Smoke Signals

Addressing Inequities in the Cannabis Industry

A new association aims to dismantle health inequities

The goals of the Black Lives Matter movement go far beyond addressing the relationship police have with the Black community. (Spoiler: It's really, really...not good...y'all.)

By Josh Jardine Apr 28, 2021

The New Robotic Cannabis Trimming Machine Overlords

Automation is ahead for the cannabis industry

Prior to the pandemic, I was able to make a trip to Las Vegas for the annual Marijuana Business Conference. Insofar as the event is the largest of its kind in the world—with more than 27,000 attendees from more than 60 countries—I wasn't able to capture the full scope of my experience in a column's length.

By Josh Jardine Apr 14, 2021

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Redmond Drafts City Code for Pot Businesses

Hub City leaders plan for a future when marijuana is federally legal

Let's be double-extra clear here: Running a marijuana dispensary is still illegal in the City of Redmond—but in the event that the federal government changes its policy around that, the Hub City may be ready. On April 6, the Redmond City Council was scheduled to meet in a special meeting to go over the newly drafted city code covering marijuana businesses.

By Nicole Vulcan Apr 7, 2021

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High and Happy with Hapy Kitchen

An Oregon edibles company with some seriously tasty—and effective—products

The pandemic and resulting quarantine have resulted in both established and first-time cannabis users uniting in gratitude that edibles are now widely available, often with "dispensary-to-door" delivery options. Marriages and relationships of all manners were well served by edibles, often discreetly consumed gummies, to inject patience, calm and favorably altered perspectives into the challenges of the new home/office/classroom/gym/sheltering in place space.

By Josh Jardine Mar 31, 2021

Remembering Bunny Wailer

Reggae legend

Bunny Wailer, the last living founding member of The Wailers, passed away on March 2. His work with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh stands as a touchstone for reggae lovers everywhere and many an oversized spliff was rolled and burned in his honor. I'm often asked, "Have you ever been busted for cannabis?"

By Josh Jardine Mar 17, 2021

CBD and CBN Help with ZZZs

For those seeking better rest, a combo of two cannabinoids is showing promise

One of the benefits of the rapidly increasing number of regulated cannabis programs in the U.S., both medical and Adult Use, is the growing knowledge base we are developing of cannabinoids. THC remains the most sought-after and prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis, followed by CBD.

By Josh Jardine Mar 3, 2021

Cannabis: The State of the Industry

While other industries lag, cannabis jobs grew by 32% last year

With unemployment numbers still high and so many businesses continuing to struggle due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the bright spots in the economy over the past year has been in cannabis. This week, cannabis marketplace Leafly released its fifth-annual jobs report, which shows just how much the industry has grown over the past year.

By Nicole Vulcan Feb 17, 2021

Increasing Access for BIPOC Cannabis Workers

The Oregon Handler's Fund is helping connect willing workers with the funds they need to get started

With its explosive growth and lofty projections for the continuation of the same, the cannabis industry is a popular career choice. While operating stealth illicit basement grows, slinging sacks or loading up vans with hundreds of pounds of packs were once the sole options for working in cannabis pre-legalization, that's changed.

By Josh Jardine Feb 5, 2021

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Hemp Symposium Ahead at OSU

National Hemp Symposium is the first of its kind, college says

An upcoming symposium will focus on the outlook of the hemp industry, and will bring together government officials, leaders in the industry and other corporate entities aiming to find new, sustainable uses for hemp.

By Nicole Vulcan Jan 20, 2021

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2020, the Year Cannabis Became Essential

From curbside service to online ordering to consuming while remote working, Oregonians got elevated in new ways

Many of us spent this year staying home, watching streaming services, avoiding others and eating tremendous amounts of food. You know what goes really well with those things, and always has?

By Josh Jardine Dec 30, 2020