Culture & Lifestyle Editor
Elena Vasquez explores the intersection of cannabis and contemporary culture. A former editor at High Times and contributor to Rolling Stone, Elena brings a unique voice to cannabis lifestyle journalism. She covers everything from celebrity cannabis brands to the art and music scenes emerging around legalization. Originally from Los Angeles, Elena holds a degree in Cultural Studies from UCLA and is the author of "Green Revolution: How Cannabis Shaped American Culture."
ProductsOhio regulators recalled Ozone cannabis gummies after finding individual servings lacked required THC symbols. The Class II recall affects products from Marichron Pharma packaged between September and December.
BusinessArizona seniors will soon access cannabis through digital kiosks in independent living facilities. Life Is Chill and LoveBud are partnering to install ordering terminals that connect residents to licensed dispensaries.
BusinessThe Cannabist Company extends its forbearance agreement with senior noteholders to February 2025, buying time for debt restructuring as the MSO navigates financial challenges affecting the broader cannabis industry.
BusinessCanada's legal cannabis market hit a record C$503.7 million in December sales, up 5.3% from November, according to Statistics Canada data. The milestone reflects continued growth in the mature market despite ongoing industry challenges.
Rhode Island cannabis regulators are under pressure to finalize their lottery system for 20 new dispensary licenses by May, as applicants who've invested time and money demand clarity on the selection process.
BusinessCuraleaf closed a $500 million private placement of senior secured notes at 11.5% interest, one of the largest cannabis debt deals this year as MSOs navigate limited access to traditional capital markets.
LegislationColorado regulators are weighing changes to marijuana testing protocols that would end manufacturer control of product sampling, following revelations that current $15,000 penalties do little to prevent fraud.
LegislationRhode Island bar and restaurant owners oppose a proposed ban on hemp THC beverages, arguing that on-premise consumption with trained staff provides safer oversight than retail sales.
BusinessBenzinga's cannabis conference series debuts new IgniteIt branding in Washington D.C., maintaining its intensive networking format while potentially signaling a broader focus beyond pure investment discussions.
BusinessCanadian cannabis sales hit C$477.9M in November, up 6.6% from October. More significantly, per-day sales jumped 10.2%, suggesting stronger consumer demand as the legal market matures.
LegislationOhio cities that allowed recreational marijuana dispensaries are receiving their first tax revenue distributions from the state's 10% cannabis excise tax, with funds available for local programs and services.
A Colorado dispensary fire revealed lingering cannabis stigma, sparking debate about societal perceptions compared to pharmacy fires.
ProductsCBD Pure is gaining popularity for its high-quality CBD oil, noted for its purity and transparency, aligning with industry trends.
ProductsSmart Hemp Gummies stand out in the CBD market for their quality and transparency, setting a new benchmark for edibles.
