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First Psychedelic Church for Magic Mushrooms

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Colorado Springs has recently become home to Colorado’s first psychedelic church dedicated to the use of magic mushrooms. The church, officially named the Sacred Tribe, represents a significant milestone in the broader acceptance and exploration of psychedelics within spiritual and religious practices. This development follows the state’s progressive stance on psychedelics, particularly after the passing of Proposition 122, which decriminalized the possession and use of certain natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms.

The Sacred Tribe: A New Frontier in Spiritual Practice

The Sacred Tribe was founded with the belief that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, can play a vital role in spiritual awakening and personal growth. The church aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where members can use magic mushrooms as a sacrament in their spiritual practices. The founders of the Sacred Tribe believe that these substances can help individuals achieve a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the universe, facilitating profound spiritual experiences and healing.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The opening of the Sacred Tribe raises important legal and ethical questions, particularly in the context of the United States’ complex relationship with psychedelics. While Proposition 122 decriminalized the personal use of psilocybin in Colorado, the establishment of a church centered around its use pushes the boundaries of current legal frameworks. The church operates under the protection of religious freedom, but it remains to be seen how this will be interpreted and enforced by state and federal authorities.

The Role of Psilocybin in Religious and Spiritual Contexts

Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, has been used for centuries in various indigenous cultures for religious and spiritual purposes. The Sacred Tribe seeks to integrate these ancient practices into modern spiritual life, offering ceremonies and rituals designed to guide members through their psychedelic experiences. These practices are intended to help individuals explore their consciousness, heal from past traumas, and find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Community and Education at the Sacred Tribe

In addition to its religious ceremonies, the Sacred Tribe places a strong emphasis on community building and education. The church offers workshops, seminars, and group discussions on the safe and effective use of psychedelics, the history of their use in various cultures, and the potential benefits and risks associated with their consumption. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals, the Sacred Tribe hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding psychedelics and promote their responsible use.

Implications for the Future of Psychedelics in Colorado

The establishment of the Sacred Tribe is a significant development in the ongoing conversation about psychedelics in the United States. As the first psychedelic church in Colorado, it could set a precedent for similar organizations across the state and potentially the country. The church’s success or challenges could influence future legislation and public opinion on the use of psychedelics in both religious and therapeutic contexts.

Conclusion

The opening of Colorado’s first psychedelic church, the Sacred Tribe, marks a new chapter in the relationship between psychedelics and spirituality. As the church begins its journey, it stands as a testament to the growing acceptance of psychedelics as tools for spiritual and personal growth. How this development will shape the future of psychedelic use in Colorado and beyond remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in the broader psychedelic movement.

Sources:

  1. The Denver Post
  2. Colorado Public Radio
  3. NBC News



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Alaska

Will Marijuana Help States During Economic Uncertainty

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Since the last downturn, more states have legal marijuana – with its strong revenue stream

It seems economic uncertainly has arrived. Wall Street has taken a major tumble as unemployment seems to rise. Consumer confidence has been shaken as prices on staples, including eggs, remain high. Tariffs with neighboring countries are threatening jobs and household budgets.  While the federal government is less concerned, state budgets could take bigger hits.  But will legal cannabis, will marijuana help states during economic uncertainty?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Marijuana legalization has emerged as a powerful economic tool for states, offering a lifeline during uncertain economic times. By fostering job creation, generating significant tax revenue, and stimulating local economies, the cannabis industry has proven to be a transformative force.  Already, three states make over $500 million in annual tax revenue from the plant.

Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

The cannabis industry is one of the faster-growing sectors in the U.S., with job opportunities spanning agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and ancillary services such as compliance and marketing. Over the past decade, legal cannabis jobs have surged, with projections indicating continued growth should the federal government allow. For instance, states like Massachusetts already report more cannabis-related jobs than traditional professions like cosmetology. This job creation not only reduces unemployment but also injects income into local economies through consumer spending on essentials like housing and transportation.

Legal marijuana markets generate billions in tax revenue annually. States have embraced legalization use these funds to bolster budgets and invest in critical public services. For example, Colorado allocated $7.3 million from cannabis tax revenue to homeless services and housing initiatives1. Nationwide legalization could further amplify this impact, with estimates suggesting $8.5 billion in annual tax revenue for all states combined. These funds are often reinvested in education, infrastructure, public health programs, and community development projects.

Cannabis legalization revitalizes local economies by attracting businesses and increasing demand for commercial real estate. Most cannabis business tend to be mom and pop business including retailers, farmers and local regional producers of products. From cultivation facilities to retail dispensaries, the industry drives investments in equipment and infrastructure that benefit both urban and rural areas. Moreover, every dollar spent on cannabis generates an additional $2 in economic activity through a multiplier effect. States like Alaska, Colorado, and Massachusetts demonstrate how per-capita economic benefits can significantly enhance local prosperity

“Cannabis drives economic growth, creates jobs, and generates tax revenue while offering a safer alternative to alcohol. It’s a less harmful recreational substance and a valuable medicine to millions of Americans” shares industry expert Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations & Business Development of LEEF.

Legalization also reduces the financial burden of enforcing marijuana prohibition. The U.S. spends approximately $7.7 billion annually on drug enforcement. By redirecting these funds toward education, regulation, and community support programs, states can achieve both economic savings and social equity.



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Best St Patrick’s day cannabis strains and edibles

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Bye-bye, Dry January.

Millions of weed smokers say adios to winter’s worst with a breathtaking selection of lucky green across the USA and Canada this St. Patrick’s Day.

Legalization in over 20 states offers ever more affordable alternatives to booze. The California outdoor is perfectly cured. Your favorite musician has a new strain.  Maryland has Cookies brand Cinnamon Milk. Even Texas has THCA Pink Certz.

This hand-picked selection includes fresh flowers, rosin chocolates, and infused ‘dogwalkers’—small joints perfect for party-hopping. Just make sure you go easy if you’re cross-fading.

Related

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California St. Patrick’s Day strains and edibles picks

Original Glue by various, including by Down Om Farms 

It’s rare to encounter extremely potent cannabis with a faceted, enjoyable high that doesn’t transform you into a zombie halfway through the blunt.

This real, original cut of GG4 (Gorilla Glue #4) grown in living soil by Down Om Farms (available through Farm Cut) is a perfect flower. The potency is rivaled only by the deeply relaxing and joyful experience of its high. 

Heavy on the gas, cream, and chocolate, the nose alone is intoxicating. A single poof coats your mouth in a layer of syrupy terps. The first time I smoked it, I was so high I thought I had also eaten at some point.

Turns out, I had only snapped a single bowl, and this flower is that good.—Lindsay MaHarray

Point Breeze by Khalifa Kush

Point Breeze—a St. Patrick's Day pick. (Courtesy Khalifa Kush)
Point Breeze. (Courtesy Khalifa Kush)

Wiz Khalifa adds a 5th strain to his Khalifa Kush lineup—Point Breeze. That’s Khalifa Kush x Gastro Pop for a potent mix of OG Kush fuel and grape gas. Wiz dropped it at Stiiizy March 7, and it’ll make its way across the US next. (CA, coming to AZ, NV, OR, MD, FL, PA, MA)

4 Directions by Emerald Spirit Botanicals

Four Directions—a St. Patrick's Day pick. (Jackie Bryant)
Four Directions. (Jackie Bryant)

Four Directions from Mendocino’s Emerald Spirit Botanicals is yet another Farm Cut masterpiece—because real ones know flower should be untamed. A cross of Pink Boost Goddess (five-time CA State Fair Gold Medalist, 2024 Golden Bear winner) and Harmony Rose (Emerald Cup champ), this strain is a symphony of cannabinoids: THC, CBD, THCV, and CBDV wrapped in 4.2%+ terps. Myrcene brings lush berry sweetness, β-Ocimene adds a citrusy snap, and terpinolene laces in an herbaceous, floral funk. Sun-grown in well-tended soil, jarred fresh with the loosest of trims, Four Directions is as nature intended—pure, potent, and ridiculously flavorful.—Jackie Bryant

Wavvy by Wavves 

Wavvy art from Wavves. (Courtesy Wavves)
Wavvy art from Wavves. (Courtesy Wavves)

Beach weather arrives in your ears and lungs with garage rocker Wavves of LA’s launch of Wavvy Supply Co. Wavves has “mini-donuts” containing hash, and Wavvy minis in dispensaries. Blast the new Wavves track “So Long” and make your winter cares a distant memory.

Zours by Hall of Flame

Fresh off Zalympix contest win for “Most Unique”—this mix of Z and Sour D is lighting up people’s senses then knocking them on their asses. This strain gained a lot of love in 2024 with the exotics crowd, and it would seem that Sweet and Sour weed is definitely on the menu for 2025. —Matt Jackson

See also: Fig Farms Duffy’s 14-gram smalls; Raw Garden’s new ‘Sprout’ all-in-one; Rove Ice Packs and Diamond Series vapes.

St. Patrick’s Day Affiliate partner pick

Dry March on. (Courtesy Cann)

Recommended product

A staple of our St. Patrick’s Days, CANN’s delicately dosed 2 mg THC and 4 mg CBD really pairs well with picnics and garden parties. Skip the hangovers with this microdosed seltzer that’ll make the drunks less annoying. They use 100% agave nectar, fresh ginger, and high-quality THC and CBD distillate. One CANN equals a glass of wine, and it has just 35 calories. Available nationwide.

Arizona

Zpectrum by Alien Labs

Get this new RS-11 x Z #22 cross in Arizona and puff on the toughest stuff in the market. Shop Alien Labs in Arizona.

Sluggers infused prerolls + Curaleaf

California’s infused joint-maker, Hit Sluggers, are selling quickly in their new market of Arizona via a collaboration with Flow Distro and Curaleaf. Sluggers knock their potent joints out of the park with fire flower that is hand-trimmed, ground, packed, hand-painted with rosin, and hand-rolled in keef. These ‘dogwalker-sized’ joints test around 50% THC and come in artfully designed packaging with collectible cards. Shop Sluggers in Arizona.

Illinois

Garlic Butter by Revolution

Why only drink your green when you can also smoke it? This St. Patty’s Day, the Garlic Butter strain goes along with corned beef and mashed potatoes. This cross between GMO and Fortune Cookie is perfect for wanting to feel focused, uplifted, and happy! The smell is buttery, with a cheesy hint to complement the aroma. The buds are light green (leprechauns love it) and have subtle hints of orange hairs. Before sitting down for an Irish dinner or hitting the town, smoking your greens can bring the best luck with quality bud.—Hannah Vyosky

See also: Rythm Blue Zashimi; Northern Heights Strawberry Gary; DNA Genetics Sharksbreath 2.0

New York

Soft Power Sweets live rosin flower chocolate

A St. Patrick's Day chocolate.
(Courtesy Soft Power Sweets)

Four-leaf clover? In New York, it’s more like 10 leaves. Soft Power Sweets’ new chocolate bars take the shape of flowers (or clovers, depending how you look at it). Each petal contains a single dose of live rosin-infused, vegan milk chocolate. For the marathon that is St. Patrick’s Day, we recommend the “Pick Me Up” sativa-based option. Each petal has 5 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD in chocolate made with almond milk instead of animal products. Even if you don’t find the pot of gold, you can still feel like you’re over the rainbow. —Amelia Williams

Love Jones by Method Man’s TICAL

Love Jones. (Courtesy TICAL)
Love Jones. (Courtesy TICAL)

Finally, something resembling West Coast Weed. Method Man—an artist who needs no introduction. Love Jones—a symphonic harmony of White Runtz, Jet Fuel Gelato, Horchata, and Grape Gas #10. TICAL—an iconic album and now brand created by Method Man. TICAL in New York comes from ADK Hemp Co, who describe their growing facility as indoor, with help from the sun. Keep a tissue handy because Love Jones has stick, plus you’ll probably stick to the couch. It oozes those classic Runtz and Gelato terps, with a grape and cinnamon twist.—A.W.

See also: Gron 100mg THC Phantom Lychee Limeade Pearls

Canada

Quebec Gold

Almost mythical in its elusiveness, Quebec Gold is the blurry sasquatch photo of cannabis cultivars. Consequently, it’s often duped thanks to its legendary reputation and gold-standard genetics from Canada’s cannabis hall of fame, including M-39, the problem child of Northern Lights #5 and Skunk #1, and Freezeland, a canon legacy market favourite in northern Quebec. Quebec Gold is a sativa-leaning party strain with zero social anxiety. It’s lemon-heavy but has an exceptionally complex tropical flavour profile of pineapple, mango, and pine. Perfect for potheads partying with drunk friends, you can keep the conversations flowing and satisfy any dry mouth with whatever green drinks are on deck! —Amanda Breeze

Michigan

Quad-infused rolls by Jeeter

Jeeter quads have hash and flavor 4 ways. (Courtesy Jeeter)
Jeeter quads have hash and flavor 4 ways. (Courtesy Jeeter)

America’s top-selling infused joint brand, Jeeter, have introduced “quad” rolls this March—a joint with four layers of hash and flavor in it. Specifically, THCA liquid diamonds, terpenes, kief, and now rosin. The rosin adds a “smoother, more full-spectrum effect.” These things pack a punch at over 40% THC, so one puff can be enough. (Also in CA and AZ)

See also: Doja Pak Permanent Marker at King of Budz; Clout King Wagyu at JARS Cannabis

Here are a few more quick picks from six states.

Florida S. Patrick’s Day picks

Root Beer Sherb by GrowHealthy; a Florida exclusive.

Ridgeline LANTZ 90-micron hash from Cookies at Cookies Miami

Live Rosin X Bites Blackberry Lemon at Curaleaf Orlando

Maryland

Fade Co OZK at Nirvana Cannabis Baltimore

Cookies Cinnamon Milk at Greenlight Therapeutics

More brand Hash Burger at Ritual

Missouri

Compound Genetics Glitter Bomb. Indica hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)
Compound Genetics Glitter Bomb. Indica hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)

Vivid brand Pure Michigan at Releaf Resources

Local brand RS-11 at From the Earth

Royal Cannabis brand Glitter Bomb at Fresh Green

New Jersey

Rythm L’Orange at Treeotics dispensary

Niche brand Oishi III at URB’N Dispensary

Clade9 brand J1 at Zen Leaf

Texas

Texas is awash in THCA flower to enhance your St. Patty’s Day. Try out these picks.

Kache brand Papaya Cake at Kache

Texas Hill Country brand Italian Ice at Texas Hill Country

Greune Botanicals Pink Certz at Greune Botanicals

Colorado

Final Boss. (Courtesy Green Dot Labs)
Final Boss. (Courtesy Green Dot Labs)

Lastly, Green Dot Labs brand Final Boss (Cherry Pot Pie x F.A.F.O.). King of Green Dot’s gas-heavy lineages, including OG Kush, Chem, GMO, Sour Diesel, and Cherry Pie.

Rare Dankness Commerce City Kush at Social Cannabis

Wana Brand Fast Asleep Dream Berry at JARS Cannabis


And there are your St. Patrick’s Day picks. Get out there and make your own luck.



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2024

These states sold more than $1 billion in weed in 2024

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What exactly is a billion dollars? Well, it’s the amount of money you’d make on a North American tour…if you were Taylor Swift. Or the stack of cash that Deadpool & Wolverine brought in at the box office. Or the estimated GDP of the South Pacific Ocean nation of Vanuatu.

When it comes to cannabis, the figure offers a snapshot of a state industry’s strength. But it doesn’t necessarily reflect population data. Nor is it limited to states that have boasted legal weed for a long time, or even states that have rec programs at all.

As we dive headfirst into 2025, we’ve put together a list of the states that crossed the $1 billion threshold last year, as well as some of the market trends those states illuminated. Buckle up, and prepare to be surprised.

Related

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Arizona

In 2024, Arizona fell hundreds of millions of dollars short of maintaining the epic sales run it had in 2023—that year, retailers sold $1.4 billion of cannabis. Nevertheless, Arizona held on to its status as a member of the “Billion Dollar” club in 2024. Last year, Arizona also continued to see its share of medical marijuana revenue shrink; it was down to about 17% of total sales, from 21% the year prior.

California

A row of buds in a contest case under white light. little placards behind each bud give descriptors like dessert. photo by David Downs for Leafly at the emerald cup 2023.
May the best bud win. The Emerald Cup contestant case in Richmond, CA. (David Downs/Leafly)

Despite its huge illicit market, California remains The Big Kahuna of cannabis. In 2024, the Golden State sold an estimated $4.27 billion of legal weed. According to state data, flower comprised nearly 40% of all sales, vapes counted for about a quarter of sales, and edibles made up roughly 10%. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, but medical marijuana only comprised 8% of total cannabis sales in 2024.

Related

12 best cannabis strains of harvest 2024

Colorado

The Colorado cannabis industry, alas, did not have a great 2024. Wholesale prices fell, and the state reported $1.28 billion sales, its lowest numbers since 2015. As our friend Mona Zhang at Politico reported last year, the trend has other states worried. Here’s to hoping Colorado has a big 2025!

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Florida

Even though Florida failed to pass adult-use legalization last November (thanks to the state’s 60% vote threshold), the Sunshine State’s medical program still outpaces many of its fully legal peers. According to data from the Brightfield Group, Florida dispensaries sold $2.1 billion of medical marijuana in 2024. 

Illinois

Unlike some of the original rec states, Illinois saw its cannabis market continue to grow in 2024: The state sold nearly $1.8 billion of marijuana, a high point since sales began in 2020. In more good news, Illinois has officially expunged over 20,000 cannabis-related convictions since 2020. A big bravo to the Land of Lincoln!

Related

2024’s cannabis award-winners and where to buy them

Maryland

a dozen-odd people outside a dispensary with a blue grand opening banner in front of them and a Black man holding a gigantic pair of blue scissors
Far & Dotter cut the ribbon on legal cannabis in Maryland. (Leafly)

Even though Maryland only launched its rec program in July 2023, the state industry has blossomed rapidly. In the 2024 calendar year, Maryland generated $1.14 billion in adult-use and medical marijuana sales. We suspect that’s resulted in a significant bump to the state’s Old Bay-dusted crab leg market as well.

Massachusetts

It ain’t just Illinois. Massachusetts also had its biggest sales year ever in 2024: A grand total of $1.64 billion of cannabis. Shout-out to the state’s Cannabis Control Commission for highlighting Worcester County as the “cannabis capital of Massachusetts”—$1.4 billion of sales have occurred there since 2018!

Michigan

Even though it now faces competition from neighboring Ohio, Michigan still pulled off a record year in 2024. The Great Lake State sold $3.29 billion of cannabis last year, a 7% increase from 2023. And for context, Michigan has only one-quarter the population of California, but three-quarters the amount of cannabis sales. Wolverines love their weed! 

Related

Best cannabis brands in Michigan: Top picks for 2024

Missouri

Missouri dispensary Greenlight hosts Underground—legal cannabis farmers markets. (Courtesy Greenlight)
Missouri dispensary Greenlight hosts Underground—legal cannabis farmers markets. (Courtesy Greenlight)

Missouri’s adult-use program only launched two years ago, but business is booming in the Show-Me State. In 2024, retailers there sold $1.4 billion of cannabis. According to LKP Impact Consulting, men purchased nearly two-thirds of all that pot, and Millennials made up 40% of all shoppers. 

Pennsylvania

While the eternal legal pot booster Senator John Fetterman has yet to seal the deal in his home state, Pennsylvania’s medical market is still doing big business. Dispensaries sold over $1.6 billion of medical marijuana in 2024 to over 440,000 patients. Unlike in Colorado, rapidly sinking wholesale prices in Pennsylvania led to more purchases, not less.

Washington

Cannabis sales in Washington State have been on a minor but consistent decline for the past few years, but the state is nonetheless expected to have generated $1.2 billion in 2024, when all the numbers get crunched. That’s roughly the same sales total as Colorado, even though Washington is home to nearly two million more people.

Related

The best-rated weed dispensaries in Seattle for 2024


See, we told you there would be some surprises!

At least 11 states racked up medical and adult-use cannabis sales over $1 billion in 2024. Don’t forget—you can double those totals when you count illicit cannabis, too. Nearly 88% of US voters now support medical or adult-use. It’s clear that cannabis is huge, and states can choose to either reasonably regulate and tax it, or hand over those dollars to the streets or competing states.



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