Cannabis

The Connection Between Lollapalooza And Marijuana

Published

9 hours ago

March 18, 2025

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It is one of the iconic festivals and sits at the center of music, culture and cannabis.

Lollapalooza is one of OG music festivals with a rich history spanning over three decades. It was conceived and created in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, as a farewell tour for his band. What began as a traveling music festival quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon which has left an indelible mark on the music industry. This year’s line up includes Tyler the Creator, The Killers, Hozier, Stray Kids and more. With all the excitement, crowds and music…what is the connection between Lollapalooza and marijuana?

Lollapalooza has become increasingly intertwined with cannabis culture in recent years, especially since Illinois legalized recreational use in 2020. The four-day festival in Chicago’s Grant Park has seen a significant uptick in cannabis consumption and sales, reflecting broader trends in festival drug use and the growing acceptance of marijuana.

The Connection Between Lollapalooza And Marijuana

In 2021, Illinois experienced record-breaking cannabis sales during the month of Lollapalooza, with nearly $128 million in total recreational receipts. This surge was largely attributed to out-of-state visitors attending the festival, with some nearby dispensaries reporting sales increases of up to 50%. The legalization of marijuana has created a new dynamic for both festival organizers and attendees, with dispensaries gearing up for the influx of customers during the event.

Despite the legal status of cannabis in Illinois, it’s important to note consuming is still prohibited in Chicago parks, including Grant Park where Lollapalooza takes place. However, enforcement appears to be relatively lax, with many attendees reporting they’ve been able to consume cannabis without significant issues. And with vapes, oils and edibles, it is much more discreet. The festival has adapted to this new reality, with some dispensaries offering innovative solutions like shuttle services and even mobile smoking lounges to cater to festivalgoers.

A 2018 survey of festival attendees revealed that marijuana was the second most commonly used substance at music festivals, after alcohol. More recent data suggests this trend is continuing, with a 2024 poll indicating that 65% of festival-goers plan to consume cannabis at events.Lollapalooza consistently ranks among the top festivals for drug use, including marijuana

The intersection of Lollapalooza and marijuana has also had economic implications for Chicago and Illinois. The increased cannabis sales during the festival period contribute significantly to tax revenues, with Illinois reportedly taking in more tax dollars from marijuana than alcohol in early 2021. This financial boost has allowed the state to fund various social equity programs and community initiatives.

As Lollapalooza continues to evolve alongside changing cannabis laws and cultural attitudes, it serves as a microcosm of the broader shifts occurring in society. The festival’s relationship with marijuana highlights the complex interplay between music, culture, law enforcement, and economic factors in the ongoing cannabis legalization movement.

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Cannabis

JFK And Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

Published

32 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

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JFK is a hot topic again. If he were alive, what would be his take on marijuana?

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation, including rumors about his alleged cannabis use. While there are some unconfirmed reports, it stands to reason he would consider the plant for his chronic pain. He suffered from Addison’s disease, chronic back problems, osteoporosis, and digestive issues, which he managed in secret. He took numerous medications and approaches to manage his health conditions. So what about JFK and marijuana?

Medical marijuana has a rich history as a therapeutic agent, dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including those in China, India, and Egypt, utilized cannabis to treat ailments such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. In Victorian England, it gained popularity as a painkiller, with even Queen Victoria reportedly using it for postpartum relief.

Today, medical marijuana is widely recognized for its ability to manage chronic pain. Studies show it can alleviate conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis-related discomfort. Unlike opioids, cannabis offers pain relief with fewer risks of dependency and sedation, improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain and inflammation effectively.

It makes sense Kennedy would consider cannabis. One unconfirmed, secondhand account suggests that Kennedy smoked marijuana once at the White House. This story, published in the National Enquirer in 1976, claimed that Kennedy smoked marijuana with Mary Meyer, one of his mistresses. John F. Kennedy’s relationship with Dr. Max Jacobson, nicknamed “Dr. Feelgood,” was a controversial one beginning during his presidential campaign in 1960. Dr. Jacobson was known for administering “vitamin shots” that were actually laced with amphetamines and other substances.

The 1960s, during and after Kennedy’s presidency, saw a significant increase in marijuana use among the white upper middle class. This cultural shift may have contributed to the rumors and speculation about Kennedy’s personal habits. Reports commissioned during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations found marijuana use did not induce violence or lead to the use of heavier drugs, which began to change public perceptions about the substance

Stacey Flores Chandler, a reference archivist at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, stated that she found no evidence in Kennedy’s medical records or secondary sources indicating that he used cannabis to treat his medical conditions. Today, Kennedy would join millions of senior citizens who lean on medical marijuana to treat inflammation, chronic pain and sleep issues.

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Cannabis

The Cannabis Industry Needs Luck With The DEA

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2025

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It will take more than Irish luck to help the cannabis industry win over the DEA.

Million of consumers are fans of cannabis, not only to chill out but for medical reasons. In fact, it has become a replacement for alcohol and spanned a movement call California sober. Aside from the thousands of mom and pop small business owners, cannabis employees over 440,000 people. Even the staid AARP has agreed it has health benefits. Over 80% of the country believe it should be legal in some form, but the cannabis industry needs luck with the DEA to move forward. Rescheduling cannabis means changing its classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), moving it from a more restrictive schedule (like Schedule I) to a less restrictive one (like Schedule III), acknowledging its potential medical uses while still maintaining regulatory controls.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had scheduled hearings on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis to begin on January 21, 2025. However, these hearings were abruptly canceled by DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney following legal challenges from pro-reform witnesses. This cancellation has pushed back the rescheduling process by at least three months, with no clear timeline for when it might resume.

DEA Interim Final Rule: What Is 'Synthetically Derived THC'? — Photo by Xvision/Getty Images

The delay stems from allegations of improper communications between DEA officials and anti-rescheduling witnesses. While Judge Mulrooney rejected some key arguments from rescheduling proponents, he granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal, effectively putting the entire process on hold.

The transition to the current administration has further complicated matters. On February 11, 2025, Terrance C. Cole was nominated for DEA administrator, an individual known for his opposition to cannabis reform. This nomination signals a potential shift in the DEA’s approach to marijuana policy, which could further impede rescheduling efforts.

Even if rescheduling were to move forward, it would face significant regulatory challenges. Critics argue that as a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain under DEA regulation, requiring the approximately 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. to register with the DEA and fulfill strict reporting requirements.

The cannabis industry eagerly awaits rescheduling, as it would bring significant benefits, including the ability to claim federal tax deductions and credits currently prohibited under 26 U.S.C. § 280E. However, the ongoing delays and potential policy shifts under the new administration have created uncertainty in the market.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Helps You Enjoy Sunday And Be Ready For Monday

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2025

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The weekend is for fun and relaxing – then wham – Monday! Here is how to deal with the Sunday scaries.

A significant number of people experience anxiety on Sundays, anticipating the upcoming workweek, with studies indicating that a majority of professionals, including younger generations, experience “Sunday Scaries” or “Sunday Blues”. Preparing for the week ahead can be stressful, but incorporating cannabis into your Sunday evening routine might help you relax and set a positive tone for Monday. Cannabis helps you enjoy Sunday and be ready for Monday….here is how.

Start your relaxation routine by choosing the right cannabis product. For evening use, indica-dominant strains are often preferred for their calming effects. Strains like Northern Lights or Girl Scout Cookies are known for their ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you’re new to cannabis or prefer a milder effect, consider a product with a balanced THC to CBD ratio.

Begin with a low dose, especially if you’re using THC-containing products. Research has shown that low doses of THC can help relieve stress, while higher doses might increase anxiety. A good starting point is around 2.5 to 5 mg of THC for most people.

As you relax, incorporate some light stretching or yoga poses. Cannabis can increase body awareness, potentially deepening your practice. However, be mindful of your balance, as cannabis can affect coordination.

Consider taking a relaxing bath infused with CBD bath products. The combination of warm water and cannabinoids can help ease muscle tension and promote overall relaxation

Find a comfortable position and slowly scan your body from toes to head, paying attention to any sensations. Cannabis may heighten your perception of bodily feelings, helping you release tension more effectively.

Use a guided imagery app or video to transport your mind to a peaceful place. The relaxing effects of cannabis can make this visualization more vivid and immersive.

Practice deep breathing exercises, counting your inhalations and exhalations. Cannabis can help quiet the mind, making it easier to maintain focus on your breath.

As you relax, take some time to mentally prepare for the week ahead with a variety of methods to empower yourself of the week without spoiling your Sunday. Make a loose plan for your Monday, but avoid getting too detailed to prevent stress. The relaxed state induced by cannabis can help you approach planning with a calmer mindset. End the weekend with some positive affirmations for the week ahead. Cannabis can promote a sense of optimism, reinforcing these positive thoughts.

By incorporating cannabis mindfully into your Sunday evening routine, you can create a relaxing transition into the new week, potentially reducing Monday anxiety and setting a positive tone for the days ahead. Start with low doses and pay attention to how different strains and consumption methods affect you. Everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique, so find what works best for you.

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