Back when the term "420" was only known to a few hardcore cannabis enthusiasts, cannabis blogs were a mishmash of product reviews, obscure musings and vague predictions that only kind of made sense at the time. Today, medical marijuana is legal in 37 states and cannabis blogs are legal in 19 states (and counting), with everyone from High Times to The New York Times weighing in on the state of the cannabis industry.
Given that cannabis market research firm BDSA predicts cannabis sales in the US will exceed $24 billion in 2021 (38% from 2020), the explosion in legal, mainstream news and information makes sense. These blogs are a far cry from the logically (and grammatically) challenged music of the time before mass state legalization. The best of them arm the US’s 420,000+ cannabis job seekers with essential business news on everything from cannabis stocks to cannabis business insurance to legal regulations to chain software to minority-business advocacy to insurance requirements—and much more.
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There are still plenty of cannabis blogs that are, of course, completely objective and certainly not conducted under the influence of any mind-altering substances. But our list of the best cannabis blogs to follow is all business. Whether you’re a cannabis entrepreneur, investor, lawyer, or day-to-day budtender, the still-emerging cannabis industry still has many secrets you’ll want to learn to successfully join the national conversation on the business of cannabis.
Cannabis blogs to follow and why they’re important
Staying up-to-date on the cannabis industry is a smart way to protect your dispensary or cannabis company. After all, the industry is constantly changing and evolving, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest news, from trends to cannabis insurance. Here are five easy ways to stay up-to-date in the cannabis industry:
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Subscribe to the cannabis industry news site.
There are several great cannabis industry news sites that can help you stay on top of the latest industry news. Some of our favorites include Cannabis Business Times, Marijuana Business Daily, and The Cannabist.
Social media is a great way to stay up to date on what’s happening in the cannabis industry. Be sure to follow key influencers like the Cannabis Investors Alliance, Archview Group, and New Frontier Data.
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Attend cannabis industry events.
Cannabis industry events are a great way to network and learn about the latest industry trends. Some of the top events include the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo, the National Cannabis Industry Association Conference, and MJBizCon.
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Join a trade association.
Trade associations are a great way to connect with other professionals in the cannabis industry and stay up-to-date on the latest industry news. Some of the top trade associations in the cannabis industry include the National Cannabis Industry Association, The Archview Group, and Women Grow.
- Keep up with the Cannabistack news.
If you want to stay on top of the latest in CannabisTech, be sure to follow sites like CannabisTech News, Cannabis Technology Report, and Marijuana Venture.
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15 Cannabis Blogs to Follow
- 420 Intel. This wide-ranging site covers the global cannabis industry, including topics such as legalization efforts worldwide, politics and technology, licensing of cannabis businesses, and developments in medical cannabis research. If you’re an industry insider, you’ll appreciate 420 intel’s in-depth coverage of cannabis horticulture, from news on software, greenhouses, dispensaries, lighting and equipment. While the site contains mostly fact-based news, it aggregates articles from other publications so you can gain perspective and insights you might not otherwise be exposed to.
- 420 Magazine. With its slogan “Creating Cannabis Awareness Since 1993,” it’s clear that 420 Magazine is now almost proud of its OG status in the mainstream cannabis industry. While 420 Magazine is heavy on user-generated content with varying degrees of credibility, it is front-page news coverage, delving into topics as diverse as global cannabis politics, medical news, activism and a dedicated section on women in cannabis called “420”. . Girls” is solid. Although it’s more consumer focused, entrepreneurs will definitely find it valuable for the ability to determine how the wind is blowing in cannabis culture.
- Business of Cannabis. BofC is a must-read for cannabis industry movers and shakers who need timely reporting, insights and analysis on all things related to running the cannabis business. If that’s you, subscribe to the newsletter and get your fix by 7am. A selection of offerings include job boards, videos and podcasts, and an event calendar.
- Cannabis and Tech Today. This magazine offers a few different ways to use its invaluable reported content. You can subscribe to the monthly print magazine for extended, in-depth coverage on business, technology and research news; Sign up for a weekly newsletter; Or listen to a podcast. The site has a wealth of industry news with a focus on social equity and sustainability.
- Cannabis Business Executive. While there is a lot of news and information on CBE, there are some great features that allow cannabis business executives to really dive into the nitty-gritty of running a cannabis company. You’ll find job boards, business directories, events, webinars, press releases on new products and services—and more. The entire section of white papers is a must-read for anyone interested in starting a cannabis business, getting into cultivation, and learning about some of the biggest players in the cannabis business world.
- Cannabis Business Times. In addition to great news and deep dives on topics, Cannabis Business Times offers authentic, original columnists who blog about their perspectives on industry news. Their insider tips cover everything from how to avoid costly greenhouse mistakes to how to conduct a cannabis cultivation risk assessment and can save you a lot of trial and error if you’re just starting out.
- Cannabis Law Report. Need a good cannabis lawyer? (You’ll believe us.) But seriously, the Cannabis Law Report covers every single cannabis law topic you can imagine and is a must-read for anyone in the cannabis business. The blogs feature a full roster of articles by law firms and professionals, including updates on California’s cannabis law, cannabis tax law, and hemp law in particular. There are also directories for attorneys specializing in various aspects of cannabis law.
- Forbes-Julie Weed. Starting with the incredible truth that her real last name is “Weed,” this reporter who blogs for Forbes is a cut above the rest. You can read her work on the Internet in various publications. She gets access to some of the most interesting people, places and products in the legal cannabis market, including a family farm that raised two cannabis entrepreneurs. Follow her work for insights into the cannabis industry from her ears on the ground.
- Ganjpreneur. Billing itself as a “valuable resource for cannabis professionals,” CannabisPreneur is a fantastic destination for news specifically related to cannabis entrepreneurs, investors and other high profile people. You’ll find relevant news, Q&A interviews with successful entrepreneurs, investors, extractors, growers and other business professionals, plus a list of press releases. Gunjpreneur also has an awesome LinkedIn-like business index so you can network with other professionals.
- Green entrepreneur. After reading the super informative blogs on Green Entrepreneur you will feel more confident, prepared and informed about making business decisions. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs and investors about their own growth strategies, income generation ideas, stock market tips and more. There’s also a podcast by Green Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jonathan Small that offers inspiring stories from people who have made it in the industry.
- Green Market Report. Focused entirely on the financial side of the cannabis industry, Green Market Report is all about money. “The Daily Hit” is a summary of relevant news of the day, while “Marijuana Money” features expert commentary. You will also find portfolios, research reports and more.
- High Times. Yes, those high times. Sure, there are product reviews you’d expect to see on High Times, but there’s also extensive business coverage here by seasoned cannabis journalists that should prove invaluable to anyone working in the field. Politics editors provide thought-provoking stories for entrepreneurs to focus on as they pursue success.
- Journal of Cannabis Research. This blog is not so much a repository of scientific research papers on cannabis studies (human and animal). If you’re the type who wants to know what current research is being done on the physical and psychological effects of cannabis—and you want to hear it straight from the researchers’ jargon-filled papers—this is the place for you. It really is the bleeding edge of the industry.
- The Marijuana Moment. Edited by Tom Engel, a longtime legalization advocate, Marijuana Moment brings you all the most relevant news you need to know about the industry. Sign up for the morning email to receive the hottest headlines, expert analysis and primary source documents.
- New Cannabis Ventures. This site provides high-quality news and original content on cannabis companies and investors. You can follow industry thought leaders, learn about promising businesses, discover new and trending products and services, and stay up-to-date on stock indices.