The Associated Press
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Cannabis smoke fills the air as Nepal marks Shivaratri festival
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Hindu holy men and mostly young devotees openly puffed on cannabis smoke on Sunday, marking one of Nepal’s biggest annual festivals. Tens of thousands lined up to pray at the Pashupatinath, the temple of the Hindu…
They relied on marijuana to get through the day. But then days felt impossible without it
BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — For the past several years, 75-year-old Miguel Laboy has smoked a joint with his coffee every morning. He tells himself he won’t start tomorrow the same way, but he usually does. “You know what bothers me?…
More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer of them are seeking help, experts say
Megan Feller smoked pot several times a day and couldn’t eat, sleep or function without it. But at the time, she didn’t see the need to reach out for help. “I didn’t think cannabis was a big deal,” the 24-year-old…
It’s possible to get addicted to pot. Here’s what to know
Dr. Smita Das often hears the same myth: You can’t get hooked on pot. And the misconception has become more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana. Around half now allow recreational use for adults and 40 states…
Big drop reported in vaping by US teenagers
NEW YORK – Vaping by U.S. teenagers fell dramatically this year, especially among middle schoolers, according to a federal report released Wednesday. Experts think last year’s outbreak of vaping related illnesses and deaths may have scared off some kids, but…
Contraband-laden drone snags in prison net; 2 arrested
JACKSON, Miss. – A drone carrying marijuana, cigarette lighters and cellphones got caught in a net above a Mississippi prison fence, resulting in the arrest of two men, state corrections officials said. John Travis Ross, 33, of Vicksburg and Joshua…
Judge nixes lawsuit challenging California home pot delivery
LOS ANGELES – In what could be a temporary victory for California’s legal cannabis industry, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to overturn a state rule allowing home deliveries statewide, even into communities that banned commercial marijuana sales.…
UN agency removes cannabis from strictest drug category
BERLIN – The U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted Wednesday to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from a category of the world’s most dangerous drugs, which could impact the global medical marijuana industry. The Vienna-based U.N. agency said in a…
House votes to decriminalize marijuana at federal level
WASHINGTON – The Democratic-controlled House on Friday approved a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level, reversing what supporters call a failed policy of criminalizing pot use and taking steps to address racial disparities in enforcement of…
Man who was serving 90-year sentence for marijuana released
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – While serving a 90-year prison sentence for selling marijuana, Richard DeLisi’s wife died, as did his 23-year-old son and both his parents. His adult daughter was in a horrific car accident and suffered a paralyzing stroke…
UFC won’t punish fighters for marijuana use in policy change
The UFC will no longer punish fighters for using marijuana in most cases, making a major change to its anti-doping policy. The world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion confirmed Thursday that it will no longer worry about positive tests for…
Kansas governor: Medical pot should fund Medicaid expansion
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly proposed Monday that Kansas should legalize marijuana for medical purposes and use the revenues to expand Medicaid health care for low-income residents, a top priority that the GOP-controlled Legislature has blocked over…
Jamaica faces marijuana shortage as farmers struggle
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica is running low on ganja. Heavy rains followed by an extended drought, an increase in local consumption and a drop in the number of marijuana farmers have caused a shortage in the island’s famed but largely…
Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana in 2024
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to a bill that will legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, but not until 2024, when retail sales of the drug would also begin. With a compromise bill clearing the House…
5 White House staffers lose jobs over drugs, marijuana use
Five White House staffers have been fired because of their past use of drugs, including marijuana, press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday. Marijuana has become a delicate issue for President Joe Biden’s administration because 15 states and Washington, D.C., allow…