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
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 …
Sep 10 2024
Maine Issues First-Ever Marijuana Recall
Maine’s Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) has issued its first-ever product recall after certain items from the brand Cannabis Cured failed testing for yeast and mold contamination. “On September 10, 2024, the Office of Cannabis Policy issued a mandatory recall for select adult use flower and pre-rolls produced by Cannabis Cured due to the presence …
Sep 10 2024
Florida: Scientology’s Biggest Donor Gives $1 Million to DeSantis’ PAC to Fight Marijuana Legalization and Abortion
A political committee tied to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has received a $1 million donation from Trish Duggan, a prominent Scientologist, as part of its efforts to block marijuana legalization and abortion rights. The Florida Freedom Fund, chaired by DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, raised $1.11 million from August 24 to 30, with Duggan’s …
Sep 10 2024
Missouri Governor and Attorney General Announce Task Force to “Combat Spread of Dangerous Unregulated Cannabis Products”
Today, during a press conference, Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced a joint task force between the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) to combat the spread of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri. This latest action comes after Governor Parson announced Executive Order 24-10 …
