Rachelle Gordon

The 2024 election cycle is nearly done. As millions of Americans head to the polls, everything from the presidency to local tax increases is on the table. For cannabis voters, reform is on the ballot in several states and communities. Nationwide legalization may also be at stake since both major party presidential candidates have expressed a desire for federal reform.

Veterans and their families make many sacrifices serving their country. Despite the risks they face, vets are often left in need once they return to civilian life. According to statistics, one in four veterans suffer from a mental health condition; roughly 13 percent of the unhoused population in the U.S. are vets. One cannabis brand hopes to offer respite for several deserving veterans—and raise awareness for countless others.

Amendment 3, the Florida cannabis legalization initiative, has appeared to fail. FundCanna poll tracker data called the race, with roughly 82 percent of precincts reporting. Amendment 3 saw 55.4 percent of Floridians voting “yes” and 44.6 percent voting “no.” The measure needed at least 60 percent approval to pass.

With the election seemingly over and Trump poised to take back the White House, what does it mean for weed reform?

Voters in Nebraska appear to have overwhelmingly passed a pair of medical marijuana measures, highlighting an uptick in conservative support for the issue. The deeply red Cornhusker State saw 63 percent of voters pick Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump; a whopping 71 percent reportedly voted in favor of legalizing medical cannabis.

Voters in South Dakota have apparently decided to reject adult-use cannabis, according to poll tracking data. Initiated Measure 29 would have permitted adults over 21 to possess up to two ounces of flower, 16 grams of weed extracts, and 1,600 mg of THC edibles. Home cultivation of six plants per person and 12 plants per household would have also been allowed.

With literally hundreds of weed varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to smoke and what to pass on. This is especially true if you consume throughout the day and may need varying effects depending on the occasion. That’s certainly the case for me, as I crave bud that will leave me feeling chill yet productive without racing thoughts. The Grape Gas strain ticks those boxes and is blazing a trail to becoming perfect daytime toke.

When it comes to weed, one of the biggest names in the game is Berner. The Bay Area rapper and Cookies founder has risen to global fame, with retail locations around the globe. He’s collaborated with some of the top names in the hip-hop game, including Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. And while he may be well-known for helping make strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Gary Payton ubiquitous in the culture, music is still his main passion.

The lack of alignment between state and federal policy is one of the biggest challenges cannabis operators face. A business owner following their individual state regulations to a T may still struggle due to marijuana remaining illegal nationally. Some of the problems include lack of access to safe banking, marketing restrictions, and the inability to engage in interstate commerce.

Up until recently, the stereotypical cannabis consumer was a lazy goofball, typically of the male persuasion. Cheech and Chong, Spicoli, Shaggy from Scooby-Doo—you get the picture. But as the plant becomes normalized, the notion of the ‘stoner’ has evolved. Shows like Sex in the City and Abbott Elementary showcase professional women using pot. And according to new data, these may be more accurate depictions of the typical cannabis consumer in America.