Marijuana

Newsletters

Weed is mainstream, politically speaking

Good morning, California. House Speaker Paul Ryan may not care about California potholes and doesn’t have to pay the new gas tax for road repairs. But the Wisconsin Republican has given $50,000 to a proposed initiative to repeal the new 12-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax, evidently believing it will draw Republicans to the polls in November and […]

By Dan Morain • May 3, 2018

Politics

Cultivating clout: Marijuana money flows into California politics

Cannabis companies are hiring well-heeled lobbyists and donating money to politicians.

By Laurel Rosenhall • May 2, 2018

Newsletters

Will California’s win streak against Trump end?

Good morning, California. In 2016, Sen. Dianne Feinstein signed the ballot argument against Proposition 64, the initiative that legalized commercial sales of marijuana. She warned the measure would increase highway fatalities, allow cultivation near schools and increase cartels. On Tuesday, Feinstein, running for reelection, changed positions, saying she’s “open to considering federal protection for state-legalized […]

By Dan Morain • May 2, 2018

Capitol

Pot is about to be legal in California—will you get what you thought you voted on?

As legal cannabis moves from campaign pitch to reality in California, some details of the plan have changed.

By Laurel Rosenhall • December 21, 2017

Justice

Congress again protects medical pot from Trump—for two weeks

For the fourth time this year, Congress has prevented the Trump administration from arresting medical marijuana users. But for California medical growers and users to feel safe from federal prosecution, Congress will need to act a fifth time before the end of 2017. 

By Matt Levin • December 11, 2017

Justice

For local governments, cashing in on cannabis isn’t going to be easy

California cities and counties are discovering a hard truth as they angle for a cut of the state’s newly legalized marijuana proceeds: Tax collecting in cannabis country comes with its share of obstacles. And there’s no “how to” guide.

By Ben Christopher • May 17, 2017

Justice

California AG: Federal pot interference unlikely

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra vowed to defend California's recreational marijuana market against the Trump administration this week, but added that he doesn't see an immediate crackdown coming.

By Matt Levin • May 11, 2017