Cannabis News – Latest Industry Updates

High TimesMar 29, 2026

Cannabis Use Prompts Emotional Openness and Vulnerability in Everyday Life

A recent account highlights how cannabis use can intensify emotional experiences, prompting greater vulnerability, honesty, and empathy in both private and social

•Cannabis use can trigger strong emotional responses such as crying and heightened vulnerability
•Music and films act as powerful catalysts for these emotional reactions when combined with cannabis
•Users describe increased empathy, patience, and openness during and after cannabis consumption

by Cannabis Has Never Respected My Emotional Boundaries, and Honestly, Thank God

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High TimesMar 28, 2026

High Times Launches Travel Series Exploring Contrasting Cannabis Cultures in Mallorca and Portugal

High Times has launched a travel series exploring the contrasting cannabis cultures of Mallorca’s discreet clubs and Portugal’s regulated medical industry, providing an in-depth look at how local customs and regulations shape each scene

•High Times and Matca Films have launched a new travel series on YouTube examining cannabis culture in Europe
•The Mallorca episode highlights the importance of discretion and neighborhood respect in the island’s cannabis clubs
•The Portugal episode focuses on Sunlight Green’s regulated medical cannabis operations and the country’s growing industry reputation
•Club operators in Mallorca stress strict rules and coexistence with local communities

by [Watch] High Times’ New Travel Series Goes From Mallorca’s Underground To Portugal’s Cannabis Boom

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High TimesMar 28, 2026

Steve Marcus Blends Jewish Tradition and Psychedelic Culture in Oregon Art Exhibition

Steve Marcus' 'Psychedelicatessen' exhibition at the Oregon Jewish Museum challenges traditional Jewish identity by blending sacred symbols with cannabis and psychedelic culture, sparking discussion and reflection in the community

•Steve Marcus' 'Psychedelicatessen' exhibition is on display at the Oregon Jewish Museum in Portland
•The show features art that merges Jewish religious symbols with cannabis and psychedelic references

by A Psychedelic Jewish Experience

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High TimesMar 27, 2026

High Times Launches Texas Cannabis Chronicles to Spotlight Industry Crackdown

High Times has debuted Texas Cannabis Chronicles, a documentary series highlighting the regulatory battles and personal stakes in Texas’s embattled cannabis industry as

•Texas Cannabis Chronicles, a new High Times documentary series, has launched to cover the regulatory crackdown on cannabis in Texas
•The series follows farmers, veterans, parents, and small operators facing new rules set to take effect March 31, including a ban on smokable hemp products
•Director JT Barnett describes Senate Bill 3 as "a killer by design meant to destroy an industry legalized in Texas in 2019 and federally in 2018."

by The War On Texas Cannabis Just Got Its Own High Times Docuseries: Watch It Here

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High TimesMar 26, 2026

Colorado’s Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Fails Amid Lax Enforcement and Testing Lapses

Colorado’s attempt to ban intoxicating hemp products failed as regulatory gaps and weak testing allowed chemically converted compounds to reach consumers through licensed dispensaries, prompting calls

•Chemically converted intoxicating hemp products entered Colorado’s legal cannabis market despite a state ban
•Testing and enforcement gaps allowed products made with dangerous solvents to reach dispensaries
•A Denver lab discovered methylene chloride in a vape, leading to revelations about hemp-derived ingredients

by Colorado Tried To Ban Intoxicating Hemp. It Still Made Its Way Into Legal Weed

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High TimesMar 26, 2026

High Times Launches Kicking Back Docuseries Exploring Cannabis Culture During 2026 World Cup

High Times has announced Kicking Back, a new docuseries hosted by Ethan Zohn, which will explore cannabis culture and local communities in World Cup host cities across

•High Times is launching Kicking Back, a docuseries following cannabis and soccer culture during the 2026 World Cup
•Ethan Zohn, a former professional soccer player and Survivor winner, will host the show
•The series will highlight community life, local rituals, and dispensaries in 16 World Cup host cities
•Zohn’s personal experience with medical cannabis during cancer treatment adds authenticity to the project

by High Times’ New Cannabis Docuseries Is Following The World Cup Into The Streets

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High TimesMar 26, 2026

Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program Faces Regulatory Pressure Amid Tracking and Contamination Concerns

Maine’s medical cannabis program, once a model for patient-focused care, now faces sweeping regulatory changes and industry consolidation that threaten its grassroots caregiver system and future viability

•Maine's medical cannabis program supports over 112,000 patients and more than 1,500 caregivers as of 2025
•State regulators are pushing to impose METRC seed-to-sale tracking on the medical program, citing contamination and public health concerns
•Medical cannabis sales in Maine continue to outpace the adult-use market, with $280 million in sales in 2023

by The Last Garden: Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program Under Siege

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High TimesMar 25, 2026

Alcohol Industry Pushes for Federal Regulation of Hemp THC Beverages to Preserve Market Access

Major alcohol industry groups are advocating for federal regulation of hemp THC beverages, aiming to keep them legal but under an alcohol-style system that could

•The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America is lobbying for federal regulation of hemp THC beverages modeled on alcohol laws
•A federal ban on intoxicating hemp drinks is set to take effect on November 12, 2026, unless new regulations are enacted
•WSWA's proposed framework includes federal licensing, taxation, product testing, and state-by-state control over sales
•Recent federal legislation imposes a 0.4 milligram THC per container limit, threatening most current hemp beverage products

by Big Alcohol’s Push to Save Hemp THC Drinks Comes With a Catch

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High TimesMar 25, 2026

Afroman's Live Performances Signal a Resurgence Beyond Viral Headlines

Afroman's 2025 California tour draws large crowds and renewed attention, blending cannabis culture, viral hits, and fan engagement into a revitalized live act that extends beyond his recent court victory

•Afroman's 2025 California shows are attracting large, enthusiastic audiences
•His performances integrate cannabis themes, viral songs, and interactive fan experiences

by Before the Jury Sided With Afroman, the Crowd Already Had

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High TimesMar 25, 2026

Whitney Economics Forecasts Legal Cannabis Market Growth in 2026 Amid Challenges for Small Operators

Whitney Economics projects U.S. legal cannabis sales will rise to $30.5 billion in 2026, but warns that falling prices and tougher market conditions could threaten small operators despite overall growth

•Whitney Economics forecasts U.S. legal cannabis sales to reach $30.5 billion in 2026, up 4.9% from 2025
•The firm predicts 24 states will see cannabis revenue declines in 2025, compared to 15 with gains

by Legal Weed May Bounce Back In 2026. Small Operators Might Not

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High TimesMar 25, 2026

Cannabis Dispensary Owner Becomes First American Imprisoned for IRS 280E Tax Conviction

A Michigan dispensary owner became the first American imprisoned on IRS 280E tax charges, underscoring the financial risks cannabis operators face until federal tax reforms take effect

•Ryan Richmond, a former Michigan dispensary owner, was imprisoned on criminal charges tied to IRS Code 280E
•Richmond faced repeated raids and asset seizures but was not convicted on drug charges
•Section 280E was originally intended for drug traffickers and typically used in civil cases, not criminal prosecutions

by He May Be the Only American Sent to Prison for the Pot Tax

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The ThaigerMar 25, 2026

Foreign Couple Reported to Police After Trespassing, Swimming, and Smoking Cannabis at Phuket Restaurant

A foreign couple in Phuket was reported to police after being filmed trespassing, swimming, and consuming cannabis at a local restaurant, sparking concern among business owners and the wider community

•A foreign couple trespassed into Grills Nai-Harn restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, and used the pool without permission
•The couple was filmed consuming cannabis on the restaurant premises and confronted by staff

by Foreign couple breaks into Phuket restaurant to swim and smoke cannabis

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High TimesMar 24, 2026

Frank Rogers Remains Incarcerated for Cannabis Amid U.S. Legalization Wave

Frank Rogers remains in federal prison for a nonviolent cannabis conviction while the U.S. cannabis industry prospers, highlighting persistent disparities between legalization progress and the legacy of drug war-era sentencing

•Frank Rogers is serving a 220-month federal sentence for a nonviolent cannabis conspiracy conviction
•Advocacy groups estimate around 32,000 people remain incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes in the U.S

by Legalization Was Bullshit for Frank Rogers. He’s Still in Prison.

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High TimesMar 23, 2026

Spitfire with Shirley Ju Returns in April with Too $hort, Vic Mensa, and More

Spitfire with Shirley Ju will launch its second season in April, featuring Too $hort, Vic Mensa, and others, and continuing its candid, unscripted conversations at the intersection of hip-hop and

•Spitfire with Shirley Ju returns for season two in April with new guests including Too $hort and Vic Mensa
•The show is known for its candid, unscripted conversations and tight, engaging format

by Too $hort, Vic Mensa And More Pull Up For Season 2 Of ‘Spitfire With Shirley Ju’

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High TimesMar 23, 2026

UN Appoints 19-Member Expert Panel to Guide 2029 Global Drug Policy Review

The United Nations has announced a 19-member expert panel to shape its 2029 global drug policy review, a move expected to impact cannabis regulation and reform efforts

•The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs has established a 19-member expert panel to guide its 2029 global drug policy review
•Panel members were selected by the CND, the UN Secretary-General, the INCB, and the WHO Director-General

by Meet the 19 Experts the UN Chose to Help Shape the Future of Drug Policy

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High TimesMar 23, 2026

Japan Bans CBN Products Nationwide, Closes Cannabis Legal Loophole

Japan's Ministry of Health has banned CBN products nationwide, requiring disposal by June 1 and allowing only narrow medical use, closing a major loophole in the

•Japan's Ministry of Health classified CBN as a controlled substance, banning its production, import, sale, and consumption as of June 1
•CBN products previously occupied a legal gray area and were widely available in Japan in various formats

by Japan Cracks Down on CBN: The End of a Cannabis ‘Gray Area’

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High TimesMar 23, 2026

Ohio, Texas, and South Carolina Implement Divergent Hemp Restrictions Amid National Market Shift

Ohio, Texas, and South Carolina have each enacted distinct hemp regulations, ranging from outright bans to targeted restrictions, reshaping the legal landscape for hemp

•Ohio enacted a sweeping ban on intoxicating hemp products, including THC and CBD beverages, after a failed referendum effort
•South Carolina passed legislation allowing low-dose THC beverages under strict retail limitations, avoiding a total ban
•Texas is banning smokable hemp and THCA flower while imposing higher annual fees on hemp retailers and manufacturers

by Ohio, Texas And South Carolina Are All Tightening Hemp Rules, Just Not The Same Way

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High TimesMar 23, 2026

Experts Reveal How Art and Media Can Mimic Drug-Like Highs in the Brain

Artists and psychologists report that music, film, and video games can stimulate the brain in ways comparable to drug use, offering powerful mental highs without substances

•Psychologists and creators find that cultural experiences can mimic the effects of psychoactive drugs
•Video games, films, and music are cited as triggers for intense emotional and mental responses
•Luciano Saracino and César Jones describe consuming art as habit-forming and creatively stimulating
•Meditation and mindfulness are also identified as non-chemical methods for achieving altered states

by Art Can Get You High. No Drugs Required.

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High TimesMar 22, 2026

Women Over 60 Drive Innovation and Inclusivity in the Cannabis Industry

Women over 60 are emerging as innovators and leaders in the cannabis industry, transforming dispensary culture and championing inclusivity for future generations

•Women over 60 are challenging stereotypes by launching cannabis businesses and products
•Older women have historically been overlooked in cannabis marketing and industry spaces
•Mentorship and community support are driving inclusivity and innovation among senior women

by Not Late, Just Arriving: Women Over 60 Are Finding Their Place in Cannabis

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High TimesMar 21, 2026

Afroman Wins Court Case After Deputies Sue Over Viral Raid Footage

Afroman prevailed in court after seven Ohio deputies sued him over viral music videos made from footage of a 2022 raid on his home

•Afroman was found not liable after deputies sued over viral videos using raid footage
•The original raid resulted in no charges against Afroman but became a viral sensation
•The jury sided with Afroman, rejecting claims of privacy invasion and reputational harm
•OG Lab notes this case highlights the role of satire and public resistance in cannabis culture

by Afroman Beat the Cops in Court After Turning Their Raid Into a Viral Hit

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High TimesMar 21, 2026

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Explores Altered States as a Call to Responsibility

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance uses fantasy and altered states to highlight the need for responsibility and action, resonating with modern cannabis and psychedelic culture

•Netflix’s Age of Resistance weaves altered states into its core narrative, emphasizing responsibility over escapism
•Characters like urGoh and skekGra illustrate the consequences and revelations of altered consciousness
•Dream fasting serves as a metaphor for empathy and communal reckoning, not just personal insight

by The Dark Crystal, Altered States, and the Responsibility Side of the Trip

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Cannabis Use Prompts Emotional Openness and Vulnerability in Everyday Life

High Times Launches Travel Series Exploring Contrasting Cannabis Cultures in Mallorca and Portugal

Steve Marcus Blends Jewish Tradition and Psychedelic Culture in Oregon Art Exhibition

High Times Launches Texas Cannabis Chronicles to Spotlight Industry Crackdown

Colorado’s Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Fails Amid Lax Enforcement and Testing Lapses

High Times Launches Kicking Back Docuseries Exploring Cannabis Culture During 2026 World Cup

Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program Faces Regulatory Pressure Amid Tracking and Contamination Concerns

Alcohol Industry Pushes for Federal Regulation of Hemp THC Beverages to Preserve Market Access

Afroman's Live Performances Signal a Resurgence Beyond Viral Headlines

Whitney Economics Forecasts Legal Cannabis Market Growth in 2026 Amid Challenges for Small Operators

Cannabis Dispensary Owner Becomes First American Imprisoned for IRS 280E Tax Conviction

Foreign Couple Reported to Police After Trespassing, Swimming, and Smoking Cannabis at Phuket Restaurant

Frank Rogers Remains Incarcerated for Cannabis Amid U.S. Legalization Wave

Spitfire with Shirley Ju Returns in April with Too $hort, Vic Mensa, and More

UN Appoints 19-Member Expert Panel to Guide 2029 Global Drug Policy Review

Japan Bans CBN Products Nationwide, Closes Cannabis Legal Loophole

Ohio, Texas, and South Carolina Implement Divergent Hemp Restrictions Amid National Market Shift

Experts Reveal How Art and Media Can Mimic Drug-Like Highs in the Brain

Women Over 60 Drive Innovation and Inclusivity in the Cannabis Industry

Afroman Wins Court Case After Deputies Sue Over Viral Raid Footage

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Explores Altered States as a Call to Responsibility

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