Anthony Martinelli

Anthony Martinelli is founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Marijuana Herald. Anthony previously served as Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog.com, and he has worked as a campaign manager and communications director for multiple political campaigns and elected officials. You can reach Anthony at Info@TheMarijuanaHerald.com.

Author's posts

Richard Lee, Cannabis Legalization Pioneer and Founder of Oaksterdam University, Dies at 62

Richard Lee, the trailblazing activist who helped push marijuana reform into the mainstream and founded Oaksterdam University, passed away on Sunday, July 27. He was 62. Lee was more than a leader in the cannabis movement—he was one of its architect. From opening the iconic Bulldog Coffeeshop and the Oaksterdam Gift Shop to founding the …

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Texas House Bill Filed to Ban Hemp-Derived THC Products

Legislation to outlaw hemp-derived compounds such as THC and CBN, while regulating CBD and CBG, was filed today in the Texas House, hours before a similar measure is expected to receive a vote in the Senate. House Bill 5, introduced by Representative Gary VanDeaver (R), mirrors Senate Bill 5, which recently cleared the Senate State …

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Study: Cannabis Use Not Tied to Increased Cardiovascular Events in Older Veterans With Coronary Artery Disease

A large, multi-institutional study of over 4,200 veterans with coronary artery disease (CAD) found no association between recent cannabis use and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death. Published in the journal Circulation, the study followed participants between the ages of 66 and 68 for an average of 3.3 years. Of the total …

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Connecticut Attorney General Sues Over Alleged Fake Cannabis License Scam, Seeks $2.5 Million Asset Freeze

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has sued MAKECTBETTER LLC, its principal Michael Tedesco of Fairfield, and affiliate Zafir Iqbal of Oakdale alleging a fraudulent cannabis license-for-sale scheme involving forged documents and tens of thousands of dollars in payments from upwards of 70 businesses. In conjunction with the complaint, Attorney General Tong filed an application for …

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California NORML Calls for Changes to Proposed Hemp Rules

Cal NORML is urging state officials to revise California’s proposed hemp regulations, warning that the current language could block access to critical medical products for thousands of patients. In a letter submitted ahead of a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) hearing today, the group expressed support for the state’s effort to keep intoxicating hemp …

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North Carolina Cannabis Advisory Council Wants Public Input on Cannabis Policy Issues

With its first meeting set for Tuesday, the North Carolina Cannabis Advisory Council is now asking residents to weigh in on the marijuana policy issues that matter most to them. Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order in June establishing the council, which brings together lawmakers, public health officials, law enforcement, agriculture leaders, tribal representatives, …

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Oklahoma Cannabis Legalization Campaign Begins Signature Gathering August 6, Sets Goal of 300,000 Signatures

A campaign to legalize marijuana in Oklahoma will begin gathering signatures on August 6, with a goal of 300,000 to ensure placement on the November 2026 ballot. Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), the group behind State Question 837, says the initiative will need 172,993 valid signatures by 5 p.m. on November 4 to qualify. …

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Texas Senate to Vote Monday on Bill Banning Hemp-Derived THC Products

The full Texas Senate is set to vote tomorrow, July 28, on Senate Bill 5, which would ban hemp-derived THC products statewide while heavily regulating CBD and CBG. Filed by State Senator Charles Perry (R), SB 5 passed the Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously earlier this week. The Senate has placed the proposal as the …

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Medical Cannabis Market Projected to Nearly Double by 2033, Finds Report

The global medical cannabis market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, expanding from $37 billion in 2024 to $68.6 billion by 2033, according to a new report from Research and Markets. This 7.1% compound annual growth rate reflects rising global acceptance of marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment, as well as increasing …

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Maker of Oreo, Ritz, and Clif Lists Cannabis Edibles in Lobbying Disclosures for Q2 2025

Snack food giant Mondelēz Global LLC, the company behind Oreo, Ritz, Wheat Thins and other household brands, reported lobbying on “issues related to cannabis edibles” during the second quarter of 2025. The disclosure, first spotted by Cannabis Wire, marks a notable development as large consumer packaged goods companies continue to monitor and engage with emerging …

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