Marijuana

Nicholas Hohns shows off a tray of strawberry-lemon CBD gummies at his Deutermann Farms kitchen in Clayton, N.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

A $28B hemp THC industry is fighting to save itself from a looming federal ban

By Gene Johnson

October 3, 2026 at 5:15 p.m.

The ban “threatens to reduce retail revenues by $28.3 billion, displacing 225,000 jobs and reducing...

A pedestrian crosses East Ontario Street at North Fairbanks Court in Chicago in 2018. The building at left contains 620 N. Fairbanks Ct., where cannabis store Guaranteed Dispensary opened late in 2025. (Jośe M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Judge upholds permit for controversial cannabis shop in Streeterville

By Robert McCoppin

September 10, 2026 at 4:20 p.m.

A judge upheld Chicago's permit for a controversial cannabis store in Streeterville, despite new evidence...

A Chicago resident shows a marijuana plant growing outdoors at her home garden on Aug. 19, 2026. The resident, who has a medical cannabis card, is currently growing four plants in her backyard to cultivate for personal use. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Illinois regulators propose allowing licensed cannabis producers to grow outdoors

By Robert McCoppin

August 20, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.

In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors.

Young smokers at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms than nonsmokers their age

By Christine Clarridge

August 10, 2020 at 10:46 a.m.

Young adults who smoke have double the risk of getting seriously sick with COVID-19 than...

Mayor says votes there to OK recreational marijuana stores in Naperville at Aug. 18 council meeting

By Erin Hegarty

August 10, 2020 at 10:46 a.m.

Up to three recreational marijuana dispensaries could soon become a reality in Naperville if City...

Though it is made from hemp, CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil, hempseed oil or cannabis sativa seed oil that you can find at health food stores. Hemp seeds have 0% THC and only trace amounts of CBD, and oils extracted from them are used for cooking or beauty products but not for medicinal purposes. Hempseed can be found in food such as hempseed milk, granola and more as well as cosmetic products like moisturizer or face oil. While shopping for CBD oil, double check labels and make sure you're purchasing the correct product.

University researchers debunk myths to find optimal hemp growth

By Associated Press

August 7, 2020 at 3:42 p.m.

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Ninety years ago, hemp researchers at Utah State University grew cannabis...

Andre Shavers, who runs a marijuana delivery business, on a street in Oakland, California in 2017. On Thursday, California faced off in court against some of its own cities that want to overturn a government rule allowing home marijuana deliveries statewide, even into communities that banned commercial pot sales.

California, cities battle over marijuana home-delivery rule

By Associated Press

August 7, 2020 at 3:42 p.m.

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — California faced off in court Thursday against some of its own...

People check out at the newly opened Sunnyside in Schaumburg on Aug. 6, 2020. It is the biggest dispensary in the state.

Marijuana is no longer a ‘dirty little secret.’ Weed sales are soaring in Illinois, and the pandemic is helping.

By Ally Marotti

August 10, 2020 at 10:39 a.m.

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, 33-year-old Katie Johnston-Smith was feeling "a good, healthy...

What to expect when smoking a CBD dominant strain

By Fresh Toast

August 6, 2020 at 3:26 p.m.

CBD strains aren't as popular as those containing THC, but there's plenty of perks associated...

Map: Where to buy legal weed in Chicago and across Illinois

By Ally Marotti

August 21, 2020 at 1:21 p.m.

Throughout the state, 57 marijuana stores are selling recreational weed. That's up from the 37...

In this Jan. 9, 2019 photo, guests watch a show near a statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, part of the Orlando area in Fla. SeaWorld and Universal Orlando reopened earlier June 2020, while Disney plans to reopen in phases starting July 11, 2020.

Disney, sheriff sued over 2019 CBD oil arrest: ‘Why would Mickey Mouse arrest grandma?’

By Monivette Cordeiro

August 7, 2020 at 3:42 p.m.

A North Carolina great-grandmother who was arrested last year at Magic Kingdom for carrying CBD...

Mission Dispensary employees Jerome Irish, center, and Tenishia Greer count money for the purchase of legal cannabis on Jan. 1, 2020. The dispensary is a member of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois.

Marijuana industry group to Pritzker: Help weed entrepreneurs stuck in limbo

By Ally Marotti

August 6, 2020 at 3:27 p.m.

An association representing Illinois marijuana companies is urging the state to use weed tax revenue...

If you smoke pot, what happens to a life insurance physical?

By Karin Price Mueller

August 5, 2020 at 11:55 a.m.

Q. When you apply for life insurance that needs a physical, do they check for...