A Press Democrat Blog

The Marijuana Empire

News and views about California's cash crop

SSU scholar takes on pot

Monday, at 6:00 by

An SSU Professor and Jack London scholar who has written about counter culture subjects from poet Allen Ginsberg to political activist Abbie Hoffman has published a book about marijuana. Communications Prof. Jonah Raskin is apparently a longtime weed smoker and High Times contributor. The magazine published his 2011 book “Marijuanaland: Dispatches from an American War.” Tuesday evening, Raskin is giving a free talk on his new book, which chronicle’s his conversations with “growers, dealers, dispensary owners, lawyers, smokers and cops… Read More »

Do pot clubs discourage crime?

Wednesday, at 6:00 by

That’s what the Rand Corporation reported. But then they took it back. From the Associated Press: LOS ANGELES (AP) — A nonprofit think tank has removed a study from its website that said crime increased near medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles after they were closed. Warren Robak, a spokesman for Santa Monica-based Rand Corp., says the organization is reviewing the study released last month and has removed it from circulation. The Los Angeles city attorney’s office had said the… Read More »

Pothead Lollypops

Tuesday, at 4:45 by

Sour apple-flavored candies — in the shape of marijuana leaves — have sparked controversy in Pennsylvania, and perhaps elsewhere, where they’re sold. Apparently some people, particularly parents and elected officials, aren’t so enamored with the idea of Pothead lollypops, Pothead ring pops and Pothead sour gummy candies. Packaging on the sour apple gummies shows a young man/boy with a joint dangling from his lips and a stamp reading “legalize.” The candies are made in China, reports the Buffalo News. Customers… Read More »