For the Culture By The Culture
In this exclusive interview, Chris Simunek, former Editor in Chief of High Times, reflects on the outlaw era of cannabis culture when speaking up about weed was a risk, not content. He takes us inside the raw and rebellious movement that existed before legalization and corporate cannabis.
Delta-8 THC is everywhere, from gas stations to gummies, but the legal high might not last. Pot Culture digs into the hemp loophole that birthed this billion-dollar industry, the lawsuits, the bans, and the federal crackdown looming on the horizon. If you think delta-8 is safe and legal, think again. Regulators are circling, and the market’s days are numbered.
Cannabis may be legal on paper, but online it is under siege. From shadowbanning and deleted accounts to financial chokeholds by Stripe and PayPal, Big Tech is quietly erasing weed culture. This hard-edged feature exposes the hypocrisy and asks if cannabis will reclaim its voice before algorithms choke it out for good.
Twelve years ago, Pot Culture Magazine lit up for the first time. Since then, it’s weathered disappearances, rebirths, and 690 articles fueled by grit and loyalty to the cannabis community. In this anniversary editorial, founder Matthew Roberts reflects on the misfires, milestones, and madness of keeping an independent weed publication alive in a click-chasing world.
Jones Soda just sold off its entire cannabis beverage brand, Mary Jones, for a modest three million dollars. The move signals more than a corporate pivot; it’s a sign that THC drinks still face steep barriers to success. From compliance breakdowns to marketing overreach, this isn’t just an exit; it’s a reality check.
Legal cannabis has generated nearly $25 billion in tax revenue, with $4.4 billion collected in 2024 alone. States benefit significantly, funding various community programs. However, equity issues remain, as many who contributed to legalization are still marginalized. The promise of justice is overshadowed by bureaucracy and economic barriers for legacy growers.
