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.

The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the illicit drug trade through increased border controls among other restrictions.

The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the illegal drug trade

By Andrew Davis

May 7, 2020 at 1:55 p.m.

The novel-coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the illicit drug trade through increased border controls, reduced air...

Here’s what you should know before visiting a marijuana dispensary

By Fresh Toast

May 7, 2020 at 1:54 p.m.

Marijuana dispensaries are usually friendly places. Still, there's some basics you should know before making...

Can CBD help you sleep during coronavirus?

By Maria Loreto

May 6, 2020 at 3:20 p.m.

When you're stressed out or anxious, one of the most common things to be negatively...

Color image depicting a blood donor in the process of donating blood in a medical clinic. Focus on the donor's arm and they are squeezing a foam ball to help the blood flow quicker. Room for copy space.

Can you donate blood during the coronavirus outbreak if you have consumed or smoked marijuana?

By Active Times

May 6, 2020 at 3:17 p.m.

Due to the novel coronavirus, which has spread rapidly through multiple countries including the United...

In this Sunday, April 23, 2017, file photo, visitors arrive at the fairgrounds to attend the High Times Cannabis Cup in San Bernardino, Calif.

High Times owner scores 13 California marijuana dispensaries

By Associated Press

May 3, 2020 at 9:50 p.m.

The owner of High Times is going to start selling marijuana after championing its use...

A vaping device seen Oct. 2, 2019, in Chicago.

Could vaping make coronavirus worse? Doctors aren’t sure but still urge quitting. ‘What better time than now?’

By Kate Thayer

May 4, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Doctors couldn't figure out why a young man, recently hospitalized in an intensive care unit,...

As the new era for legal marijuana in Illinois begins, legally purchased marijuana is seen at a home in Calumet City, Jan. 1, 2020. Marijuana was purchased at the Mission Dispensary store in Chicago.

Illinois delays awarding 75 licenses for new marijuana dispensaries amid coronavirus outbreak

By Ally Marotti

April 30, 2020 at 12:33 p.m.

The state will delay awarding licenses for 75 new recreational marijuana dispensaries due to the...

Farmer Chad Wallace walks around his hemp field to see if any plants are ready to be hung and dried in Ashland, Ill.

Hemp farmers may now qualify for federal economic relief

By Daniel Shortt

April 27, 2020 at 2:21 p.m.

Many hemp farmers have not yet been able to access economic relief because funds made...

Some states like Arizona, Florida and Massachusetts have seen a surge in medical marijuana applications and sales amid COVID-19.

Medical marijuana is booming amid the coronavirus pandemic

By Brendan Bures

April 27, 2020 at 1:15 p.m.

Residents in legal states are using cannabis for medical needs such as anxiety, pain relief,...

Friends share a joint containing legally purchased marijuana at a home in Calumet City on Jan. 1, 2020.

Blacks in Illinois seven times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than whites, ACLU study finds

By Robert McCoppin

April 21, 2020 at 5:57 p.m.

Blacks in Illinois were seven times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana...