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.

Weed workers will outnumber computer programmers by end of 2020, study

By Brendan Bures

August 3, 2020 at 3:49 p.m.

If you're looking for work amid the pandemic and live in a legal state, the...

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.

New breed of hemp growers tout resurgence of the plant

By Associated Press

August 3, 2020 at 3:48 p.m.

BEECHER, Ill. (AP) — In early 2019, Rachael and Jesse Smedberg took a leap of...

Using CBD as a cooking ingredient became a food trend in 2019, with restaurants and bars adding CBD-infused and -topped items to their menus. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) it's illegal to sell food and beverages with CBD or THC at the federal level. In response, local and state governments began taking action. For example, New York City health officials announced a ban on businesses using CBD in food and drinks. Meanwhile, other states like Maine have passed laws to allow the use of CBD in food products. A California bill about legalizing CBD in foods, beverages and cosmetics is on hold until 2020 but could pave the way for other states to consider similar measures.

House bill blocks feds from enforcing marijuana ban in states that legalized recreational, medical weed

By Jonathan D. Salant

August 3, 2020 at 3:47 p.m.

Legislation to fund much of the federal government in the new year passed the House...

Workers tend to plants in growing room at Cresco Labs in Joliet on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019.
Cresco Labs is one of the largest cannabis companies in the state and recently expanded its marijuana growing facilities.
(Zbigniew Bzdak/baiduhai)

Recreational marijuana sales reached almost $61 million in July, setting a record for the third month in a row

By Ally Marotti

August 3, 2020 at 3:04 p.m.

Illinois marijuana shops sold almost $61 million in recreational weed in July, beating the previous...

Just like the makers of any health products that are not regulated by the FDA, CBD product sellers are not allowed to make outrageous claims that so-and-so product will cure your health problem. Be on the lookout for language that might just be a scam.

Research finds CBD effective at treating cannabis use disorder

By Brendan Bures

July 31, 2020 at 2:41 p.m.

Cannabis affects everyone differently and can create deleterious effects for some individuals. One recent study...

In 1996, marijuana legislation took a major step forward thanks to California. The Golden State became the first in the union to legalize medical marijuana via the Compassionate Use Act.

Here’s how millennials and boomers differ on marijuana use

By Brendan Bures

July 31, 2020 at 2:17 p.m.

Baby boomers and millennials can't agree on anything: the economy, social values, and smoking cannabis....

Office manager Gloria Arroyo and supervisor Alvin Summers clean floor mats at Mission South Chicago on July 30, 2020.

South Side marijuana dispensary reopens after looting forced two-month closure

By Abdel Jimenez

August 3, 2020 at 8:31 a.m.

Mission South Chicago marijuana dispensary will reopen after closing for two months due to damage...

Aurora grants marijuana dispensary more time to get license from state

By Steve Lord

July 29, 2020 at 6:59 p.m.

The Aurora City Council this week granted more time for a marijuana dispensary looking to...

Cannabis cravings: A new study addresses why it happens

By Fresh Toast

July 29, 2020 at 5:12 p.m.

We now have a better understanding of why cannabis users crave the herb — and...

Plants have thousands of compounds that affect their shape and color.

Why does marijuana have different colors?

By Fresh Toast

July 28, 2020 at 4:35 p.m.

While the marijuana plant is typically green, different chemicals in them can make it look...