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.

Workers stake plants at the Red White and Bloom hemp growing facility in Granville, Illinois, on July 2, 2020.

Company that runs huge hemp greenhouse near Starved Rock wants to break into Illinois marijuana market — if it can get a license

By Robert McCoppin

July 17, 2020 at 2:12 p.m.

Just west of Starved Rock, under 80 acres of glass, one of the largest greenhouses...

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.

In Ohio, $133M of medical pot sold in first year as pandemic legitimized industry

By Bonnie Meibers

July 15, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the state's economy, but those in the medical...

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says legalizing weed is ‘incredibly smart’ to offset budget woes triggered by coronavirus

By Amanda Hoover

July 15, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Gov. Phil Murphy said legalized marijuana sales could boost New Jersey's struggling economy, which needs...

Legal cannabis sales in Colorado reach all-time high in May

By Associated Press

July 15, 2020 at 1:28 p.m.

DENVER (AP) — Cannabis sales in Colorado set a new monthly record in May, reaching...

Illinois collected $52 million in tax revenue during the first six months of recreational marijuana sales.

Higher than expected: Illinois’ $52.8M take from weed sales exceeds what state projected

By Ally Marotti

July 15, 2020 at 1:25 p.m.

Illinois collected almost $52.8 million in tax revenue during the first six months of recreational...

The fully grown flower of a marijuana plant at a north Florida grower.

Florida Supreme Court makes rare move, asks for more discussion on marijuana amendment

By News Service of Florida

July 15, 2020 at 1:29 p.m.

In a highly unusual move, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a second round...

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.

The latest report from the FDA shows how poorly it has handled CBD

By Daniel Shortt

July 14, 2020 at 3:44 p.m.

As it stands, the FDA has been very vocally opposed to Hemp CBD products without...

Wilmette may vote on recreational marijuana advisory referendum later this year

By Karen Ann Cullotta

July 14, 2020 at 3:43 p.m.

Wilmette residents casting ballots in the November 2020 election will be helping to select a...

DO THE DISHES | Whether you have a dishwasher or hand-wash your dishes, it's important to thoroughly clean any dishes or utensils used by someone who has COVID-19 with soap and hot water. The CDC also recommends wearing gloves while handling any dishes, glasses or silverware used by a person who is sick.

You know what else has sold well during the pandemic? Weed edibles

By The New York Times

July 15, 2020 at 8:20 a.m.

Ben Emerson had never tried cannabis edibles before his birthday in April. He was raised...

The proposed home to a cannabis dispensary at 12-14 W. Maple St. is seen July 13, 2020, near Mariano Park in Chicago.

Gold Coast residents say no to a pot shop near a park. ‘If people want to smoke, God bless them, let them smoke, but why in this neighborhood?’

By Ally Marotti

July 14, 2020 at 11:15 a.m.

A group of Gold Coast residents is opposing plans for a marijuana store near their...