—a finding they say promises to drive the development of new plant varieties with specific cannabinoid profiles. Additionally, researchers announced in April 2025 that they successfully identified a new cannabinoid—cannabielsoxa—produced by the marijuana plant as well as a number of other compounds “reported for the first time from the flowers of *C. sativa*.” The team of government and university researchers out of South Korea also evaluated 11 compounds in cannabis for antitumor effects in neuroblastoma cells, finding that seven “revealed strong inhibitory activity.” The post Scientists Discover New Cannabis Compound With ‘Remarkable Antioxidant And Skin Anti-Inflammatory’ Benefits appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

State legislatures considered criminal justice reform bills related to marijuana, but many failed. The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) calls this the "hidden crisis in cannabis reform." Bills to seal records and release incarcerated individuals fell short in several states. Virginia's resentencing bill was vetoed. However, Maryland and Hawaii saw landmark victories in record relief and expungement. LPP advocates for addressing past drug war harms and urges action on cannabis justice. < Back ‘Justice Is Still Being Denied’ To People With Past Marijuana Convictions As Legalization Spreads, Review By Advocacy Group Says Jun 20, 2025 Staff Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link State legislatures considered a number of criminal justice reform bills around marijuana this year, but most ultimately failed to make it across the finish line—a trend advocates at the nonprofit Last Prisoner Project (LPP) are calling the “hidden crisis in cannabis reform.” “Across the country, state legislatures introduced more than a dozen bills aimed at righting the wrongs of cannabis criminalization. But most of them died quietly,” the organization says. “This is the untold story of cannabis reform in 2025: legalization is advancing, but justice is still being denied. People are profiting off an industry that others are still being punished for—and many statehouses are failing to act.” In Florida, Georgia, Alaska and Missouri, for example, bills to seal past criminal cannabis records and expedite the release of people incarcerated on marijuana offenses fell short, says the review by LPP. Similarly, longtime efforts to expunge cannabis convictions in Massachusetts and New York also failed to move forward. Virginia lawmakers, meanwhile, passed a resentencing bill that would have lightened marijuana penalties retroactively, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who’s scuttled numerous drug reform bills during his time in office, ultimately vetoed the measure. “While public support for expungement and release is stronger than ever, political action has largely stalled,” LPP’s director of policy, Adrian Rocha, said in a statement to Marijuana Moment. “We’ve seen dozens of bills introduced this year that would have provided meaningful relief, but many were quietly buried without so much as a hearing.” “We can’t celebrate a legal cannabis industry while thousands still live with the weight of criminal records, or remain behind bars, for doing something that is now perfectly legal,” he added. “If lawmakers are serious about equity, it’s time to stop delaying and start delivering on the promises of cannabis justice.” But it’s not all bad news, Rocha said, pointing to examples of “bright spots that prove what’s possible when advocates, lawmakers, and communities come together.” “In Maryland and Hawai’i,” for example, he said, “we witnessed landmark victories that expand access to record relief and demonstrate how cannabis justice can be implemented effectively.” In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a series of cannabis bills into law in April, including one to require state officials to automatically shield records for low-level marijuana convictions that have been pardoned from public access, and to more broadly expand expungement eligibility for certain other offenses. “I want to be very clear: This is not about letting criminals or repeat offenders off the hook. It’s about common sense,” Moore said at the time. “The people who will be helped out by this reform are our neighbors and our parents, even people in our congregation. They’re people who just want to move forward but keep hitting a wall made of paperwork.” Heather Warnken, executive director of the University of Baltimore School of Law’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform, said that people in Maryland had been “living with the unconscionable reality that any probation violation, from a missed appointment to even decades-old possession of small amounts of now legal cannabis, categorically barred them from ever expunging their record.” “The Expungement Reform Act has addressed this and more, removing barriers to opportunity for thousands held back by their past record,” she continued. “Like Gov. Moore’s historic mass pardon, this victory is the product of true partnership, and an incredible step forward for our state.” Last June, Moore pardoned more than 175,000 convictions for low-level marijuana and paraphernalia offenses—a sweeping clemency action granted about a year after the state implemented cannabis legalization. This month, he also issued another mass pardon for people with past marijuana possession convictions, granting clemency to about 7,000 more people on the holiday Juneteenth that commemorates the end of slavery. In Hawaii this session, meanwhile, lawmakers enacted a new law to help speed the expungement process for people hoping to clear their records of past marijuana-related offenses. The law aims to expedite expungements happening through a pilot program that became law last year. “I believe Hawai’i has an obligation to ensure that individuals who continue to suffer the consequences of an outdated law have an opportunity to finally move on with their lives,” Rep. David Tarnas (D), the bill’s sponsor, said in a comment to Marijuana Moment. “This bill will eliminate the need for extensive manual searches and ensure that more people receive the relief they deserve without unnecessary delays.” “It’s time to stop punishing people for conduct that’s no longer considered a crime,” he said, “and start restoring their dignity and providing them with opportunities.” In Maine and Minnesota, LPP noted, criminal justice reform bills are “still in play—but the path to passage remains uncertain.” Advocates also pointed to Texas, where lawmakers both passed a measure to expand medical marijuana as well as a widespread ban on hemp products containing any detectable amount of THC. It remains to be seen whether Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will sign the hemp ban legislation. “The scales of justice in Texas are at a tipping point, but which direction they will tip is still up in the air,” said Jeannette McKenzie, board member and director of the Texas Cannabis Collective. “It’s hard to celebrate expanded medical access when we’re simultaneously expanding criminalization for the same plant.” “People want and deserve the freedom to use and enjoy cannabis on their own terms free from tyrannical government prosecution,” she added. Last Prisoner Project has long pushed for legalization of cannabis to include measures meant to address past drug war harms. In May, the group organized a coalition of marijuana reform advocates that held an event outside the White House to urge President Donald Trump to free those still incarcerated over cannabis. The rally was part of a “Cannabis Unity Week of Action” helmed by LPP that also involved congressional lawmakers who’ve spoken about their own efforts to advance reform on Capitol Hill. It featured multiple speakers who shared stories about their personal experiences with the criminal justice system and their advocacy work, making the case to the administration that now is the time to put a definitive end to marijuana criminalization. At the federal level, Trump is facing pressure on multiple fronts to fulfill campaign pledges and expand on cannabis clemency that has been achieved under his first time, as well as under the Biden administration. And in many cases, it’s those who’ve been directly impacted by criminalization who are leading the charge. In April, for example, an activist who received a pardon for a marijuana-related conviction during Trump’s first term paid a visit to the White House, discussing future clemency options with the recently appointed “pardon czar.” Other former marijuana prisoners who received clemency from Trump during his first term in office staged a separate event outside the White House last month, expressing gratitude for the relief they were given and calling on the new administration to grant the same kind of help to others who are still behind bars for cannabis. GOP Marijuana Banking Bill Sponsor Says He’s Not Thinking About Advancing It Until The Fall Amid Competing Priorities The post ‘Justice Is Still Being Denied’ To People With Past Marijuana Convictions As Legalization Spreads, Review By Advocacy Group Says appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

California's legal cannabis market is facing a crisis due to a recent tax hike, increasing the excise tax from 15 percent to 19 percent. This has caused concern among cannabis businesses, who fear it will push customers to the illicit market and lead to business failures. Despite support from Governor Gavin Newsom to halt the tax increase, a compromise was not reached in the Legislature. The tax revenue funds various state programs, and some argue against freezing the tax due to potential budget shortfalls. However, industry representatives believe the increased tax will ultimately lower cannabis tax revenue in the long run by stifling the legal market. A bill to revert the tax to 15 percent is still moving through the Legislature. < Back California Cannabis Operators Warn That New Tax Hike ‘Could Kill This Industry’ Jul 5, 2025 Marijuana Moment Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *“We have no objections to how cannabis tax revenues are being spent. All we’re maintaining is that you can’t squeeze blood from a stone.”* *By Alexei Koseff, CalMatters* *This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.* A substantial tax hike for California’s faltering legal cannabis market took effect on Tuesday, despite an aggressive industry campaign to suspend the increase that won the support of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and other political leaders. The excise tax for weed is 19 percent as of July 1, up from 15 percent—the result of a political deal three years ago that was intended to buy more time for the legal market to stabilize but which cannabis business operators now warn could chase away customers and push them over the edge. “I’ve never experienced collective malaise like this,” said Genine Coleman, founder of the Origins Council, which represents small farmers in the historic Northern California growing region known as the Emerald Triangle. “People are so concerned with their survival and so deflated. It’s a dangerous space.” An excise tax is a levy imposed on a good by the state before sales taxes are applied. While a push to freeze the cannabis excise tax through the state budget failed last month, a bill that would lower the rate back to 15 percent for the next six years is still moving through the Legislature. Newsom has pledged to sign a proposal halting the tax increase if it reaches his desk. “I’m intimately familiar with the conversations around that and have great confidence that we’ll achieve our stated goals,” Newsom said during a press conference Monday. Cannabis growers, dispensary owners and consumer advocates rallied for months at the state Capitol to avert the tax increase, which they argue could deal a fatal blow to businesses already operating with slim margins. The price of weed has plummeted since voters legalized recreational cannabis through Proposition 64 in 2016, the result of a rush to overproduction even as most cities and counties in the state remain closed off to retail sales. Meanwhile, California is struggling to bring its market out of the shadows; the state Department of Cannabis Control estimates that legal sales still comprise less than 40 percent of weed consumption in California, which the industry attributes to state and local excise and sales taxes that can increase prices for consumers by a third. Taxable cannabis sales in California dropped to $1.09 billion for the first quarter of 2025, down 30 percent from their peak in early 2021 and the lowest quarterly sales in five years. *Tax was intended to offset cannabis harms* It’s a crisis for the industry—communities that traditionally relied on cannabis production have collapsed economically—but also a problem for the state’s finances. Tax revenues from weed sales provide guaranteed funding for child care slots, environmental cleanup, substance abuse education and impaired driving prevention efforts as California faces a growing budget deficit. “This was a poor time to say, ‘let’s starve the state even more,’” said Tom Wheeler, the executive director of the Humboldt County-based Environmental Protection Information Center, which joined a coalition of child care, environmental and tribal advocacy groups to lobby against a tax freeze. He said it was important to uphold the promise of Proposition 64, which includes using cannabis tax revenue for programs that offset the harms caused by the cannabis industry, and expressed skepticism that the tax increase would hurt sales. “I think the average consumer would not notice that,” Wheeler said. “At what point do we stop cutting taxes to benefit the industry?” The 2022 agreement offered relief to growers by eliminating a cultivation tax, but it allowed state regulators, after a three-year pause, to raise the excise tax to make up for the lost revenue. During budget negotiations last month, Newsom—who also wants to begin using cannabis tax revenue for enforcement against illegal cultivation—and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Democrat from Salinas, supported extending the pause on the excise tax. They could not reach a compromise with Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, a Healdsburg Democrat who notably represents the Emerald Triangle. In a statement, McGuire said “taxes on California’s overregulated cannabis industry have been a train wreck for years,” but he raised concerns about the fiscal implications of freezing the tax. State analysts estimate that increasing it to 19 percent could yield about $180 million per year for the state. “It’s important to acknowledge that any freeze will create a budget shortfall which would impact critical community programs funded by cannabis tax dollars,” he said. *California could ‘forfeit a huge opportunity’* Industry representatives warn that further raising taxes will push price-sensitive customers back into the illicit market, hurting businesses teetering on the edge and actually lowering cannabis tax revenue in the long run. “The math isn’t there,” said Amy O’Gorman Jenkins, executive director and lobbyist for the California Cannabis Operators Association. “We have no objections to how cannabis tax revenues are being spent. All we’re maintaining is that you can’t squeeze blood from a stone.” They haven’t given up, though repealing the tax increase now that it’s taken effect will be even more challenging. Assembly Bill 564, which would set the cannabis excise tax at 15 percent through the end of June 2031, passed the Assembly unanimously in May and now awaits consideration in the Senate. Assemblymember Matt Haney, the San Francisco Democrat who introduced the measure, said he will keep fighting to get it to the governor. But he was furious that the Senate allowed the tax hike to take effect, which he said sent a message to legal cannabis operators that there is no incentive to follow the rules. “This tax could kill this industry and there’s still not enough being done,” he said. “California is going to forfeit what should have been a huge opportunity for our state.” *This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.* California Is Using $30 Million In Marijuana Revenue To Support Research On Consumer Preferences, Crop Yields And Sustainability The post California Cannabis Operators Warn That New Tax Hike ‘Could Kill This Industry’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... 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Caterpillars are a cannabis enemy. They are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, often the same color as leaves, and can quickly savage plants. They chew continuously and can destroy seedlings overnight. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can get rid of caterpillars, or introduce predators. < Back Caterpillars - a late-summer pest in your Cannabis Garden Aug 14, 2023 Ed Rosenthal Ed Rosenthal Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *The photo above: You might not see the caterpillar because it is already burrowed deep into the flower, but you can spot its feces. If you have caterpillars botrytis is not far behind. It grows on the feces and the areas where the caterpillar damaged the plant. It pays to be vigilant! Photo by **Christian Petke* In July, my newsletters discussed battling plant enemies like bugs and mold. But there’s another cannabis enemy that may affect your garden later in the season: *caterpillars.* Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths. Caterpillars are often the same color as leaves, so they are hard to spot. There are a range of caterpillars that commonly infest cannabis. This includes corn earworms, cutworms, cabbage worms, and corn borers. Caterpillars are voracious eating machines and can savage plants very quickly. They chew continuously to support their high growth rate. They can destroy a tray of seedlings overnight. *Photo above; Something will always nibble on your plants but make sure the critters don't take over your grow. Photo by **Christian Petke* Leaf-eaters leave large holes as calling cards in the leaves they dine on. Corn earworms, cabbage worms, and other caterpillars also infest buds. A bud that turns brown and wilts “for no reason” may house a caterpillar consuming it from within. Caterpillars reproduce slowly compared with many pests, but they have large appetites and each one can cause a lot of damage. The best way to get rid of caterpillars is by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a bacteria that causes plague in caterpillars and is not interested in humans or pets. Bt is applied as a spray or more effectively using a fogger. There are many brands on the market, but the main ingredient should be Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Another method of controlling caterpillars is to introduce predators. Options include spined soldier bugs, minute pirate bugs (Orius insidiosus), and green lacewings. Parasitic nematodes (S. feltiae) control subterranean larvae. *BT and an industrial strength Fogger. **Here** is one with great ratings and a great discount. Photo by **Christian Petke* < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Born and raised in Chicago, acclaimed chef Manny Mendoza discovered his love for cooking as a young boy. He questioned why some neighborhoods had limited access to fresh food. Mendoza attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. He began experimenting cooking with cannabis. He founded Herbal Notes in 2016. Mendoza also launched Xocolat, a line of artisanal edibles available in Chicago. < Back Windy City’s Weed Chef Jan 14, 2025 Rachel Burkons Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Born and raised in Chicago, acclaimed chef Manny Mendoza discovered his love for cooking as a young boy watching his mom prepare dinner for the family. Trailing her in the kitchen, Mendoza quickly learned that magic lived in the alchemy of ingredients transforming from one state into another. After years of helping his mother, he began working in kitchens as a high schooler to earn his culinary stripes. Mendoza soon learned that while he loved cooking, he had some big questions—deeper than the kind one might expect from a 17-year-old. “Even in high school, my curiosity about the grander system was sparked,” he says. “I wanted to know why certain neighborhoods had limited access to fresh and healthy food and others didn’t. I grew up in the South Side, a neighborhood in Chicago that had limited access, and it made me question why the people where I’m from are a lot different and seem to have more stressful lives.” Since then, Mendoza’s learned that a large part of the stress he picked up on as a teenager is linked to what people are putting in their bodies. “It stems from health disparities and preventable diseases that are more prevalent in communities that are Black or Hispanic,” he says. “I realized that a lot of that had to do with food; where our food was coming from and who had access to it.” Armed with his socio-political lens and culinary curiosity, Mendoza graduated high school and attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York City where his interests were further unlocked by the Big Apple. “I got really exposed to the global culinary scene,” he says, citing memories of evenings spent with classmates, trying every type of cuisine and style of service they could. “I got to dive deep into what it means to have food, to grow food, to eat food; how to eat food with other people,” he says enthusiastically. “It really opened my eyes to see there was something a lot bigger to the idea of food and where it comes from than what I was previously exposed to. I was thinking about the dynamics between how food is grown and the people who are growing it—and then the people selling and eating it. I really wanted to understand that system.” In addition to wondering about the systems and mechanisms around food, Mendoza began questioning what he’d been told about cannabis, both as a drug and as an ingredient. “My friends and I were a tight group of elite cooks, but we’d have to smoke and practically hang off a cliff to not get caught,” Mendoza recalls with a laugh. “And then we’d go back to class and run through everybody; be extremely efficient, be top of our classes—we didn’t just piss away our opportunity at the world’s best culinary school.” After long days at the head of their class, Mendoza and his friends began experimenting cooking with cannabis. He immediately realized there was a stark difference between the high-end dishes he was making in class, and what he’d heard about cooking with cannabis. “The only thing we knew was brownies and peanut butter cups,” he says. “Right away I got bored by that. We were being exposed to the global restaurant scene—Michelin restaurants, James Beard award-winning chefs.” Armed with the realization that the chefs he looked up to would never simply bake a brownie, Mendoza began thinking about other ways culinary cannabis might fit into his overall ethos and understanding of food. “It piqued my intrigue about focusing on the experience,” he says. “I began to think about packaging the lifestyle [my chef friends and I] were living, going to wineries, going to farms, immersing ourselves in food and wine and the source, smoking when doing all of it. I felt like we had some inside knowledge that most people had no idea about.” With his interest in learning and sharing about the origins of food and cannabis, the ever-curious Mendoza moved to California where he made cold-pressed juices for beverage startup Suja; attended a farm and agriculture school in San Diego; and worked in cannabis grows and dispensaries. “I wanted to keep learning, I wanted to tap into the real source of where a lot of our food is coming from—and where our cannabis was coming from, too.” As he began learning more about both of these systems, Mendoza began hosting a series of pop-up dinners across California, laying the foundation for what would become Herbal Notes, the Chicago fine dining culinary cannabis experience he founded in 2016 that would launch him to national acclaim. There, Mendoza’s longtime curiosity sets fire through educating his guests, immersing them in a culinary experience that explores three pillars: the “cannatomy” of cannabis; the medicinal and wellness benefits of cannabis; and social responsibility. This first of these pillars, cannatomy, is designed to identify all parts of the plant and destigmatize it. The second, Mendoza says, invites guests to look at all the plant’s healthy aspects aside from just THC, such as the oils and the seeds, which civilizations have been using for thousands of years. And the third pillar is perhaps the most important to Mendoza. “I’ve lived through the War on Drugs. I’ve been arrested, people around me have been arrested,” he says. “Where I grew up, I saw how people were afflicted by the War on Drugs and put in the washing machine of trauma, cycling through generations. We must use this industry as a new tool, dig up all the trauma; dig it up, till the soil and grow new communities, futures and families.” And that’s just what he’s working to do—not only through Herbal Notes, but also by partnering with local communities to establish urban gardens and working with Chicago schools in his neighborhood to teach kids about the basics of food. “Cooking got me to cannabis, and now I’m using cannabis to get to my even grander plans to educate and expose kids like me in the inner city to what food really is, where it comes from and how they can use it to their advantage in life,” he says. “To teach inner city youth so they feel empowered to cook for themselves; to look at a potato and onion differently when that’s all that’s left, and it’s after school and their parents are working.” In addition to that larger ongoing mission, Mendoza recently launched Xocolat, a line of artisanal edibles available in Chicago. “We’re sourcing direct trade cacao from México and Central America,” he says. “That’s where I’m from, too; my roots come from what cacao’s roots are, and it’s also where cannabis comes from. I want to tell the full story about chocolate and where it comes from.” Mendoza and his team house-grind the cacao, which is made into chocolate, infused and fortified with mushrooms and other adaptogenic ingredients indigenous to Latin America. Xocolat feels like a full-circle moment for Mendoza, whose never-wavering curiosity and desire to both learn and teach have brought him to this moment. “To be here now and have the recognition I have for it is something I don’t take for granted,” he says. “Everything I do is with the intention of helping people and teaching people. I want to keep pushing forward with intentionality because *I am* those people.” *Salvadoran-Style Pupusas* *4 servings* *Target Dose:* 5mg THC per salsa serving (using Infused Salsa Jitomate—recipe in the book) or your preferred dose (using a commercially made tincture of your choice; go low and slow). *Equipment* - Measuring cups and a scale - Mixing bowl or KitchenAid mixer - Wooden spoon - Cheese grater - Cast iron or any flat griddle - Spatula for flipping *Ingredients* *Masa Dough* - 1 lb corn flour aka masa harina (50% maseca 50% PAM harina) - 4 tsp salt - 1 T chicken or veggie bouillon powder - 1/2 lb or 1 cup grated cheese - 1/2 cup hard Salvadoran or cotija cheese - 2 oz margarine or Crisco - 2 cup water, simmering hot - 1 1/4 cup warm water *Filling: Camarones a la Diablo* - 1/2 lb shrimp, cleaned and roughly chopped or food processed - 1/4 c habanero purée or your favorite hot sauce - 1 T rice vinegar (omit if using hot sauce) - 1 tsp agave - t.t. salt & pepper - 1 T butter - 1 bu cilantro *Directions* *Camarones a la Diablo* 1. Heat oil in a pan on high heat, sear shrimp, then quickly add all ingredients Sauté for 2 minutes, then quickly chill on ice 2. Once the shrimp mixture is chilled, use your hands to blend the mixture with the cheese until homogeneous *Masa* 1. Combine flour, salt, bouillon and margarine in the mixing bowl 2. Add hot water to flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined 3. Once combined, add the cold water and begin to mix with your hands. Work the dough for 10 minutes until you no longer feel any graininess from the flour. If it feels too wet, add some corn flour until you feel a soft dough that isn’t sticky but not dry. You may use a stand mixer for faster results, although working doughs by hand is crucial to developing a feel for consistency 4. Set aside a small bowl of water combined with 1 T of any cooking oil 5. Your next step should include the dough mixture in a bowl, the shrimp/cheese filling, and the small bowl of water/oil 6. Before you start the pupusas, first preheat and grease your cast iron pan to a medium heat 7. Now, take about a 3 oz ball of dough in your hands, compact it in a circular motion, then slightly flatten it to a puck shape. At this point, use your opposite hand to make a close fist and press into the dough to make a cavity where you will insert the filling. Make as deep a cavity as possible without breaking the dough 8. Once you have a cavity in your dough, add enough filling to not be too stingy but also not overflowing. Find a happy medium of filling that feels workable for you 9. Once filled, enclose your dough package using both hands in a twisting/sealing motion. This will take a little bit of practice, but you’ll be a pro at this in no time. Once sealed, if there’s any extra dough, remove it so that your pupusa isn’t too doughy 10. Once your pupusa ball is filled and sealed, you’ll want to lightly wet your hands in the water/oil mixture, which will help keep your pupusa from sticking. Now, flatten your pupusa with both hands in a clapping motion, making sure the edges are smooth and not cracking. Your pupusa should be about 1/8 inch thick 11. Add the pupusa to the griddle. You should hear a gentle sizzle, not an aggressive one that will be too hot. 4-5 minutes on each side. Continue making pupusas while you are cooking them simultaneously *Finishing Note:* Serve with lightly pickled cabbage, an infused salsa or a condiment of your choice, and you can never go wrong with Salvadoran crema from your local Latin grocery store. If you’re feeling like fungi and want extra vegetarian deliciousness, add chopped roasted mushrooms to your veggie mixture for extra umami. *Originally published in Issue 50 of Cannabis Now.* The post Windy City’s Weed Chef appeared first on Cannabis Now. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The California State Fair announced its 2025 Golden Bear award winners for cannabis, recognizing the state's best cannabis products. Submissions were scientifically tested and judged by human panels based on aroma, flavor, appearance, and experience. Nine winners were named "Best of California" across categories including Flower (Sungrown, Mixed Light, Indoor), Concentrates, Cartridges, Pre-Rolls, Edibles, Beverages, and Wellness. The awards celebrate the cannabis industry's role in California's agricultural legacy. < Back Golden Bear Awards: California’s Best Cannabis Flower & Products of 2025 Jul 14, 2025 Mg Magazine Newswire MG Magazine Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *SACRAMENTO, Calif.* — The California State Fair recognized its 2025 Golden Bear award winners for cannabis, celebrating the state’s best cannabis products with the coveted agricultural prize awarded by the fair. The California Cannabis Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cannabis advocacy, normalization, and the growth of California’s legal cannabis industry. Flower submissions were tested through SC Labs for scientific assessment, while Budist’s human judging panels evaluated the 600+ entries using their standardized 100-point rating system. The judging process assessed products based on aroma, flavor, appearance, and experience, bringing a human element and sommelier-level evaluation to the competition for the second year. “For 171 years, the California State Fair has celebrated the rich agricultural bounty and innovative spirit of our state, and the cannabis industry plays a vital role within that legacy,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair. “Congratulations to all the Golden Bear winners. This moment celebrates pioneers who continue to define California cannabis.” While more than 600 entries vied for the top prize, nine winners emerged as this year’s “Best of California.” Flower (Sungrown) Pink Boost Goddess (Ocimene) by Emerald Spirit Botanicals and Farm Cut Cooperative, Mendocino County “Emerald Spirit Botanicals and the Farm Cut Cooperative are honored to receive a Golden Bear for Pink Boost Goddess for the second year in a row,” said Joseph Haggard, Co-Founder of Emerald Spirit Botanicals and Farm Cut Cooperative. “For over ten years, our small family farm has taken an approach to cannabis that many considered commercially impossible: exclusive dedication to the breeding, cultivation, and sales of low-THC, minor-cannabinoid-dominant, minimally processed sungrown flower. This path has always been guided by the heart and in service to the spirit of cannabis. We are deeply moved and affirmed in our mission to see our flower acknowledged, even amidst high-THC contenders, as the best sungrown flower in California.” Flower (Mixed Light) Blueberry Caviar (Limonene) by Ridgeline Farms, Humboldt County Flower (Indoor) Super Silver Haze (Ocimene) by California Artisanal Medicine, Sacramento Concentrates Sour Z Live Rosin Dual Consistency by Ay Papi (La Habra), Mattole Valley Sungrown (Humboldt County), Canyon Creek Family Farms (Trinity County), and My Green Network (Santa Ana) “Taking home two Golden Bear Awards—for our Sour Z Live Rosin Dual Consistency and Whitethorn Rose Gummies—reaffirms something we’ve always believed: The future of cannabis is rooted in its past,” said Justin Lee, Founder and CEO, Ay Papi. “It validates that sun-grown, regenerative, organic craft farms (especially those of the Emerald Triangle) continue to lead with quality, flavor, and innovation. Ay Papi stands on the shoulders of the craft farmers. This recognition belongs to them. Special thanks to Huckleberry Hill Farms, Mattole Valley Sungrown, and Canyon Creek Family Farms for trusting the vision.” Cartridges Live Resin Disposable Pens Agua Fresca by Casa Flor Family (Sacramento) and Holy Water (Alameda) Pre-Rolls Pink Jesus Hash Holes by Sonoma Hills Farm, Petaluma “Winning the Golden Bear for our Pink Jesus Hash Hole is a proud validation of everything we stand for in artisan craft cannabis,” said Joyce Cenali, Chief Operating Officer, Sonoma Hills Farm. “Grown in Sonoma’s storied terroir by Aaron Keefer, the former culinary gardener for The French Laundry, Pink Jesus thrives under the region’s unique climate and soil, qualities that bring out her distinctive character. Each 2g hash hole is meticulously milled, hand-rolled, and crafted for an even, elevated burn delivering a smooth, potent experience. This is more than a pre-roll—it’s a celebration of Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage.” Edibles Whitehorn Rose (Paradise Punch x Lemon OG) Single Origin Live Rosin Infused Gummies by Ay Papi (La Habra) and Huckleberry Hill Farms (Humboldt County) Beverages Whitethorn Rose Pomberry Lemonade by Almora Farm (North Hollywood) Wellness Sleep CBD/THC/CBN by Papa & Barkley (Humboldt County) Medalists in all twelve categories are here. The integrated experience is facilitated by Fair Play Ventures, a partnership between a decades-long event producer and embarc, a leading California cannabis retailer. Since legalization, embarc has partnered with local and state governments, event producers and promoters, and dozens of regulatory agencies to safely and responsibly integrate onsite cannabis sales and consumption into some of the nation’s largest and most celebrated festivals and events. “Ten years ago, who would have imagined we’d be celebrating award-winning cannabis at the California State Fair, alongside prize-winning tomatoes and world-class wine?” asked Lauren Carpenter, CEO and Co-Founder of embarc. “This year’s winners are a testament to why California grows the best cannabis in the world, and this competition shines a bright light on the farmers and manufacturers who never stop pushing for agricultural excellence.” < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The provided text is a newsletter from "Marijuana Moment" discussing various cannabis-related news. Key topics include: a congressional vote to overturn a D.C. marijuana expungement law, Rep. Dina Titus's comments on the "standstill" of federal marijuana reform, Mike Tyson's expectation of "good news" on federal rescheduling, a poll showing more Americans view marijuana legalization as "good," and a study suggesting cannabis reduces alcohol intake. Other sections cover federal and state-level cannabis updates, international developments, scientific research, advocacy, business news, and a cultural note about Julius Randle quitting marijuana. < Back Congressional Republicans target cannabis expungements law in DC (Newsletter: September 9, 2025) Sep 9, 2025 Tom Angell Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *Congresswoman: Marijuana reform at “standstill” under Trump; Poll on legalization as “good” or “bad” for society; Study: Cannabis reduces alcohol use* Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day. Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: *Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…* *Before you dig into today’s cannabis news,* I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana Moment on Patreon. We’re a small independent publication diving deep into the cannabis world and rely on readers like you to keep going. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment */ TOP THINGS TO KNOW* The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will vote on a bill to overturn a local Washington, D.C. marijuana expungements law on Wednesday, with Chairman James Comer (R-KY) saying, “President Trump and House Republicans are committed to restoring law and order in our nation’s capital city.” Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-chair Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) said federal marijuana reform is at a “standstill” and a “crossroads” as President Donald Trump takes his time deciding on a rescheduling proposal. - “He promised a lot of things during the campaign that haven’t happened, but that’s one of them, and so we aren’t really sure what his position is going to be.” Mike Tyson spoke about the need for federal marijuana rescheduling on a podcast hosted by Katie Miller, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller—saying he’s expecting “good news” on the issue soon. A new poll shows that more American adults think marijuana legalization has been a “good thing for society” than believe it has been a “bad thing”—but the largest share of respondents feel neutral about the policy’s impacts. New federally funded research found that marijuana use “was associated with a reduction in alcohol intake”—with the researchers calling it the “first study to test effects of legal-market cannabis on alcohol intake.” - “Those who drank less after cannabis reported greater decreases in alcohol craving.” */ FEDERAL* The Drug Enforcement Administration posted another profile of one of its special agents. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) said Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-MN) husband started a venture capital company that specializes in part in cannabis. */ STATES* Pennsylvania regulators published an updated list of pesticides that can be used by medical cannabis growers and processors. The North Carolina Supreme Court will hear arguments in cases on whether the smell of cannabis provides probable cause for a police search on Tuesday. A Michigan judge dismissed marijuana possession charges against former school officials, ruling that the state’s legalization law takes precedence over an older statute that made it a crime to have cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school. Connecticut regulators are moving forward with proposed hemp product rules. Oklahoma regulators sent guidance about a new requirement for physicians to undergo specific education before issuing medical cannabis recommendations. California regulators sent updates on cannabis pre-rolls, tinctures, labeling and other issues. Washington State regulators launched enhancements to their cannabis reporting system. Missouri regulators published the latest episode of their marijuana podcast. Georgia regulators will consider renewing medical cannabis production licenses on Wednesday. *— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.* *Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. —* */ INTERNATIONAL* A Canadian government report found that roadside cannabis impairment tests are unreliable. Moroccan officials approved licenses for 67 cannabis-based products. */ SCIENCE & HEALTH* A study found “compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of CBD oil in mitigating motor and cognitive deficits and neuropathological changes associated with” Alzheimer’s disease. A study found that “psilocybin-assisted therapy yielded large effect sizes for reduction in depressive symptoms in both short-term and long-term follow-up” but that “meta-regression revealed no statistically significant association between the amount of therapy hours and treatment outcomes.” */ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS* U.S. Hemp Roundtable members met with members of Congress and Trump administration officials. */ BUSINESS* Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. is establishing a scientific advisory board. */ CULTURE* Basketball player Julius Randle discussed his decision to quit using marijuana. *Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.* Get our daily newsletter. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: *Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.* The post Congressional Republicans target cannabis expungements law in DC (Newsletter: September 9, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

A key Pennsylvania senator is working with lawmakers to develop a marijuana legalization bill before the budget deadline. The senator stated they are getting close to passing a bill and want to ensure it is equitable. Other lawmakers are also emphasizing the revenue-generating potential of legalization. While some are hopeful, the Senate Majority Leader said legalization will not be included in the 2026 budget. < Back Pennsylvania Lawmakers Are ‘Getting Close’ On Marijuana Legalization Deal As Budget Deadline Looms, Key Senator Says Jun 24, 2025 Staff Marijuana Moment Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A key Pennsylvania senator says he’s working with bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers to develop a passable marijuana legalization bill as the legislature stares down a quickly approaching budget deadline—telling supporters that “we’re getting close” and they shouldn’t “ease up” on the fight. “It is time to end the prohibition on adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Sen. Shariff Street (D) said during a Cannabis Day at the Capitol event on Monday. “We’re going to make sure that we do this in an equitable way.” “There are some basic things that we know we need to have done,” he said. “We need to make sure when we pass a recreational adult-use bill that we seal and expunge the records of all those people who’ve been who’ve had cannabis convictions in the past.” “We need to make sure that we pass a bill that creates opportunities for all folks. That means small farmers and small business people. And we need to make sure we have a diversity of folks involved in the growing, processing and also in the dispensary part of the business,” Street said. “We need to make sure that we have a completely diverse supply chain.” “Look, Black and brown communities were disproportionately affected by the war on cannabis. We need to make sure that they equally benefit in the cannabis legalization market, and that’s why we need to make sure we have social equity licenses. We need to make sure that we have social equity grants. We need to make sure that the communities that were closest to the pain are closest to the profits as well. We need to get this done, because it makes no sense that our revenue goes across the lines.” “Almost all the states around us have already legalized adult-use cannabis, and we know, even though it’s not federally lawful, people are driving right across that border and consuming legal, adult-use cannabis,” he said. “That revenue is going to all of our border states, and it’s not going into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” “I want you to know we’re getting close. This is not the time to ease up. This is not the time to back off,” the senator said. “We are closer now to ever passing an adult-use cannabis bill and getting it on the governor’s desk.” Street thanked his bipartisan colleagues in the House—including Reps. Emily Kinkead (D), Abby Major (R) and Amen Brown (D), who have championed their own legalization proposals—for working with the Senate “in a collaborative way.” “We have a good core group of us who’ve been working to move this bill—to move this concept forward—and I think we’re gonna get it done,” he said. “We need your voices to stay engaged. We need to stay involved.” The senator also stressed the need to allow medical cannabis patients to grow their own medicine for personal use, saying that if it’s “a plant that comes from the earth, and if people want to grow it in order to take care of their own needs, that should be included as well” in a reform plan. “So look, we’re moving forward,” he said. “But Pennsylvania law has not caught up with the realities of our situation… We need to end the prohibition of cannabis, adult-use cannabis, in Pennsylvania. Now we need to do it in a fair and equitable way.” Cannabis day at the Capitol. Watch live:https://t.co/4h9jPmnaF7 — Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) June 23, 2025 Kinkead, also speaking at the Monday rally, said that while she and other House Democrats recently passed a bill to legalize cannabis sales through a system of state-run stores, “I disagree with that model, because I think that a state that for generations has criminalized a substance should not be the primary beneficiary of that substance when it’s legalized—it should be the communities that we have been criminalized.” “We cannot legalize marijuana without considering the impacts that we have had on communities by the over criminalization of marijuana,” she said, “and that has to be the first and foremost thought when we talk about adult-use marijuana, we have to be putting investments back into the communities that have been most negatively impacted by the failed war on drugs.” Rep. Chris Rabb (D-PA) similarly said that “the bill that we passed out of the House will not be the bill that comes before us when we finally vote to legalize adult-use cannabis. “What we will ultimately vote on will look very different than what we’ve considered thus far,” he said. “And there are a lot of great minds who’ve come together on a number of pieces of legislation.” “If we try to pass a bill that’s about generating tax revenue for other purposes, we’ve lost. So folks who are talking about, ‘this will be a great revenue generated to X, Y and Z’—that’s not how we should lead on this subject. It should be around criminal legal reform. It should be around racial justice. It should be around community safety, public health, social impact—not about creating more money for politicians to support various projects of theirs back home or what have you. If you’re putting an egregious tax on weed, who’s going to buy it?” Other lawmakers continue to emphasize the revenue generating potential of legalization, however. House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris (D) also weighed in on cannabis policy issues in an interview with WHTM that aired on Sunday, saying that the “states around us have already legalized adult-use cannabis.” “This is another opportunity for us to generate revenue. We’re leaving money on the table, but not only are we leaving money on the table if you talk to our friends in New York, if you talk to our friends in New Jersey, what they’ll tell you, honestly, is ‘Thank you. Thank you,'” he said. “Tell the Pennsylvanians who flood to New York and flood to New Jersey and spend their money in their [legalized marijuana] market. Those are taxpayer dollars that we should be having.” Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) recently said marijuana legalization will not be included in the 2026 budget as lawmakers approach a deadline he expects they will miss. But Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is still holding out hope that negotiators can “get it done.” With the budget due by a constitutionally mandated deadline of June 30, legislators appear to be at an impasse on certain key issues, including the governor’s request to legalize adult-use cannabis via the legislation. Pittman said he doesn’t see a path forward for the reform on that schedule, however. Shapiro, on the other hand, hasn’t quite thrown in the towel, saying at a press briefing last week that “we all understand we have to compromise” on a number of issues to reach a budget agreement. “We also, I think, all understand the set of issues we have to work through—and we’re going to continue to work through them,” he said. “We’re each going to have to give a little bit. We’re going to make progress. We’re going to get it done.” Pittman, for his part, criticized House lawmakers for passing a marijuana legalization bill that would have involved state-run shops. The legislation was quickly rejected by a Senate committee. Following that defeat, the governor said he still remained “hopeful” that lawmakers could deliver a reform bill to his desk by a budget deadline at the end of this month—and he urged the GOP-controlled Senate to “put their ideas on the table.” “We’ve had really good, honest dialogue about it,” the governor, who separately criticized the Senate for abruptly derailing the House marijuana legalization bill, said. “Look, I think this is an issue of competitiveness,” he said. “Every state around us, with the exception of West Virginia, has gotten it done. You go visit some of these dispensaries along our border—in this case with Maryland, [that] is probably the closest one here. Sixty percent of the people walking into those dispensaries are from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Whether Pennsylvania legislators will advance legalization this session remains to be seen. But two Democratic lawmakers—Street and Rep. Rick Krajewski (D)—recently said they’re aiming to reach a compromise and pass reform legislation before the budget deadline. Also, last month Sen. Marty Flynn (D) announced his intent to file a new bill to legalize marijuana in the state, calling on colleagues to join him on the measure. While the House legislation Krajewski sponsored alongside Rep. Dan Frankel (D) was rejected in a Senate committee following its expedited passage through the House along party lines, Street said he’s “cautiously optimistic we’re going to be able to revive the bill and amend it and move forward with a work product that allows us to get a bill on the governor’s desk and realize revenue.” That said, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R), who has sponsored legalization legislation with Street, recently seemed to suggest that lawmakers should pump the brakes on the push to enact the policy change amid resistance to reform within his caucus and instead pass a bill to create a new regulatory body that can begin overseeing medical cannabis and hemp while preparing to eventually handle the adult-use market as well. “I remain committed to crafting a cannabis bill that can pass the Senate and be signed into law to benefit all Pennsylvanians,” Laughlin said. “That starts with honest dialogue from everyone involved, including House leadership and the governor, to develop a realistic approach–not political theater.” Following the Senate committee vote, lawmakers from both chambers who support legalization have been trading criticisms about each other’s roles in the stalled push to end prohibition. Krajewski, for example, recently wrote in a Marijuana Moment op-ed that Senate Republicans who killed his House-passed cannabis legalization bill are “stuck in their prohibitionist views of the past” and are “out of touch with the will of our Commonwealth.” Prior to that vote, Pennsylvania’s Republican attorney general said that while he doesn’t currently support the House-passed marijuana legalization bill, he’s open to changing his mind about the policy change after continuing to review the details. For what it’s worth, a recent poll found that Pennsylvania voters say they favor a model where cannabis is sold by licensed private businesses, rather than through a system of state-run stores. The governor has repeatedly called for adult-use marijuana legalization. However, he hasn’t endorsed the specific idea of having a state-controlled model. GOP lawmaker Major—who is sponsoring another forthcoming legalization bill that envisions a traditional private sales model alongside Democrat Kinkead—said during the House floor debate on HB 1200 that she stands opposed to the competing bill, emphasizing that she disagrees with the state-run stores proposal. While Democrats control the House and governor’s office, they will still need to reach a deal with the GOP-controlled Senate to effectuate change. And in addition to the conflicting perspectives among pro-legalization legislators, another potential barrier to reform is exactly that political dynamic. Regardless of which direction Pennsylvania lawmakers do—or don’t—go on marijuana legalization this session, a survey released in April shows a majority of adults in the state support the reform—and opposition to the policy change has fallen by nearly 50 percent over the last decade. Kinkead has made the case in another recent interview that legalizing cannabis in Pennsylvania will help the state mitigate public health and safety concerns associated with the illicit market, including the fact that unregulated products can be laced with fentanyl. The lawmaker previously introduced a separate bipartisan marijuana legalization bill, alongside 15 other cosponsors, last September. It did not advance, however. Meanwhile, Laughlin recently called for the creation of a state “legacy” fund, using tax revenue from adult-use marijuana sales and gaming to make long-term investments in the Commonwealth’s economy. The senator argued that, beyond using any resulting tax revenue to fund day-to-day projects and public services, the state should earmark a portion of those tax dollars for a fund to “provide a sustainable source of prosperity that lasts for generations.” Another GOP Pennsylvania senator, Sen. Gene Yaw (R), is backing the push to legalize marijuana in the commonwealth, pointing out that, historically, prohibition “has not turned out well,” noting the country’s experience with alcohol criminalization. Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) recently said that Democrats are ready to pass a marijuana legalization bill this session, but that the party “will need Republican support” to get the job done—adding that it will be a “heavy lift.” Polls have shown bipartisan support for legalization among voters, but the reform has consistently stalled in the legislature, owing in large part to GOP opposition. But not all Republican members are against the policy change—and one recently said she felt her party should seize the “opportunity to snatch” the issue from Democrats. Separately in March, the Pennsylvania House approved a bill sponsored by Frankel that’s meant to strengthen safety standards and oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program as lawmakers work to advance adult-use legalization. While Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program was enacted nearly a decade ago, lawmakers say the measure, which now heads to the Senate, is necessary to improve testing compliance, product audits and lab inspections, among other aspects of the industry. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would allow farmers and other small agriculture operators to sell marijuana they cultivate to existing growers and and processors if the state moves to legalize adult-use cannabis. Separately, an independent Pennsylvania agency is projecting more tax dollars to be generated from adult-use marijuana sales compared to what the governor’s office has estimated, although it expects significantly less overall revenue from cannabis legalization due to differing views on licensing fees. Pennsylvania officials have also launched a new survey that invites legal marijuana businesses across the country to provide information about their operations to help the state better understand the cannabis industry as lawmakers consider enacting adult-use legalization this session. *— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.* *Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. —* Also, in a video interview released in March, the governor emphasized that the state is “losing out” to others that have already enacted adult-use legalization, while maintaining a policy that’s enriched the illicit market. “I think it’s an issue of freedom and liberty. I mean, if folks want to smoke, they should be able to do so in a safe and legal way,” he said. “We should shut down the black market—and, by the way, every state around us is doing it. Pennsylvanians are driving to those other states and paying taxes in those other states.” The state’s agriculture secretary separately told lawmakers that he’s fully confident that his department is in a “really good” position to oversee an adult-use marijuana program if lawmakers act. Meanwhile, in February, top Pennsylvania police and health officials told lawmakers they are prepared to implement marijuana legalization if the legislature moves forward with the reform—and that they stand ready to work together as the details of legislation to achieve it are crafted. Amid the growing calls for marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania, a GOP state senator said prohibition has been a “disaster,” and a regulated sales model for cannabis—similar to how alcohol and tobacco are handled—could serve as an effective alternative. A Republican Pennsylvania senator also recently defended the push to legalize and regulate marijuana, calling it “the most conservative stance” on the issue. Texas GOP Governor ‘Wants To Legalize Recreational Marijuana,’ Lieutenant Governor Claims The post Pennsylvania Lawmakers Are ‘Getting Close’ On Marijuana Legalization Deal As Budget Deadline Looms, Key Senator Says appeared first on Marijuana Moment. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator, has released her debut book, *Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine*. The book, an extension of her popular TikTok content where she simplifies complex cannabis chemistry, aims to make cannabis education accessible and free. Dr. Kirk emphasizes that cannabis culture is inseparable from its medicinal value and that education is crucial for reducing stigma and promoting effective plant use. She wrote the book for her community and her younger self, addressing topics not covered on social media and advocating for whole-plant medicine and the right to grow cannabis at home. The book encourages consumers to understand cannabis as personalized medicine and to tune into their bodies. < Back How Dr. Riley Kirk Is Using Science to Dismantle Cannabis Stigma Jul 17, 2025 Melissa Reid Cannabis Now Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator dedicated to transforming our understanding of natural plant medicine. With the release of her debut book, *Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine*, she has created an all-encompassing book that’s a natural extension of the content that made her a prominent figure on social media, where she breaks down complex cannabis chemistry for everyday consumers with a blend of rigorous yet easy-to-understand science and cultural reverence. In this interview, Dr. Kirk shares her origin story from TikTok science and cannabis advocate to published author, why she believes cannabis culture can’t be separated from its medicinal value and how education is the most powerful tool we have to reduce stigma and use the plant more effectively. *Making Cannabis Chemistry Accessible* When Dr. Kirk started sharing cannabis chemistry on TikTok (@cannabichem), she says she wasn’t trying to become a science communicator but was filling a knowledge gap. “I was inspired to start sharing information online because I didn’t see anyone else doing it,” she says. “So I knew there was definitely a need for it.” At the time, Dr. Kirk was helping teach a university-level cannabis chemistry and pharmacology course, which cost students thousands of dollars. “I think this information should be free and accessible to anybody who’s consuming cannabis,” she says. “That way, we have a better idea of how this plant works in the body and can better tailor this medicine to our own body and brain.” Dr. Kirk’s social media advocacy work began one day when she was “bored and curious,” she opened TikTok and hit record. “From the first video I posted, it started to take off, she says. ” Viewers quickly engaged, asking questions and requesting topics, which led her to build a steady stream of content. “I’ve never run out of things to talk about on social media, and I don’t think I ever will. That’s the beauty of cannabis; there’s always something to talk about.” That initial curiosity and passion for accessible education eventually evolved into her debut book, *Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine*. Dr. Kirk says the idea was sparked when a literary agent (and longtime follower) reached out with a publishing proposal. “She said, ‘Hey, I’ve been following you for a long time. I think people would really love to see this information in book form.’” At first, Dr. Kirk turned her down. “I was like, no, thank you. I’m not ready for that.” But a few years later, the agent reached out again—and this time, she said yes. The resulting book is a deeply personal, science-based guide to cannabis education with a deep connection to preserving cannabis culture. Dr. Kirk says that even the original working title, *Reefer Wellness*, came to her during a creative haze. “I got really high and created a mood board with all the different words I was thinking about including in the title,” she says [*laughs*]. Though the title changed before publication, she says the original idea was to flip the fear-based messaging of *Reefer Madness* on its head. “The title was born from using science to reverse the stigma,” she says. “Reefer Madness runs deep. People are still regurgitating outdated information from 30 years ago because they don’t know we have 30,000 new publications talking about the science behind cannabis.” *Writing for Her Younger Self and a Wiser Community* Dr. Kirk says she wrote the book with her community in mind, grounding the content in feedback from her audience. “When creating the outline, I made sure to hit on everything I’ve talked about on TikTok, especially the heavy-hitting subjects where consumers said, ‘I needed this information. This really helped me lock in my cannabis use,” says Dr. Kirk. She also used the writing process to explore topics she hadn’t covered on social media. “Like cannabis and fertility or dry herb vaping, I realized there were things I hadn’t discussed but knew fit into the vibe of what I’d already talked about.” Ultimately, Dr. Kirk wrote the book for her younger self. “I wish I had this resource when I first started using cannabis,” she says. “It’s not financially accessible for someone to try 50 different strains and five consumption methods to figure out what works. So it’s about pairing daily consumer knowledge with science to reduce barriers and give people a good starting point.” *Respecting the Roots: Cannabis Culture Is Medicine* Making cannabis chemistry digestible for a general audience has become one of Dr. Kirk’s strengths. Her approach? Being herself. “I started as a stoner and became a scientist, so I was already part of this community. I look and talk and act like a stoner.” That authenticity builds trust. “It’s not like I’m a scientist asking people, ‘Tell me how you’re consuming.’ It’s all of us working toward this together.” For a long time, cannabis research lacked public trust. “Most of our studies are government-funded, and the government has not been on our side with cannabis—and still isn’t,” Dr. Kirk says. She believes independent researchers must step up. “We need people who are ancillary, who are outside of the government, who the community can trust, to share these stories, to do research and say, ‘I’ll protect your data, your name, your legacy, but help *me* help the community.'” People want to contribute to something bigger than themselves, she says, and many “believe in this plant because it improves their quality of life so much.” In *Reefer Wellness*, Dr. Kirk explores cannabis not just as a plant but as a cultural and medical phenomenon. “You cannot take the culture out of cannabis,” she says. “You have a completely different respect for the plant and the people behind it when you learn about its history. A lot of this culture is about methods of consumption, like learning how to roll a joint properly, learning what strains you like.” She believes cannabis was “meant to be shared” and used communally, something lost in its commercialization. That commercialization is also why Dr. Kirk emphasizes education as a harm-reduction strategy. “As consumers become more educated, they understand it’s not just THC; each strain has different medicinal value,” she explains. “When we isolate THC and jack up the doses, that’s when we start to see adverse effects.” Her goal is to guide people toward whole-plant products. “Cannabis isn’t like a pharmaceutical. You need a chemistry and pharmacology lesson just to understand its nuances [*laughs* ].” Dr. Kirk believes that the more educated people become, the more they think about quality and that awareness can ripple into other areas of wellness, like food and supplements. “Once you dive in, you get obsessed because it makes you feel better or more social… like you’re blooming.” *Science for Everyone, From Breeders to Budtenders* *Reefer Wellness* also explores cannabis science topics, from the entourage effect to minor cannabinoids for breeders and advanced consumers. This is in part to help educate readers about the complexities and nuances of different cultivars from terpene, cannabinoid and flavanoid profiles. “I hope they take away that cannabis is complex. I always say: weed is not weed is not weed. It’s not all the same.” Understanding cannabis as personalized medicine requires listening to your body and educating yourself. “I love budtenders. They’re some of the nicest people in the world. But it’s not their job to teach you how cannabis works in the body.” One of the most pressing issues Dr. Kirk sees in the space is the need to move away from the focus on THC. “We need to return to whole plant medicine not just to reduce adverse effects but to ensure the plant always has a place at the table,” she says. She’s a staunch advocate for the right to grow cannabis at home. “It should be a fundamental right,” she says. “There’s nothing dangerous about growing this plant. I don’t know where that misconception came from,” she says. So, how does Dr. Kirk help people tune into their personal cannabis journeys in an increasingly commercialized market? “Cannabis helps you feel more in tune with your body,” she says. She encourages people to journal, noting whether a strain helped them sleep and tracking details like compound content and grower. “That helps with intention. It helps you understand your body better. Cannabis can teach you a lot, but you have to be listening in order to learn,” she says. *A Tabletop Companion for Cannabis Curiosity* At its core, *Reefer Wellness* is designed to be accessible. “There are these little ‘nugs of knowledge’—little consumer insights—throughout the book,” Dr. Kirk says. “It’s meant to be a tabletop book you can open at any point and still learn something, whether you’re a seasoned consumer or brand new.” More than anything, she hopes the community feels seen by it. “I hope the community loves it as much as I loved writing it.” *Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine** is available now.* The post How Dr. Riley Kirk Is Using Science to Dismantle Cannabis Stigma appeared first on Cannabis Now. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The company's new shopping experience allows customers to browse and select items directly from shelves. < Back Verano Unveils Bodega-Style Dispensary Experience at Zen Leaf Cave Creek in Phoenix Jun 25, 2025 Staff Cannabis Business Times Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The company’s new bodega-style shopping experience offers customers the freedom to browse and select their favorite items directly from shelves. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

Vireo Growth Inc. has licensed the right to manufacture and distribute Curio Wellness’s Best Self Collection in New York, including topicals, tablets, chews, and vapes. This partnership allows Curio to expand into a new market without significant investment, while Vireo enhances its portfolio with high-demand products. The first Curio-branded products are expected to launch in Q4 2025. Both companies are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. < Back Vireo Growth, Curio Wellness Partner on NY Manufacturing, Distribution Jul 7, 2025 Mg Magazine Newswire MG Magazine Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link *CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS —* Multistate operator Vireo Growth Inc. licensed the right to manufacture and distribute Curio Wellness’s Best Self Collection in New York. The portfolio includes topicals, tablets, chews and vapes. This capital-light growth model allows Curio to expand into one of the most promising markets in the country without the need for significant new investment, while Vireo enhances its portfolio with proven, high-demand offerings. “We’re excited to bring Curio’s high-quality products to New York through this partnership,” said John Mazarakis, Chief Executive Officer of Vireo. “It’s a strong strategic fit that supports our focus on efficient growth and delivering premium offerings to our customers.” Curio’s products have earned national recognition for both quality and consistency and are manufactured in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). “This partnership is an exciting next step for our brand,” said Michael Bronfein, Chief Executive Officer of Curio Wellness. “Vireo has a strong track record in the New York market, and we’re confident they are the right partner to uphold the integrity of our products and deliver them to a broader audience.” The first Curio-branded products are expected to launch in licensed New York dispensaries in Q4 2025. About Curio Wellness Curio Wellness is a cGMP-certified, vertically integrated cannabis company dedicated to developing, producing, and distributing innovative health and wellness products. Through science, integrity, and wellness-centered design, Curio empowers patients and adult-use consumers with trusted products that fit into a lifestyle of intention and care. About Vireo Growth Inc. Vireo was founded in 2014 as a medical cannabis pioneer. Vireo operates with a long-term mindset, a bias for action, and an unapologetic commitment to its customers, employees, shareholders, industry collaborators, and the communities it calls home. < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5

The University of Mississippi lost its contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to cultivate marijuana for federally approved studies. This news was reported by MJBizDaily. < Back Ole Miss loses federal contract to grow research-grade marijuana Jul 15, 2025 Margaret Jackson MJbizDaily Article Link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The University of Mississippi lost its contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that allowed it to cultivate marijuana for federally approved studies. Ole Miss loses federal contract to grow research-grade marijuana is a post from: MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs < Previous Next > Recent Reviews Cake Boss - Fluent, Clearwater (Florida Medical) Cake Boss, available at Fluent dispensary in Clearwater, Florida, is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid strain (60% indica, 40% sativa) th... Cherry AK-47 by Grow West - RISE Dispensary (Silver Spring, Maryland) When a strain name includes both "Cherry" and "AK-47," you can expect two things: a blast of fruity goodness and the kind of impact that... Cookies & Alt Sol "Madrina" Strain Review - Takoma Wellness Center Madrina, cultivated by Alt Sol and available at Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, DC, comes with a reputation as bold as its name. In... 1 2 3 4 5