The constitutional reform aimed at regulating the use of cannabis in adults is making progress in Congress, surpassing its fifth attempt. The First Committee of the Senate approved the initiative in its third debate, out of a total of eight required.
Liberal representative Juan Carlos Losada, the driving force behind the proposal, expressed optimism despite the complexity of the process: “This is a very tortuous path, with eight debates, but we’ve already completed three, heading towards the fourth, and I believe that will be the debate of truth, but I am confident that we will achieve it.”
Carlos Ardila, proponent of the initiative, highlighted the reception of various propositions and the search for consensus to advance the proposal. “We share concerns about the places of cannabis consumption for adults and advertising. These two propositions have been incorporated into the text that will be discussed in the Senate Plenary in the fourth debate,” he noted.
Despite the progress, criticism emerged during the discussion, especially from Senator Carlos Fernando Motoa of Cambio Radical. Motoa expressed concern that the text, as currently drafted, could indirectly open the door to the regulation of other substances.
The fourth debate is scheduled for December 16, the last day of regular sessions, and is expected to be crucial for the consolidation of the constitutional reform.
Dr. Greenthumb’s cultivates a new following in Santa Maria. O’ahu patients say aloha to the island’s tenth dispensary. And Louisiana’s new 10,000-square-foot superstore opens its doors in Lake Charles. Here are the new dispensaries openings across America this month.
Got a new shop? Put it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise.
California
Dr. Greenthumb’s—Santa Maria, CA. Opened Dec. 7. Buying cannabis from a chain owned by a member of hip hop group Cypress Hill just feels right. Owned by rapper B Real, Dr. Greenthumb’s is a popular chain of cannabis dispensaries named for the group’s 1998 ode to cultivating chronic. Their newest location — the chain’s seventh to open in California — brings the familiar touch of expert budtenders and exceptional product to the good people of Orcutt. 1604 East Clark Ave, Ste 101, Santa Maria.
Red Falcon Yucca Valley Dispensary— Yucca Valley, CA. Opened Dec. 7. Residents of Yucca Valley had an additional reason to celebrate this holiday season with the debut of the area’s first legal cannabis dispensary. Run by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, the shop is set to feature products made exclusively in-house within the Coachella Valley. With the opening of their Yucca Valley location, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is now overseeing three Red Falcon Dispensary stores in southern California. 54929 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley.
Connecticut
(Courtesy Shangri-La)
Shangri-La—Norwalk, CT. Opened Nov. 26. You’ll have no trouble spotting the bold pink and purple paint marking Norwalk’s newest dispensary. Marking the third — and final — dispensary to be allowed to open in the city, Shangri-La features a “candy-colored drive-thru” and a retail space infused with a diverse inventory of cannabis products. The opening of Shangri-La will serve as the chain’s second Norwalk location, joining a previously opened store at 430 Main Ave. 75 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk. shangriladispensaries.com/norwalk-shop/
Florida
Planet 13—Gulf Breeze, FL. Opened Dec. 18. Continuing their aggressive expansion into the Sunshine State, Planet 13 opened their 29th dispensary in Florida late last month. Located “within proximity of Pensacola’s iconic white sand beaches [and] historic downtown,” Planet 13’s Gulf Breeze location will serve the metro area’s growing medical cannabis community with conveniences that include express pick-up and drive-thru options. 2871 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze.
Hawaii
Cure Oahu—Kailua, HI. Opened Dec. 5. Qualified patients seeking medical cannabis in Kailua can now head to Cure O’ahu: the brand’s third store to open on the island so far. Marking O’ahu’s tenth dispensary to open to date, Cure O’ahu’s Kailua will carry forward with a mission to provide much-needed access to patients on the windward side of Oahu,” per Liam Gimon, Hawaii’s DOH Dispensary Licensing Supervisor. 70 Kihapai Street, Kailua.
Illinois
Beyond/Hello—Peoria, IL. Opened Dec. 13. Bid a welcome salutation to Beyond/Hello, Peoria’s fifth of sixth permitted dispensaries to open in the area. Making its debut just in time for the December holidays, Beyond/Hello is now overseeing five dispensaries across Illinois. Their Peoria location promises a LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, free parking, and a “wide range of cannabis products from nearly all IL grower processors and vendors.” 7620 IL-91 Suite A, Peoria.
Terrabis—Dixon, IL. Opened Dec. 21. Cannabis dispensary chain Terrabis continued its expansion into Illinois with the opening of its third store. Located in Dixon, the latest Terrabis location’s amenities include a customer loyalty program and a menu stocked with the best in local flower. Customers seeking additional cannabis products will find a hearty selection of pre-rolls, vape carts, edibles, and topicals available as well. 1679 S. Galena Ave., Dixon.
Louisiana
(Courtesy Good Day Farm)
Good Day Farm—Lake Charles, LA. Opened Dec. 4. A new era is dawning with the opening of Good Day Farm in Lake Charles, which is being billed as “[the] largest medical cannabis dispensary in the South.” Clocking in at a staggering 10,000 square feet, Good Day Farm is counting on a colossal footprint paired with a generous inventory that includes “award-winning gummies, premium flower, flavorful vapes and convenient, bestselling pre-rolls.” Qualified patients can make purchases in-store, by drive-thru, or via Good Day Farm’s discreet delivery service. 3005 L’Auberge Blvd, Lake Charles.
New Jersey
Herbs Premium—Somerset, NJ. Opened Dec. 9. Residents of Somerset welcomed a new “go-to destination for elevated cannabis experiences” with the opening of Herbs Premium. Conceived as “a shared dream among close-knit family friends,” Herbs Premium was conceived as “a space that feels more like a high-end retreat than a typical dispensary.” At Herb Premium, customers can take pleasure in speaking with experts who care, choosing between top-quality brands, and shopping at a store that supports the Somerset community through local initiatives. 757 Franklin Blvd, Somerset.
New York
Grass & Goodness— Schenectady, NY. Opened Nov. 30. Inspired by their own experiences overcoming personal struggles with the help of cannabis, Grass & Goodness is owned by a father-and-son team and staffed with trained cannabis experts. Grass & Goodness promises “a healthy dose of good vibes” and “the highest quality products from our local partners.” The shop’s offerings also include a dedicated community space that regularly plays host to educational events and yoga classes. 1650 Crane Street, Schenectady.
Domes Dispensary—Kingston, NY. Opened Nov. 30. You won’t find many dispensaries that can claim to look as cool as New York’s Domes Dispensary. Located off Route 28 near Woodstock, the Hudson Valley store consists of two connected geodesic domes. Beyond its gorgeous geometric design, Domes Dispensary sports a tantalizing menu of legal cannabis products that includes a variety of flower, tinctures, concentrates, and more. 268 Forest Hill Drive, Kingston.
Fireleaf—Brooklyn, NY. Opened Nov. 30. Trinidadian-American lawyer Vaughn Mayers saw a long saga draw to a joyful close with the opening of Fireleaf Dispensary in late November. Mayers has formerly faced legal troubles related to cannabis, making the long-awaited launch of his legal dispensary in Brooklyn, New York a true cause for jubilation. “It was a really hurtful thing, growing up in the streets of Brooklyn,” Mayers told a reporter from Caribbean Life at his store’s grand opening. “This is a reparative moment for me.” 2102 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn.
Texas
Texas Original—The Woodlands, TX. Opened Dec. 9. Getting medical cannabis in Texas has gone from a surefire felony to a legal right, leaving the door wide open for qualified patients to finally enjoy consistent access to quality products. For those who reside in The Woodlands, the arrival of Texas Original is big news. Now open three days a week, the chain — currently the leading licensed medical cannabis dispensary service in Texas — hopes its newest location will make life easier for patients in the Houston area. 1500 Research Forest Dr, Ste 120, The Woodlands.
Did we miss any? Leave a comment with a new one.
Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise.
Dry January is increasing popular, but can cannabis help make it not seem so long?
Since it premiered in 2013 in the UK, it has grown increasingly popular. It received a boast after the covid pandemic when alcohol consumption and sales increased exponentially. The trend has stuck around though, thanks to younger generations. Alcoholhelp.com says 35% of Gen-Z aged 21-24 practiced Dry January in 2024. While it is known alcohol it is not healthy, taking a 31 day break can be difficult. Can cannabis help your Dry January?
Cannabis can serve as an effective substitute for alcohol during the month, providing relaxation and social lubrication without the negative impacts associated with drinking. Many individuals find that cannabis helps them unwind after a long day, much like how they might have previously used alcohol. Oils, gummies, and vapes tend to be the healthiest options to avoid lung damage or extra pounds. Microdosing has become increasingly popular also.
Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images
For those experiencing alcohol cravings during Dry January, cannabis may help. It can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, making the transition to sobriety more manageable. While some may worry you are trading bad habits, marijuana’s effect on the body is less damaging.
Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can offer a sense of relaxation similar to alcohol but without many of the adverse effects. It’s a natural way to de-stress and wind down, helping participants navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol..
Cannabis can enhance social interactions without the negative impacts of alcohol. Some strains can provide an energy boost and mental clarity, helping users navigate social events more comfortablyCannabis and hemp are great substitutes for house parties or on a Friday night. These products come in various flavors and can provide a refreshing experience without compromising on taste or effects.
The California Sober movement has become popular, especially among Gen Z. It recongizines marijuana is a healthier alternative to booze. Additionally, it is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol use potentially resulting in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, which is not observed with marijuana. As a sign of the benefits it brings, legal cannabis sales usually tend to spike in January.
Now is the time to introduce something new and fresh to your drink menu – try out these new cocktails!
January is the time to introduce new things into your life. While 80% of those who join gyms drop out in 3 months, other habits tend to continue. Taking a break from social media is another popular resolution along with drinking more water. They are easier to implement. But if you are already enjoy a cocktail or two – why not resolve to try new ones? Here are some New Year new cocktails to try and expand your palate.
A hussy is awoman who behaves in a disrespectful or inappropriate way or who has many casual sexual relationships. Sounds like the perfect drink to start 2025. Bold, sassy, and potent!
Ingredients
1.5ozsvodka
1.5 ozs triple sec
Fresh lemon squeeze
Lemon wedge
Create
Zombie
This drink will put you on another plane. Taken from the Caribbean traditions of rum and voodoo, this Zombie lives up to all expectations.
Ingredients
1 oz dark rum
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz golden rum
1.2 oz apricot brandy (or any brandy in a pinch)
Juice form 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon Grenadine
1/2 pineapple juice
1/3 oz overproof rum
1/2 simple sryup
Pineapple wedge for garnish
Create
Combine all ingredients except overproof rum and pineapple wedge in shaker
Add ice
Shake until well mixed
Pour into tall highboy without straining
Using the back of a spoon, float the overproof rum on top
Add pineapple wedge for garnish
Lady of Leisure
January is the time to return to work….won’t it be great to be a lady (or lord) or leisure? Here is a drink which is indulgent, delicious and tasty. Feel like the 1% with one of these.
Everyone is so “good” in January – exercising, starting healthy habits, reading more, trying to “lean in”….why not break the trend with this Gin and Sin. Embrace your own path.
