Marijuana

California Divide

The struggle to enter California’s cannabis market: ‘So much heartache, so much pain’

Despite state programs, low-income and minority applicants struggle to break into legal cannabis market.

By Laurence Du Sault • July 6, 2020

WhatMatters

California likely closed through April

California likely closed through April because of coronavirus. State lags in COVID-19 testing. Cannabis dispensaries deemed "essential" businesses.

By Emily Hoeven • March 25, 2020

Health

Cannabis and cocktails amid coronavirus? State says carry on

California authorities want to keep some vulnerable businesses from collapsing in what is likely to be the worst economic crisis since the Great Recession. 

By Ben Christopher • March 24, 2020

WhatMatters

Election Day + Obamacare jeopardy + Job protection for workers who use cannabis? + Coronavirus update

Zombie votes and delayed results expected today. Bill would protect workers who use medical marijuana. Business and labor groups spent big on primary.

By Dan Morain • March 3, 2020

WhatMatters

Solving shortage of doctors, perhaps + A labor-weed rift + Layoffs on the rise + High-speed rail brinkmanship

Legislation seeks to address physician shortage. Rift develops between labor and cannabis industry. California sees uptick in layoffs.

By Dan Morain • February 13, 2020

Health

California lawmakers have refused to restrict flavored vaping — is that about to change?

California is now behind some other states and the Trump administration when it comes to cracking down on flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes— and it also hasn't barred flavored vape products containing cannabis.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • February 4, 2020

WhatMatters

Regents consider raising tuition + Legislators mull cutting cannabis tax + A threat to Medi-Cal

UC regents consider tax hike. Legislators consider cutting cannabis tax. State braces for another challenge to Obamacare and Medi-Cal

By Dan Morain • January 21, 2020

WhatMatters

PG&E gets a win, Newsom isn’t satisfied, taxing weed, and a murderer dies on death row

Judge approves PG&E settlements with wildfire victims. Families of Ghost Ship fire victims can sue PG&E. State wrestles with how to tax weed.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • December 18, 2019

WhatMatters

California labels THC a risk for pregnant women, plus clean trucks and primary ballot selection

California warns of THC risks for babies. Proposed rule calls for zero-emission trucks. No-party preference voters must choose primary ballot.

By Judy Lin • December 12, 2019

WhatMatters

Feds hit California on climate amid fire and torrential rain

A Thanksgiving week storm batters California, and firefighters give thanks in Santa Barbara. Plus, cities grapple with cannabis, and the state with Trump.

By Laurel Rosenhall • November 27, 2019