At The Marijuana Herald, our goal is to provide factual, timely, and accessible reporting on marijuana laws, research, business, culture, and more. We serve readers in all 50 states and over 150 countries, with coverage that is fact-based and data-driven.
How We Source Our Content
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Primary Sources: Whenever possible, our reporting is based directly on original materials, including legislation, court rulings and filings, government records, regulatory documents, agency announcements, public datasets, meeting materials and other official records. We generally link directly to these sources within our articles, often in the opening lines, so readers can review them for themselves.
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Peer-Reviewed Research: Our coverage of scientific and medical research is based on studies published in academic journals or other original research materials. We link directly to the study in all instances. If you find a research article where the underlying study is not linked, please contact us at info@themarijuanaherald.com.
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Direct Statements and Interviews: We use statements from lawmakers, regulators, researchers, advocates, industry representatives and others from interviews, public testimony, official statements and press releases. Quoted language is never altered.
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Government and Industry Data: Sales figures, tax revenue, licensing statistics and similar data are generally obtained directly from state or federal agencies and regulators. When third-party data is used, its source is clearly identified.
Fact-Checking and Accuracy
Articles are reviewed against the underlying sources before publication. Statistics, quotations, legislative details, court decisions, scientific findings and other factual claims are checked against the original material whenever possible.
When information cannot be independently confirmed, we identify the source of the claim rather than presenting it as independently established fact.
Accuracy takes priority over speed. However, breaking news can develop quickly, and additional information may become available after an article is published.
Corrections
When we identify a substantive factual error, we correct it as quickly as possible. Significant corrections are accompanied by a clearly labeled Editor’s Note explaining what was changed and, when appropriate, the date of the correction.
Minor changes involving spelling, grammar, formatting or clarity that do not alter the substance of an article may be made without a correction note.
Readers who believe an article contains an error may contact us at info@themarijuanaherald.com. Correction requests are reviewed promptly.
Use of Anonymous Sources
The Marijuana Herald may grant anonymity when a source has information in the public interest but could face professional, legal or personal consequences for being identified. This may include legislative staff, government employees, industry workers or others with direct knowledge of a subject.
Before granting anonymity, we verify the source’s identity and their basis for knowing the information they provide.
Information from anonymous sources is treated cautiously. Whenever reasonably possible, we seek supporting documents, public records or additional sources before publication.
When anonymity is granted, we make clear to readers that the source’s identity is being withheld and provide as much information about the source’s position or knowledge as possible without revealing their identity.
Editorial Independence and Transparency
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Sponsored content is clearly identified as sponsored and is separate from our independent editorial coverage.
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Advertisers, sponsors and business partners do not determine what The Marijuana Herald covers or how stories are reported.
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Opinion pieces are clearly labeled so readers can distinguish them from straight news reporting.
- Articles containing substantial original analysis or data analysis are identified through their wording and sourcing and remain subject to the same factual standards as our news coverage.
Conflict of Interest
The Marijuana Herald maintains editorial independence from advertisers, sponsors, political organizations, advocacy groups and companies covered by the publication. Editorial decisions are made solely by the Editor-in-Chief and Content Strategist.
To reduce potential financial conflicts, those responsible for The Marijuana Herald’s editorial direction do not hold financial positions in any cannabis stocks or cannabis companies.
Writers and contributors are expected to disclose personal, professional or financial relationships that could reasonably create a conflict of interest with a subject they are covering. When a significant conflict exists, that individual will not participate in the coverage.
Our goal is to provide independent reporting free from undisclosed financial, political or commercial influence.
Updating Content
Articles are rarely, but sometimes updated as new information becomes available. When a significant change is made, we add a note at the bottom of the article with the date of the update. Minor edits, such as correcting typos or improving clarity, may be made without a formal note. Our goal is to ensure that readers always have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
Correction Requests
Readers who believe an article contains an error may contact us at info@themarijuanaherald.com. Correction requests are reviewed promptly.
Use of AI
Although rare (used in fewer than 1% of articles), The Marijuana Herald occasionally uses ChatGPT to generate featured images. AI isn’t used in the writing, reporting, or editorial development of any article.
Our Editorial Standards
- Neutrality: Although The Marijuana Herald is a cannabis-focused news website, we strive to report facts without clear bias and avoid sensationalism.
- AP Style: We generally follow Associated Press style guidelines while using plain language when it improves clarity and accessibility.
- Attribution: Information obtained from outside sources is attributed when appropriate, and readers are provided direct links to original materials whenever practical.
- Context: We strive to provide enough legal, scientific, historical or statistical context for readers to understand the significance of the developments we report.
Ownership and Funding
The Marijuana Herald is independently owned and operated.
The publication is funded primarily through advertising, sponsorships and other commercial arrangements. These revenue sources are kept separate from editorial decision-making.
Advertisers, sponsors and affiliate partners have no control over news coverage, article conclusions or editorial decisions.
