Author: Andrew Ward

Authorities will get you, even if you’ve been out of the game for years. That was the case of Anthony Alegrete, who served 24 months in federal prison and an additional 24 months of house arrest for his involvement in a cannabis operation. The bust ensnared scores of other individuals, including Evelyn LaChappelle and Anthony’s good friend Corvain Cooper. The latter would be sentenced to life on a third-strike drug charge. Old charges coming back hurt that much more for Alegrete and his wife, Loriel. Anthony was in college. The two had built a successful local charitable endeavor in the Las Vegas area. Making matters worse, their third child, and first daughter, was on the way.  Once out, Alegrete was determined to not only rebuild his own life but get Corvain home so that the two co

Cannabis legalization appears almost certain to do more good than harm for the world. As an industry takes shape and drug war victims incrementally receive a modicum of restorative justice, we may sometimes overlook the adverse impacts along the way. Waste continues to be a primary concern.  Legalization across the states leads to an influx in operators and often strict regulations around child-safe packaging. Making matters worse, cultivation from licensed and unlicensed farms can often create significant impacts on water, waste and the land. So much so that a 2021 Colorado State University study found that the state’s indoor and greenhouse grows produced more gas emissions than in-state coal mining. The waste concerns aren’t exclusive to producers and retailers. Marketing materials

Cannabis reform may be progressing in America, but access on social media remains an uncertain landscape. While brands have thrived, reaching millions of followers and verified status, many others have been cut short, suspended and deleted along the way. Even those succeeding appear only to have a glimmer of an idea about what’s right and wrong when marketing cannabis. With so much uncertainty, brands proceed cautiously in a direction that may or may not be the correct path.  The Three Outcomes To Avoid: Deletions, Suspensions and Shadowbans Whether violating the rules or innocently caught up in the review system, accounts face severe punishments if accused of violating the terms of services. They include:  Total account deletionSuspension, lasting one to 90 days depending on t

Most Affected looks at how cannabis charges impact those most vulnerable to the system. Source: Hight Times

Donald Fugitt, a loving father of three children, is serving a harsh and excessive prison sentence for a cannabis charge. Source: Hight Times

Cat Packers has been working toward equity in Los Angeles' cannabis industry for many years. Source: Hight Times

Pedro Moreno deserves to gain clemency from prison after serving decades behind bars for a cannabis-related crime, while his four brothers were released in 2016. Source: Hight Times