For over 15 years, Aaron Pelley has stood at the forefront of the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. Aaron is a champion of emerging markets and an ardent advocate for cannabis industry entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors. He has crafted key cannabis legislation and established himself as a leading authority on cannabis law and practice.
California’s path to cannabis social equity: from arrests to advocacy Data from the California Department of Justice reveals that nearly half a million individuals were arrested on cannabis charges in the state between 2006 and 2015. Even after Governor Schwarzenegger authorized a statewide decriminalization program in 2010, thousands continued to face serious misdemeanor charges related
The fluctuating levels of reported THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis products have sparked discussions and concerns within the industry. Contrary to popular belief, the decline in tested THC levels does not necessarily indicate a decrease in potency. We examine the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring how changes in testing protocols, sample selection, and laboratory practices contribute
Arizona’s record-breaking cannabis market In the landscape of booming and busting cannabis markets, Arizona emerges as a standout success story. A naturally beautiful state that attracts a sizeable group of tourists every year, Arizona skyrocketed past $1 billion in total cannabis sales for 2023. Unlike its northern neighbor of Nevada, Arizona has exceeded $1 billion
Former Minnesota Governor and ex-professional wrestler Jesse Ventura is the latest celebrity to start a cannabis brand. Ventura served as Governor of the Land of 10,000 Lakes from 1999 to 2003. One could say that no other Governor serving during the late ’90’s or early 2000’s had quite the extensive background in variously different forms
The need for social equity in cannabis programs As adult-use cannabis legalization sweeps across the country and America confronts the toll of previous, draconian cannabis policies, one of the best attempts to right abject wrongs is social equity programs within state cannabis industries. Unfortunately though, social equity programs are easily exploited and “loopholed.” Licenses have
Though the cannabis industry is one of America’s most lucrative new industries — with estimates that it will reach approximately $58 billion in sales by 2028 — the markets in several recreational states are suffering severe financial harm. In states like Oregon, the problems have gotten so out of hand that businesses are even pulling
Despite continuously surpassing every other state with recreational cannabis in terms of total retail sales, California’s cannabis industry has faced continuous and far-reaching issues on multiple levels that have only spread even further. From declining sales that result in hundreds of millions less in total retail sales to a massive illicit market that the state
Arguably one of the most surprising states to legalize recreational cannabis in the recent past is Arizona. During the tumultuous 2020 election, Proposition 207 was passed by a very considerable 20 percent margin, with more than 650,000 votes in favor of the measure. Not only was the passing vote of the bill itself and its
Washington House Bill 2320 Washington State has often led the way in progressive cannabis policies. However, the introduction of House Bill 2320 by the Washington State legislature could mark a pivotal shift in this trajectory. This bipartisan bill proposes to raise the minimum age to 25 years for purchasing and consuming products containing 35% or
A Tradition of Excellence For thousands of years, Native tribes across North America have harnessed the benefits of the hemp and cannabis plants. These plants have held sacred and significant roles in many Indigenous cultures, deeply intertwined with spiritual practices, medicinal applications, and traditional ways of life. It’s no wonder, then, that Indigenous people are
