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.

Both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identify marijuana as an <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/is-it-addictive">addictive drug</a>. Research shows marijuana users can develop problematic use patterns, or what's known as a marijuana use disorder, in severe cases after prolonged use. According to NIDA, an estimated 30% of marijuana users have some degree of <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive">marijuana use disorder</a>.

One-third of young adults may be at risk of severe COVID-19, especially if they smoke or vape

By Mallory Moench

July 13, 2020 at 3:37 p.m.

One-third of young people across the country may be at risk of getting seriously sick...

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.

Activists seek to decriminalize ‘magic’ mushrooms in DC

By Associated Press

July 13, 2020 at 3:36 p.m.

The posters started blanketing light posts just a few weeks after the city entered what...

Fortified foods are extremely important for mamas-to-be. "Many women think they should be cutting these foods out of their diet because they have 'too many carbs,' but fortified foods contain folic acid and iron, two nutrients that are essential during pregnancy," Largeman-Roth said. According to the CDC, folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spine (spina bifida). Largeman-Roth suggests eating fortified breakfast cereals like Total Raisin Bran that have as much as 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per one-cup serving — pregnant women need to get between 600 and 800 mcg of the B-vitamin every day. You can get most of your day's grains with a bowl of fortified cereal for breakfast, a lunchtime sandwich made with two slices of whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat pasta for dinner.

Prenatal marijuana use could cause sleep problems in children

By Brendan Bures

July 13, 2020 at 3:35 p.m.

Using cannabis while pregnant could cause your child sleeping problems later in life, according to...

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.

How CBD topicals can complement your mask wearing

By Fresh Toast

July 13, 2020 at 3:33 p.m.

At this point in the pandemic, people might have a wide assortment of masks at...

Teri Kortz sorts cannabis in a processing room at Cresco Labs in Joliet on Dec. 17, 2019.

High Times Cannabis Cup coming to Illinois for the first time with public judging to see what pot products are the best

By Robert McCoppin

July 14, 2020 at 4:05 p.m.

Cannabis, illegal just last year in Illinois, will now have its own competition to see...

Biden-Sanders task force does not recommend legalizing marijuana

By Brendan Bures

July 10, 2020 at 2:04 p.m.

A task force formed between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, which had prior heated discussions...

Growth opportunities remain in cannabis, but it requires creativity, enterprise and knowledge, according to top investors.

Optimism in cannabis investing exists — even amid a global pandemic

By Brendan Bures

July 10, 2020 at 2:03 p.m.

Take this for an investing conundrum: Where do you put your money in an industry...

How to spot wellness and CBD knockoffs

By Fresh Toast

July 9, 2020 at 1:10 p.m.

Wellness is one of the trendiest terms these days, right up there with "self-care." Aside...

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.

Experts predict a boom in vaping market through remainder of 2020

By Maria Loreto

July 9, 2020 at 1:09 p.m.

The vaping market was on the fast track until a strange pulmonary disease appeared in...

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.

Researchers say CBD could provide vital treatment for coronavirus

By Brendan Bures

July 9, 2020 at 1:08 p.m.

As researchers and doctors rush to understand the novel coronavirus, sometimes new evidence contradicts old...