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Elena Vasquez

Elena Vasquez

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."

34 articles

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Articles by Elena

Oakland Ballers Adopt 'Blazers' Alt-Identity After Fan Demand

Oakland Ballers Adopt 'Blazers' Alt-Identity After Fan Demand

The Oakland Ballers baseball team is making their April Fools' cannabis-themed rebrand permanent after fans demanded the "Blazers" identity become real.

How Alaskan Thunderfuck Became Cannabis Culture's White Whale

How Alaskan Thunderfuck Became Cannabis Culture's White Whale

The legendary Alaskan Thunderfuck strain defined 80s and 90s cannabis culture through scarcity and mystique—qualities that legalization has fundamentally transformed in ways both positive and bittersweet.

High Times Documentary Tracks Evolution of Cannabis Blunt Culture

High Times Documentary Tracks Evolution of Cannabis Blunt Culture

High Times' new documentary examines how Rove is bringing craft quality and modern design to cannabis blunts, a consumption method rooted in decades of cultural tradition but often overlooked in the premium product market.

Cresco Labs Reports $162M Q4 Revenue as Decline Continues

Cresco Labs Reports $162M Q4 Revenue as Decline Continues

Cresco Labs reported $162 million in Q4 revenue with improving margins despite ongoing sales decline, reflecting broader challenges facing major cannabis operators.

Ohio Recalls Ozone Cannabis Gummies Over Missing THC Symbols

Ohio Recalls Ozone Cannabis Gummies Over Missing THC Symbols

Ohio 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.

Arizona Senior Living Facilities Getting Cannabis Kiosks

Arizona Senior Living Facilities Getting Cannabis Kiosks

Arizona 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.

Cannabist Company Extends Debt Forbearance Through February 2025

Cannabist Company Extends Debt Forbearance Through February 2025

The 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.

Canada's Cannabis Market Hits C$503.7M in December Sales Record

Canada's Cannabis Market Hits C$503.7M in December Sales Record

Canada'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 Face Pressure on Lottery Licenses

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.

Curaleaf Secures $500M Debt Financing at 11.5% Interest Rate

Curaleaf Secures $500M Debt Financing at 11.5% Interest Rate

Curaleaf 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.

Colorado Proposes Stricter Marijuana Testing Rules to Combat Fraud

Colorado Proposes Stricter Marijuana Testing Rules to Combat Fraud

Colorado 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.

Rhode Island Hospitality Industry Fights Hemp THC Beverage Ban

Rhode Island Hospitality Industry Fights Hemp THC Beverage Ban

Rhode 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.

Benzinga Cannabis Events Relaunch as IgniteIt in D.C.

Benzinga Cannabis Events Relaunch as IgniteIt in D.C.

Benzinga'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.

Canada's Cannabis Sales Jump 6.6% in November to $478M

Canada's Cannabis Sales Jump 6.6% in November to $478M

Canadian 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.

Ohio Cities Collect First Wave of Cannabis Tax Revenue

Ohio Cities Collect First Wave of Cannabis Tax Revenue

Ohio 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.

Dispensary Fire Highlights Cannabis Stigma

A Colorado dispensary fire revealed lingering cannabis stigma, sparking debate about societal perceptions compared to pharmacy fires.

CBD Pure: A Rising Star in the Wellness Industry

CBD Pure: A Rising Star in the Wellness Industry

CBD Pure is gaining popularity for its high-quality CBD oil, noted for its purity and transparency, aligning with industry trends.

Smart Hemp Gummies: A New Standard in CBD Edibles

Smart Hemp Gummies: A New Standard in CBD Edibles

Smart Hemp Gummies stand out in the CBD market for their quality and transparency, setting a new benchmark for edibles.