The Associated Press

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…

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…

Illinois sees record pot sales, with boost from Lollapalooza

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalazoo music festival. The month’s sales were 10% higher than May’s…

Cannabis company sues Tennessee Titans’ Julio Jones, others

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones is facing allegations of illegally harvesting and selling millions of dollars of cannabis in California, according to court records. California-based cannabis company Genetixs filed the suit earlier this month against…

Mississippi lawmakers work toward medical marijuana program

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Two Mississippi lawmakers say they’re continuing to work on proposals to create a medical marijuana program, two months after the state Supreme Court invalidated one that voters had approved. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that…

Not nice: Baron Cohen sues Massachusetts cannabis dispensary

BOSTON (AP) — Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has sued a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary he says used an image of his character Borat on a billboard without his permission, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston. The billboard…

$1B in illegal pot seized in largest Los Angeles County bust

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history — which netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street — eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in…

No relay: Banned sprinter Richardson left off Olympic team

Banned sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was not on the Olympic roster released Tuesday by USA Track and Field, a decision that means the American champion’s positive test for marijuana will cost her a chance at running on the relay team in…

Richardson will miss Olympic 100 after marijuana test

American champion Sha’Carri Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. Richardson, who won the 100 at Olympic trials in 10.86 seconds on June 19, spoke of her ban Friday on…

Recreational marijuana legal to possess, grow in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It’s legal for people in New Mexico to possess recreational marijuana and grow those plants at home as of Tuesday, the same day regulators opened discussions on rules for the launch of pot sales next…