Los Angeles - Cannabuzz Columnist

L.A’s Cannabis Licensing Process for Social Equity Applicants Called Out as Fiasco

- October 30, 2019April 26, 2020 01051

A crucial component of any medical or recreational cannabis program should be the concept of “social equity.” Much like the terms “organic,” “natural,” and “social media influencer,” it can be overused and void of any real meaning, but in general, social equity in cannabis is the idea that support and preference

LA Gets A Cannabis Consumption Cafe, Oregon Does Not

- July 16, 2019April 26, 2020 01379

Something that should have been a claim to fame for Oregon is now the subject of bragging rights for California—and, like a donut made by a livid baker, I am filled with both jelly and anger. Next month will see the debut of Lowell Farms: A Cannabis Cafe, a space in

LA Has So, So Many Illegal Dispensaries

- June 14, 2019April 26, 2020 01069

I visit LA regularly, but I struggle to adequately explain the differences that city's cannabis scene has with Oregon's, or even the Bay Area. In October 2017, I wrote a column about shopping at LA dispensaries shortly before California instituted their legalized recreational program. Even then, I wasn't able to get

Social Equity In Cannabis Remains Elusive

- June 6, 2019April 26, 2020 01055

One of the best things about the legalization of cannabis has been the accompanying assurance that a portion of cannabis tax and licensing revenue would be allocated for equity programs. These programs are designed to address discrimination against people of color (POC)—from the racist policies that placed the heaviest burden of