Workers lit the fire, and now the industry’s feeling the heat. You gotta fight for it: there’s no other way.

After forty-five days walking the picket line through Pennsylvania’s early-winter chill, the cannabis workers at RISE Dispensary in York proved something simple yet revolutionary: collective action works.

What started as a demand for equal pay became a historic milestone, the longest successful labor strike in U.S. cannabis history, as Ganjapreneur shares.

The employees at RISE, a store owned by multistate operator Green Thumb Industries (GTI), stood together with Teamsters Local 776 to demand fair wages, job security, and dignity in a rapidly growing but uneven industry.

The strike ended when the results arrived: a ratified first-ever collective bargaining agreement guaranteeing paid holidays, bereavement leave, annual raises, and a fair disciplinary process. All rights that most cannabis workers across the country still dream of.

“This is a monumental achievement, and it’s entirely due to the grit and bravery of our members,” said Ed Thompson, President of Teamsters Local 776, to Cannabis Business Times. “By winning this strike, these men and women have set the stage for thousands of other cannabis workers to join our cause.”

You win when you unite

The workers’ core demand was equal pay with other RISE dispensaries owned by the same corporation. But under the surface, this strike was about something larger: ending “at-will” employment that allowed staff to be fired without cause and securing a real seat at the table as the cannabis economy grows.

“The members were fully behind the strike action for a better agreement,” explained Mark Cicak, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 776. “They stood united and never wavered from their goal… They want to ensure they have a seat at the table as the business (and profits) grow.”

That resolve paid off: the new contract replaces the “at-will” system with just cause protections. Such a legal and cultural shift gives cannabis employees a measure of stability that remains rare in an industry still finding its labor identity.

“This is a perfect example of how Teamsters contracts can bring long-term prosperity to workers throughout this industry,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division.

Through forty-five tense days, the RISE crew built alliances rooted in solidarity. Customers, neighboring businesses, and other unions brought coffee, joined marches, and amplified their message online.

“The outpouring of support we received from customers, the community, and our union brothers and sisters embodies what solidarity is all about,” said John Stambaugh, patient-care specialist at RISE. Their persistence turned a local labor fight into a national headline, proof that cannabis workers are done being treated as “gig labor” in a billion-dollar industry.

What can the cannabis industry learn from this?

This isn’t just York’s win. It’s resonating across every dispensary, cultivation site, and production floor where workers are still afraid to speak up. The RISE strike shows that unionizing is possible —and effective— in a sector that’s long been described as too fragmented, too new, or too corporate to organize.

It also marks a turning point for public perception, because cannabis is no longer the Wild West. It’s an industry learning how to mature, regulate itself, and honor the people who run it.

These workers didn’t just win a contract, they set a precedent. The next time someone says unionizing in cannabis is impossible, York, PA, will have the receipts to prove otherwise.

<p>The post Strike’s Over, Spirit’s High: Cannabis Workers Win Historic 45-Day Battle first appeared on High Times.</p>

The post Strike’s Over, Spirit’s High: Cannabis Workers Win Historic 45-Day Battle appeared first on Paradise Found.

At least 11 states racked up medical and adult-use cannabis sales over $1 billion in 2024.

The post These states sold more than $1 billion in weed in 2024 appeared first on Leafly.

The post These states sold more than $1 billion in weed in 2024 appeared first on Paradise Found.

Cannabis reform could arrive in nine states this year. Yet some remain far more likely than others to make it a reality.

The post These states could legalize cannabis in 2025 appeared first on Leafly.

The post These states could legalize cannabis in 2025 appeared first on Paradise Found.

A woman in Pennsylvania took her dog to get groomed at PetSmart and she claimed her dog was high on THC upon return, however an investigation into the matter found no traces of THC in the dog’s system, and the pet store chain was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Concerned dog parent Kelly Fowler said that when she picked up her dog Teddy on May 31 from the PetSmart in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, he was lethargic and repeatedly fell over. He had been there for four hours.

“He’s always good,” Fowler told Action News. “This was not normal behavior for him, and the vet did say for him to have THC in his system and for him to have a reaction the way he did, it would have been in a 30 to 90 minute window for him to start acting the way he was.” 

According to a veterinarian’s report, the eight-pound dog’s urine was tested and came back negative for THC, but claimed there is a high false-negative rate of tests that are run on pets.

Footage was available, and the dog also wasn’t seen eating anything that could have been an edible. The store’s corporate spokeswoman told Action News that after reviewing video footage from the grooming salon and the store, there is “no evidence whatsoever” that Teddy was exposed to THC while in PetSmart’s care. There are certainly other factors that could lead to strange behaviors from the dog.

The local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Bucks County SPCA, found no evidence of THC in the dog’s system and closed the investigation. After the SPCA closed the investigation, the woman released a statement Thursday.

“This is the last post I am going to write about my pup,” the woman’s statement reads. The SPCA did not find evidence on the video. And I’m being called a liar all over the internet. Bottom line is I will never know what truly happened to him and I know it happened there. He was fine in the morning and was there for so long and half asleep, falling over when I picked him up. So many people have messaged me on similar situations with their pets at petsmart, even former employees! They never “find the evidence” in these cases. My lesson in life is to never take to social media for help! People will tear you down so quick! All I wanted to know is what happened! I’m so thankful he’s fully recovered! To all the positive people I am truly blessed you all backed me up! We are good people and I would never make up anything. They paid the vet bill and I’m still waiting for reimbursement for the grooming appt.”

Groomers at PetSmart have have been accused of wrongdoing several incidents in the past.

If you suspect your dog ate THC-infused edibles, dog owners are encouraged to immediately contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center. If possible, dog owners should provide details of the incident, including the type of edible, the quantity consumed, THC content, if you know it, and any symptoms.

THC is generally considered to be poisonous to dogs. Concentrates are more of a big deal as they can reach 90% THC. 

CBD, Not THC, Can Help Dogs

THC toxicity is usually reported when a dog accidentally eats an infused edible or oil. THC-infused products are not recommended for pets by most veterinarians and professionals, however CBD is another story.

One study, for instance, found that CBD may benefit dogs dealing with travel anxiety. Dogs who enjoy a daily dose of CBD see “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety related to car travel, according to a recent study. Scientists at Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the United Kingdom looked at both the behavioral and physiological stress response in canines given CBD (THC-free cannabis) and a placebo group who did not ingest CBD. They studied the doggos before, during, and after car trips. For the study, researchers partnered with the pet food and vet company Mars Petcare.

Twenty dogs participated in the study. And these weren’t dogs who jump at the chance to stick their head out the window of a car and eagerly wave their tongue into the wind. To qualify, they all showed symptoms of anxiety and stress regarding car trips. But when given CBD, in this case, two hours before the required drive, every man’s best friend given CBD showed “meaningful improvements” during the 24 weeks the study lasted. 

Knowledge is power and keeping THC away from pets is just as important as keeping them away from children.

The post Woman Claims Dog Came Back From PetSmart High, Investigation Finds No Evidence first appeared on High Times.

The post Woman Claims Dog Came Back From PetSmart High, Investigation Finds No Evidence appeared first on Paradise Found.

North York borough, a small borough in York, Pennsylvania, might decriminalize cannabis at a small level, making it one in a line of local Pennsylvania counties that have taken this step. 

Despite the tiny town size of about 2,200 residents, this is still making the news because of the slow progress Pennsylvania has made on the legalization front. Terry Duncan, a former mayor who operates a shop on North George Street, spoke about the issue and his stance on it. He believes that it could be helpful, but still is a bit skeptical of what it could lead to. 

“I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t have a problem with decriminalizing on a small scale. If you are bringing in kilos of it, that is a different story,” he says.

In 2023, 24 adults were arrested for cannabis in the town. This may seem like a low number until you consider the low number of residents in the area. Currently, a proposed ordinance would make it so that having less than an ounce of cannabis would result in a mere $50 fine. Jail time would not be on the table, leaving residents free to keep a clear record. 

Borough Manager Dr. David Bolton thinks that most people would support this. 

He says, “It is the right thing to do. People make mistakes. If somebody is out there and they do something stupid, they are not going to pay for it the rest of their lives.”

He claims that decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana is not an endorsement for using drugs.

“By no means are we saying, ‘Go out and try this.’ What we are saying is if you are already doing it, do it responsibly,” he says.

Other areas in the Susquehanna Valley, including areas like York, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Abbottstown have already taken action. The vote on this issue will happen March 12, and, if voted into local ordinance, will kick in five days after the vote. Then it will become the next area to take this more liberal stance on cannabis.

The ordinance was initially considered in February, and was only ever discussed at the small level of once ounce or less. The new fine will hopefully improve tourism in the area and keep non-offenders out of prison. 

Additionally, the ordinance would propose $50 for having cannabis paraphernalia. This would allow folks who were simply recreating to only pay a small fee. 

Those in support of this ordinance hope it would reduce the negative impacts of cannabis arrests on residents and visitors, especially regarding criminal records and other permanent marks that would keep folks from gaining employment or other things that require a background check. This would also free up local law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes and leave low-level offenders alone. 

Because other counties in the area have decriminalized cannabis, it is not unlikely that this will pass. If it does, this will be a major win for the local cannabis community. And the fact that this is happening on such a small scale highlights the growing debate around cannabis and its legality.

The post Pennsylvania Borough Working on Cannabis Decriminalization appeared first on High Times.

The post Pennsylvania Borough Working on Cannabis Decriminalization appeared first on Paradise Found.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro this week called on state lawmakers to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana, saying “It’s time to catch up” with neighboring states that have already taken the step. The governor made his plea on Tuesday during an annual budget address to unveil a $48.3 billion spending plan for the state.

“I ask you to come together and send to my desk a bill that legalizes marijuana,” Shapiro told state lawmakers in his address. “But that bill should ensure the industry is regulated and taxed responsibly.”

Although the Democratic governor’s budget proposal does not include a specific cannabis legalization plan, it does call on lawmakers to pass a 20% tax on recreational marijuana. The proposal assumes a January 2025 start date for adult-use cannabis sales and estimates that the state would bring in $14.8 million in tax revenue during the first year. Shapiro added that he expects Pennsylvania’s taxes on recreational marijuana to increase to approximately $250 million per year once the regulated industry is firmly established.

“We’re losing out on an industry that, once fully implemented, would bring in more than $250 million in annual revenue,” Shapiro said. “And our failure to legalize and regulate this only fuels the black market and drains much-needed resources for law enforcement. It’s time to catch up.”

In a written explanation of the $48.3 billion state budget, Shapiro administration officials wrote that some tax revenue from the regulated adult-use cannabis industry should be used for “restorative justice initiatives” to address decades of inequities in the enforcement of marijuana prohibition laws. Among the initiatives, the governor specifically called on lawmakers to pass legislation to expunge the records of those convicted of possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Additional funds from the state’s adult-use cannabis program would go to the Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania State Police. The remaining revenue would be directed to the state’s general fund.

Most Pennsylvania Voters Support Legalizing Weed

In his address, the governor noted that legalizing adult-use cannabis is supported by a majority of Pennsylvania voters and that five out of six of the Keystone State’s neighbors have already ended the prohibition of marijuana for adults.

“Last year, 57 percent of voters in Ohio supported an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana,” Shapiro said. “And now, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland – practically all of our neighbors – have legalized marijuana.”

Ben Kovler, Founder, CEO and chairman at Green Thumb Industries, a multistate cannabis company that operates 18 RISE medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania, praised Shapiro’s plan to legalize adult-use cannabis.

“We applaud Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for prioritizing adult-use cannabis legalization this year, including a clear, definitive launch date for sales. This call for change signals continued progress in the Northeast toward ending Prohibition 2.0 and the devastating impact it has inflicted on communities,” Kovler said in a statement to High Times. “The team at Green Thumb is ready to support the people of Pennsylvania on their journey to well-being by providing access to safe, high-quality cannabis.”

Pennsylvania legalized the medicinal use of cannabis in 2016 with the passage of the Medical Marijuana Act. Under the state program, patients with one or more specified serious medical conditions are allowed to purchase and use medical marijuana. Qualifying conditions for the use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania include cancer, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, terminal illness and others.

A total of 134 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries were in operation as of last year, according to state data. Since the program’s inception, more than 1.3 million patients have been certified as medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania, Spotlight PA reported in December.

Legalizing recreational marijuana is popular with some lawmakers in Pennsylvania, especially among Democrats. In December, Democratic Senator Sharif Street and Senator Camera Bartolotta, a Republican, introduced bipartisan legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Getting the bill through the Pennsylvania Senate, however, may prove difficult. Senator Kim Ward, the Senate majority leader, has said she will not support the legalization of recreational marijuana until the federal government ends cannabis prohibition, according to a report from PA Spotlight.

The post Pennsylvania Governor Calls On State Lawmakers To Legalize Weed appeared first on High Times.

The post Pennsylvania Governor Calls On State Lawmakers To Legalize Weed appeared first on Paradise Found.

Tap in to judge and smoke the world’s best pot this year.

The post Ultimate weed contest calendar of 2024 appeared first on Leafly.

The post Ultimate weed contest calendar of 2024 appeared first on Paradise Found.

A half dozen states could pass legalization laws this year. Get the details here!

The post Which states will legalize marijuana in 2024? appeared first on Leafly.

The post Which states will legalize marijuana in 2024? appeared first on Paradise Found.

California blazes a trail yet again.

The post New Year, New Laws: Weed workers’ rights kick in, and more appeared first on Leafly.

The post New Year, New Laws: Weed workers’ rights kick in, and more appeared first on Paradise Found.

2024 in weed strains, politics and more.

The post 30 weed predictions very likely to come true in 2024 appeared first on Leafly.

The post 30 weed predictions very likely to come true in 2024 appeared first on Paradise Found.