Activism

A coalition of multi-state operators, tech firms, investor groups, and cannabis advocacy groups announced the formation of the U.S. Cannabis Council, an organization that will push for the federal descheduling and legalization of cannabis.

A group of Oregon activists, business owners, and lawmakers have put forward the Oregon Cannabis Social Equity Act, which aims to use cannabis tax dollars to help repair damage done by the racist drug war.

The drug war is a long-documented instrument of institutional racism — but it’s also symptomatic of a much larger system that has worked to maintain the status quo for generations. This editorial explores the lessons learned and correlations to our future as we experience the crumbling of cannabis prohibition.

Cannabis advocates dropped hundreds of small plastic bags of cannabis from a flying drone on Thursday afternoon in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Seattle Hempfest in-person event is officially canceled this year in light of the coronavirus; instead, an online version of the event has been announced for October 10-11.

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

Advocates have published a rebuke to a recent article released by MG Retailer, calling it an “irresponsible” representation of social equity efforts in the cannabis space.

The Law Enforcement Action Partnership has released recommendations for Congress, local authorities, and the Trump administration for enacting sensible police reforms.

Separate campaigns to legalize psilocybin therapy and to decriminalize all illegal drugs have teamed up in Oregon to gather signatures.

Cannabis activists in Massachusetts are spreading a petition that calls for repealing a recent change to the state’s cannabis laws that set the ownership threshold for social equity applicants at just 10 percent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year, 4/20 lasts for the whole month of April. To commemorate the cannabis holiday, we will be focusing on courageous pioneers and change-makers who helped pave the way for modern society’s acceptance of cannabis.

Steve DeAngelo, the founder of the Last Prisoner Project, issued a video statement calling for the release of all cannabis prisoners as the novel coronavirus spreads into the U.S. prison system.

Benjamin Jesse is the founder of the Australian Cannabis Industry Awards, an event that celebrates Australia’s cannabis industry and highlights successful leaders in the space.

Labor unions have identified the cannabis industry as an opportunity to boost membership and are pushing for progressive cannabis reforms that emphasize equity and fair labor practices.

Cannabis industry veteran Steve DeAngelo is a world-renowned cannabis activist, author, and cofounder of Harborside, Steep Hill Labs, the Arcview Group, and the NCIA.

Travis Howard is a Colorado-based serial entrepreneur and attorney who has worked for 10 years in the cannabis space to benefit patients and normalize the cannabis plant.