Anthony Martinelli is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Marijuana Herald, a daily marijuana news and information website that launched in 2018. You can reach Anthony at [email protected].
Anthony Martinelli
Author's posts
Sep 11 2024
Indiana Governor Candidate Unveils Plan to Legalize Marijuana
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick has revealed a comprehensive plan to legalize marijuana in Indiana. Following Ohio’s recent decision to legalize marijuana, Indiana is now bordered by three states where cannabis possession is legal. McCormick’s proposal focuses on establishing medical marijuana access for Hoosiers with a clear path toward full adult-use legalization.
Sep 11 2024
New York Approves Another 123 Marijuana Business Licenses, Sees Record-Breaking $100 Million in August Sales
New York state regulators approved an additional 123 cannabis business permits on Tuesday, marking another step forward for the state’s legal marijuana industry as sales continue to grow rapidly after years of stagnation. The approval of the new licenses comes alongside a record-breaking $100 million in marijuana sales for August, which included the last few …
Sep 11 2024
Ohio Marijuana Dispensary Fined $150,000 for Ice Cream Giveaway on First Day of Recreational Sales
A marijuana dispensary in Columbus has been fined $150,000 after offering “free ice cream” to customers on the first day of adult-use sales, a marketing tactic that violated state regulations. Greenleaf Apothecaries, also known as The Botanist, is one of several Ohio dispensaries fined since adult-use sales began in August. The dispensary advertised the giveaway …
Sep 11 2024
University of Lynchburg in Virginia Expands Cannabis Education With Four New Online Programs
The University of Lynchburg has introduced four new online programs for cannabis education majors, expanding its offerings through a partnership with Green Flower. The virtual Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine program, initially launched earlier in 2024, now features five tracks: Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine, Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture, the Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Compliance & Risk …
Sep 11 2024
California Bill to Legalize Marijuana Cafés Awaits Governor Newsom’s Decision, Deadline Sept. 30
California legislation that would legalize Amsterdam-stye marijuana cafés has reached the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 1775, approved by the Assembly 58 to 6 and by the Senate 30 to 7, would “authorize a local jurisdiction, if specified conditions are met, to allow for the preparation or sale of noncannabis food or beverage …
Sep 11 2024
Study Links Marijuana Legalization to Decrease in Anxiety Medications
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that the legalization of cannabis, whether medical or recreational, is associated with significant changes in the use of prescription medications for mental health disorders. The study, which analyzed data from over 9.4 million commercially insured patients, found a notable reduction in the dispensing of benzodiazepines—medications commonly …
Sep 11 2024
In Groundbreaking Deal, USC Trojans Partner With Cannabis Company
The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans have become the first athletic department to sign a sponsorship agreement with a cannabis company. According to Business Wire, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans have formed a groundbreaking partnership with Cookies, a cannabis and wellness brand based in California. This unique deal marks the first time …
Sep 11 2024
Ascend Opens Fifth Marijuana Dispensary in Pennsylvania, Its 39th Nationwide
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc., a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, announces the opening of its fifth medical dispensary in Pennsylvania, located in Whitehall. This expansion marks Ascend’s 39th location across its seven-state footprint, which “underscores the Company’s dedication to serving the growing medical market in Pennsylvania”, according to a press release. Ascend currently operates four additional stores …
Sep 11 2024
New York Cannabis Control Board Unveils Grant Program for Marijuana Businesses
The New York State Cannabis Control Board held a meeting on Tuesday to provide updates on licensing and new initiatives to assist business owners. Currently, over 800 adult-use licenses have been issued to cultivators, processors, distributors, and retail dispensaries throughout the state. At least 20 of these licenses were granted in the past month. During …
Sep 11 2024
Michigan: Legal Marijuana Sales Top $294 Million in August, Year-to-Date Sales Near $2 Billion
There was nearly $300 million worth of marijuana sold legally in Michigan in August, with the year-to-date total nearing $2 billion. According to data released by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, there was $294 million worth of legal marijuana sold in August throughout Michigan. This is a roughly $7 million increase from the $287 million …
