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SJC says Boston judge erred in denying marijuana expungement

The ruling by the highest court in Massachusetts will make it easier for former defendants to wipe away old charges that can haunt them as they pursue jobs, apartments, and education.

Wu administration backs effort to streamline marijuana licensing in Boston
Critics worry the plan would stifle concerns from neighbors of proposed cannabis facilities.

She’s back: Shannon O’Brien rejoins Mass. government as top marijuana regulator
The former state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate was appointed chair of the Cannabis Control Commission Tuesday by current Treasurer Deb Goldberg.

Mass. marijuana agency warns of possible toxin in ‘1906′ edibles
Regulators at the Cannabis Control Commission said the company's "Midnight Drops" include an herbal ingredient that can cause liver injury.

Former Mass. cannabis czar joins medical marijuana software startup
After leaving the Cannabis Control Commission in April, business veteran Steve Hoffman is returning to the private sector with a new passion for medical cannabis.

This Week in Weed

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More marijuana news

Sweeping cannabis bill becomes law, after yearslong effort on reforms

The governor vetoed just one section of the bill, which will revamp the multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Legislature approves marijuana industry reforms

The long-awaited bill would crack down on local fees charged to marijuana companies, help fund local pot startups, and allow cannabis cafés to open in a handful of communities. It comes six years after voters legalized recreational marijuana.

As deadline looms, Baker hopes ‘important’ cannabis legislation reaches his desk

The long-pending legislation has strong support from political leaders, but appears stalled in a State House committee.

Minnesota legalizes cannabis edibles, catching some Republicans off guard

A Minnesota law went into effect Friday legalizing edibles containing small amounts of THC, apparently surprising some Republicans, at least one of whom said he voted for the provision unknowingly.
spotlight

The hidden titans of pot

Massachusetts legalized the sale of recreational marijuana with the ambition to be different — and better. But two years since the law went into effect, troubling signs loom. This three-part series uncovers stealth moves by large investors poised to dominate this nascent industry and outmaneuver regulators.

These companies test the limits — and brag about it

No firm is allowed to own or control more than three recreational marijuana stores. But two companies — Sea Hunter and Acreage — are testing the limits.

Inside one battle that could change the marijuana industry

The race to open Mattapan Square’s first pot shop raises questions about trust and who gets to cash in.

For sale in the pot industry: political influence

Marijuana may be the hot, new retail business in town, but it largely plays by the old political rules.

More coverage

Eight takeaways from the Spotlight series

Marijuana company’s expansion plans test Mass. law

Mass. regulators investigating whether companies violated license limits

Beyond Massachusetts, states struggle to limit marijuana behemoths

Special Reports

The essential guide to buying and consuming pot in Massachusetts

Curious about legal weed but feeling a little intimidated about visiting a retail outlet? Our handy guide answers all of your questions so you can stock up with confidence.
These are the most common questions marijuana budtenders get asked

‘My life came crashing down overnight’: How one Boston-area woman nearly died from vaping

A 33-year-old veterinary technician thought she could trust her dealer’s legitimate-looking vapes to help her relax and treat her migraines. Instead, she ended up hospitalized for two weeks.
FROM GLOBE OPINION: I nearly died from vaping, and you could too
Welcome to Big Marijuana’s factory floor
Inside the headquarters of Canada's Canopy Growth Corp., the world’s largest marijuana company that critics call the "Walmart of Weed." (Video by Caitlin Healy/Globe Staff)

Inside the Walmart of Weed: From rural Canada, Big Marijuana seeks to dominate global market

At 89, legendary psychiatrist and marijuana advocate still wonders about Harvard professorship

Marijuana activists say Dr. Lester Grinspoon, the author of "Marijuana Reconsidered," was unfairly denied a full professorship at Harvard Medical School twice because of his views about cannabis.
Lester Grinspoon, Harvard psychiatrist and early champion of marijuana reforms, dies at 92

Latest marijuana headlines

Mainers love their freewheeling medical marijuana market. The state has no idea what to do with it.
For the third time in recent years, regulators are going back to the drawing board after medical marijuana "caregivers" revolted against tighter recreational-style oversight.

Local marijuana fees soar past $50 million as industry decries municipal ‘slush funds’
A new study by researchers at Northeastern raises fresh questions about so-called impact fees as legislators debate a crackdown on the practice.

Sununu signals pivot for New England’s last ‘dry’ state on marijuana
The signing of a legalization bill in Rhode Island this week leaves famously libertarian New Hampshire as the sole bastion of pot prohibition in the region.

Mass. House approves sweeping marijuana reforms on 153-2 vote
The legislation largely mirrors reforms approved by the Senate in April, and would open the door to pot cafés while cracking down on local fees charged to marijuana businesses.

Sacha Baron Cohen drops lawsuit against Somerset cannabis dispensary
Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has dropped his lawsuit against a cannabis dispensary in Somerset, Mass. that used an image of his character ‘Borat’ on a billboard without his permission.

Deputy treasurer takes helm of Massachusetts cannabis commission amid lingering questions
Sarah Kim, the top deputy and attorney in the office of state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, is leading the Cannabis Control Commission on an interim basis following the abrupt resignation of former chair Steve Hoffman in April.

Maine unanimously passes bill to clarify marijuana rules
Maine has clarified some of its marijuana rulemaking procedures in a move supporters said would protect medical users and growers.

Hoffman resigns as chair of Mass. Cannabis Control Commission
The unexpected move comes months before his term was set to expire in August.

On 4/20, Massachusetts consumers shattered marijuana sales record
Recreational retailers sold more than 200,000 products on the traditional stoner holiday, setting an all-time record.

After years of red tape and red ink, Mass. hemp companies are finally turning a profit
The reversal of fortune is largely due to a 2020 state law that allows in-state hemp companies to sell their products to Massachusetts marijuana operators.

‘Black News Hour’ guests discuss what role, if any, marijuana should play for Boston’s Black communities
Black News Hour talked to marijuana entrepreneurs and religious leaders about the role of cannabis in Boston's Black communities.

Legalization 2.0: Massachusetts Senate approves overhaul of marijuana laws
The reforms would crack down on local fees, pave the way cannabis cafes, and put more muscle behind policies meant to make the licensed pot industry equitable.

Consumers say Massachusetts weed stinks — and not in a good way
Recreational marijuana sales are well into their fourth year in Massachusetts. But is our weed any good?

Hackers hit Mass. background-check firm used by state agencies, universities
Mansfield-based Creative Services Inc., which performs background checks on everyone from cannabis investors to teachers to pharmaceutical workers, said hackers made off with extensive personal data on more than 164,000 people in a "smash and grab" attack last November.

Analysis
An unexpected comment from New Hampshire’s governor changes the calculus on marijuana legalization in the Granite state
For decades, every New Hampshire governor has vowed to veto marijuana legalization bills. But that could be changing.

Marijuana lounges could finally come to Massachusetts, but some doubt they’re viable
A bill that would allow “social consumption” facilities — essentially the pot equivalent of a bar — is now moving forward on Beacon Hill as part of a broader package of reforms to the state’s marijuana laws.

MGH claims breakthrough in detecting marijuana impairment
Convinced that existing tests are unfair, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital say they’ve found a better way to detect marijuana impairment.

With Mariano’s backing, Mass. Legislature advances marijuana reforms
Lawmakers and their aides said they expected the Legislature’s joint committee on cannabis policy to approve three bills by the end of Friday. And perhaps more importantly, House Speaker Ron Mariano said he supports the measures, significantly boosting their chances of passage.

Marijuana regulators sidestep stoned driving debate
The Cannabis Control Commission appears to be divided over a proposed crackdown on stoned driving in Massachusetts.

Omicron strains marijuana industry supply chain
Despite a requirement that all marijuana be grown and processed in-state, the Massachusetts cannabis sector nonetheless relies on foreign vendors for a wide array of critical supplies.