For the Culture By The Culture
Colorado just lost $20 million in cannabis sales, and it’s not a fluke. From hemp loopholes to collapsing tourism, this feature investigates what’s really behind the budget cuts and how the cracks in Colorado’s cannabis economy could foreshadow a national unraveling. If the “gold standard” of legalization is struggling, what does that mean for everyone else?
California just raised taxes on legal cannabis by 26%, threatening to wipe out the small businesses and legacy growers who built the market. This feature breaks down how the policy is pushing operators out, fueling the illicit trade, and revealing the hypocrisy of a state that once championed cannabis culture but now treats it like a cash cow. This is economic betrayal in real time.
May isn’t just a month of planting. It’s a season of rebellion. This cover story digs into the deep roots of cannabis activism, labor, and legacy. From May Day to World Bee Day, we explore the voices and movements that shaped cannabis culture long before legalization. Because rebellion isn’t a moment—it’s the soil this industry grew from.
The cannabis industry is expected to pump $123.6 billion into the U.S. economy in 2025. That’s not just growth—it’s a cultural reckoning. Built by the same community they tried to erase, this number doesn’t just shut down critics. It buries them.
Seth Rogen has popularized cannabis culture, but his luxury brand Houseplant has shifted it toward exclusivity, prioritizing design over authenticity. While he contributes to cannabis advocacy, his efforts are seen as performative. The current cannabis landscape contrasts starkly with its rebellious origins, leading to concerns about gentrification and cultural appropriation in the industry.
Carmelo Anthony says launching his new cannabis brand is a “mission from God.” But he’s not the first celebrity to use divine branding to sell premium weed. This feature dissects the language, the strategy, and the real message behind celebrity weed rollouts wrapped in purpose.
