Cannabis News

Weed Made Me a Loser

Published

2 years ago

July 21, 2023

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weed made me a loser yes or no

How to still achieve all your goals while being blazed!

There’s many times when I read online about people blaming weed for them being lazy. This is odd to me because I smoke weed every single day and I wouldn’t use the word “lazy” to describe myself.

I wake up most mornings at five AM, drink some coffee, do a bit of meditation and breathwork, and then I execute a carefully constructed exercise routine while invoking my Astral Temple and setting my intention for the day.

Yea, it sounds a bit weird when I write it out like that, but the fact of the matter is that every day I’m doing 100 push-ups in varied positions, 60 yogi squats, 20+ minutes of planking, and other fitness movements.

I do this all before the clock strikes 6 AM.

What do I do after that?

I take a few puffs from a joint, sit back, relax – and plan out my day. I focus on what will move me closer to my main objective, what are my maintenance activities, and what I’d like to achieve at the end of the day.

Then – I execute.

So why is it that I can smoke weed and get shit done, but other people get “bush-whacked by the weed?” Is it because I am some extraordinary human being who have different capabilities than them?

Well – yes, but so is every single individual human being on this planet. While I do possess different talents than everyone else, we all have the same time in a single day – and a key to being an effective human being is knowing how to spend your energy and where to focus your attention.

For the people who are clamoring about how “weed makes them lazy”, I say quit using weed as an excuse for your mediocre life.

Yep, I said it.

If you’re having issues with productivity, with the feeling of success, or not being “happy” – I hate to break it to you…it’s not the weed homey!

While the weed could be used to treat your symptoms of depression and anxiety, it unfortunately cannot “save you” from your pitiful situation. Yet in the same way that it cannot save you from your existential angst, it also cannot be blamed for it either.

After all, cannabis didn’t roll itself up and forced its way into your body. There was a person pushing all the buttons and pulling all the levers every single step of the way.

Hint – The Person is YOU!

When I hear “the weed made me a loser”, I only hear the words of a victim who is incapable of accepting responsibility for their state of being. As long as you remain in a state of victimhood, incapable of facing the dark and nasty parts of the self – you will continue to feel hollow, shitty, unproductive, unattractive and all the mean shit you tell yourself as you masturbate yourself to sleep.

Today, I’m going to show those of you who have been “struggling” to get shit done, while baked. I’ll tell you the secret to being productive and to feeling “successful!”

First you must establish how you measure success

Most people are not unhappy because of their current life circumstances, but rather the “difference in between what they have and what they believe they should have”. In other words, they are chasing after something they believe would give them happiness, or success, or fulfillment – yet even after attaining that which they so desperately seek, they still feel incomplete.

In the world of the “weed-blamer”, the reason for all their unhappiness or inability to produce any significant result has nothing to do with their own limitations or lack, but rather the endless pursuit of illusionary goods.

Earl Nightingale, was an American radio personality, motivational speaker, and author. He is known for his influential work in the field of personal development and is often regarded as the father of the modern self-help movement. While he had various perspectives on success throughout his career, one of his most well-known definitions of success is:

“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal.”

According to Nightingale, success is not merely achieving a specific outcome or attaining a certain level of wealth or status. Instead, he emphasized that true success lies in the ongoing pursuit and progress toward meaningful goals and ideals. The key is to set worthwhile objectives and work steadily towards their realization, finding fulfillment in the journey itself.

Nightingale also stressed the importance of personal growth, learning, and continuous improvement as essential elements of success. He believed that success is within the reach of anyone who is willing to define their own goals, develop a plan, and consistently take action towards their desired outcomes.

So the real question we’re left with is simple; “What is it that you truly want in life that will give you that which you desire?”

Are you even CLEAR about your own goals and objectives?

If you don’t have any clear goal or objective, then how could you measure whether you’ve gained an inch or not? How do you know when you are successful if you have nothing special in sight?

Now, some of you might come up with the excuse that you “do” have goals. You might be studying to become some occupation you might not in your heart of heart want, but makes sense form a logical perspective.

For example, “I’m going to be a doctor!” not because you have a deep calling to heal people and to dedicate your life to medicine…but because they get paid a lot.

If this is your “objective” or “goal”, I hate to break it to you – it’s not yours! It’s a false goal that promises to give you something you really want – MONEY!

If you’re studying to become a doctor for money, there are far easier and more effective ways to make money. If money is your motivation, then it will be easy for you to put things off, and why not smoke weed? I mean, your heart isn’t really into the whole “law school” or “med school” or whatever false objective you think you want to achieve.

Perhaps, you’re just doing what you’re doing because “society” deems it to be important.

None of these goals pertain to YOU. Your wants and desires are as unique as your fingerprints. Meaning, that only when you align with something you REALLY want, you’ll be able to start feeling that feeling you so desperately seek – fulfillment!

When you get CLEAR on your goals and objectives, you can start focusing your mind and attention on attaining it. You can begin devising a plan and move towards it. And when you have attained that which you desired – you will be successful! In fact, you don’t even need to attain it to be considered successful, as our buddy Earl said, “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal.”

How to get CLEAR on your goals?

You might think that it’s the weed that inhibits you from achieving your goal, but the truth is that you don’t have something that wants you to get out of bed at 5 AM in the morning. It’s okay, I didn’t have it for many years.

But once you find it, you become single-minded in your pursuit. It’s not that you spend every day working on it (which is optimal), but rather that you dedicate whatever time you have available to make it happen.

So the question is how do you know what you want?

Well, for starters, you need to stop “thinking” about it and start “feeling” it. In this instance, weed can actually be a help.

You can spark up and sit quiet, remove all distractions and just focus in on smoking your joint or bong or pipe. I call this “Mindfulness Toking”.

When you sit there, you’ll notice the thoughts in your head come alive. It’s in this moment of mental mobility that you have the opportunity “feel” your thoughts. Just ask yourself a simple question, “What is the one thing that I would love to do right now if I had no restrictions, nothing to hold me back? If money wasn’t a concern…”

It doesn’t matter how crazy or insane it may seem. The purpose of this first exercise is to simply understand what the heart wants.

When you find a thought or idea that really excites you. Take a moment and visualize you achieving the goal or objective. How does it feel? Do you still feel happy and complete? Or does it not matter that much whether you achieved it or not?

When you find something that the heart loves, you’ll know. You’ll get excited, you’ll know even though it sounds crazy.

Here’s the catch, that something crazy is always right under the surface of your being. Meaning, in all likeliness you already know what you want, you’ve just convinced yourself that it’s not for you because of money, or status, or whichever reason you come up with to tell you that you can’t possibly do “that!”

Once you have pinpointed your main objective, you need to make sure that it’s CLEAR.

CLEAR is an acronym that stands for Concise, Limited, Emotional, Achievable, and Refinable. It is a framework for setting effective and actionable goals. Let’s break down each component:

Concise: A CLEAR goal should be clear and specific, avoiding ambiguity. Clearly define what you want to achieve, making it easier to focus your efforts and track progress.

Limited: Goals should have a specific time frame or deadline. Setting a time limit provides a sense of urgency and helps you prioritize tasks accordingly.

Emotional: Connecting with the emotional aspect of your goal is essential. Ask yourself why you want to achieve it and how it aligns with your values and aspirations. Emotionally compelling goals fuel motivation and persistence.

Achievable: Ensure that your goal is realistically attainable. Consider your resources, skills, and circumstances. It’s important to set challenging goals, but they should still be within your reach with effort and commitment.

Refinable: Goals should be flexible and subject to refinement. As you progress and gain new insights, you may need to adjust your approach or modify the goal itself. Embrace the idea of adaptability and be open to making changes as necessary.

To set up a CLEAR goal, follow these steps:

Identify the specific outcome or achievement you want to attain. Make it clear and unambiguous.

Define a specific timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal. This helps create a sense of urgency and provides focus.

Connect with the emotional aspect of the goal. Understand why it matters to you and how it aligns with your values and aspirations.

Evaluate the goal’s achievability. Assess your resources, skills, and circumstances to determine if it is realistically attainable.

Keep your goals flexible and open to refinement. As you progress, be willing to adapt and make adjustments to your approach or the goal itself.

Remember to write down your CLEAR goals and regularly review them to stay focused and motivated. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks, and track your progress along the way. This is especially effective if what you truly desire is “way too big for your current self to embody”.

What I mean by this is if you can’t believe that you are a millionaire, then you can start by believing and working towards making money than your monthly income – passively. This would be the first step in the progress to being a millionaire.

Do you understand how having a clear goal and objective is key to motivating you to do the shit that others won’t do.

This is why you need something that WAKES YOU THE FUCK UP!

Lest, smoking weed is a better way to spend your time.

I workout, even if I’m baked. I write, even if I’m tired.

This is because I know where I’m going, and I know that everyday chipping away at my small goals, is getting me closer to my big one.

Nothing can stop the human mind once it has settled on a goal, and the heart is in agreement. Therefore, if you’re finding yourself unmotivated – get better goals!

Take a T-Break, see how you’re doing?

Now, I’m not saying that this will magickally solve your problems. However, it will most definitely set you in motion towards something you actually want. Now, you may have some issues with cannabis right now, and creating some distance between you and the plant might not be a bad idea.

I take tolerance breaks frequently. I go sober on different substances to check in with “baseline reality”. I understand that my body operates in a specific frequency, and that when I’m smoking I might be more “relaxed” or “tired” or what have you. This alters the frequency.

When weed becomes a dependency, it can become a problem for some. Therefore, testing yourself and living life without it for periods at a time is not a bad way to explore how you feel as a result. You can gauge just how dependent you are on it.

Perhaps, you begin to think more clearly, maybe you have more energy. Good! Then smoke as a form of recreation, when you’re done with all your “work stuff”. Use it to unwind!

Your groggy and can’t think straight. Great! Then smoke a bit, get your mind in order – and get to work!

The point here is that the only person who is ever in your way is you. It’s not your “condition”, it’s not your “race”, it’s not your “poverty”. It’s your lack of knowing what you want clearly, and going for it.

Don’t blame weed for living a mediocre life. That’s all on you!

Nonetheless, weed can become a factor for some and in those cases, when you simply are incapable of doing anything because you have outsourced your personal power too much – go cold Turkey, and stop being a bitch about it.

If it’s truly “weed” that is making you a loser…then just quit. But, deep down inside, I’m sure you’ll realize that the excuse is just that – a convenient way to dissociate yourself from your personal responsibility.

If you want to see change in your life, start focusing your mind and heart on things you actually want – AND THEN GO FOR IT!

You’ll notice a dramatic shift in your being once you do!

MORE ON CANNABIS AND BEING PRODUCTIVE, READ ON…

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America is Rethinking Marijuana Legalization

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2025

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should we legalize weed

Rethinking Marijuana Legalization: A Response to the National Review

Cannabis legalization has swept across America in waves, creating a patchwork of policies that vary dramatically from state to state. Some jurisdictions embrace full recreational use, others permit medical applications only, while some maintain total prohibition. This inconsistent legal landscape makes it nearly impossible to accurately measure the success or failure of legalization efforts. Without uniform policies and implementations, any cost-benefit analysis becomes murky at best.

In this fragmented environment, opinions about cannabis legalization remain sharply divided. Some celebrate newfound freedoms and opportunities, while others lament perceived social costs and unintended consequences. The National Review recently published an opinion piece questioning whether we should reconsider marijuana legalization altogether, citing several issues they believe undermine the case for legal cannabis.

Today, I’m going to examine these claims with a critical eye. While I agree that we absolutely should “rethink” marijuana legalization, my conclusion differs dramatically from the National Review’s perspective. Rather than retreating from legalization, I believe we need to push forward with more comprehensive reforms that address the legitimate concerns while delivering on the promised benefits.

The current half-measures and regulatory inconsistencies have created a situation where neither prohibitionists nor advocates are satisfied with the outcomes. Only through thoughtful, evidence-based policy adjustments can we realize the full potential of legalization while minimizing downsides. So yes, let’s rethink marijuana legalization – but let’s make sure we’re using all the available data and considering the root causes of any implementation problems.

The National Review piece relies heavily on arguments from Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Steven Malanga, who suggests legalization has failed to deliver on its promises. The article highlights several key complaints:

The pervasive smell of marijuana in public spaces

Failure to eliminate black markets

Disappointing tax revenue that sometimes requires taxpayer subsidies

Increased usage rates contrary to predictions

Health concerns, particularly regarding psychosis

Perceived connections between cannabis and “social breakdown”

Let’s tackle these points one by one:

The Smell: While cannabis odor can be noticeable, this concern fundamentally misunderstands the concept of liberty in a diverse society. If someone is consuming cannabis in their private residence or in designated areas, their personal choices shouldn’t be criminalized simply because others find the smell unpleasant. Just as we accommodate cigarette smokers in designated areas and don’t ban cooking pungent foods, cannabis consumption can be managed through reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The development of cannabis social clubs, similar to cigar lounges, would further localize any odor concerns.

Black Markets:

The persistence of illicit markets isn’t a failure of legalization itself but rather of its incomplete implementation. Black markets thrive precisely because cannabis remains federally illegal, creating banking restrictions, interstate commerce prohibitions, and excessive regulatory burdens that drive up costs for legal operators. States with more reasonable tax structures and fewer arbitrary licensing caps have seen significantly less illicit market activity.

Tax Revenue:

Despite claims to the contrary, legal cannabis has generated billions in tax revenue. Colorado alone has collected over $1.6 billion in marijuana taxes since 2014, funding education, public health, and infrastructure projects. Washington state has generated over $3 billion. While projections may have been overoptimistic in some jurisdictions, this hardly constitutes a failure – it simply indicates a need for more realistic forecasting and better-designed tax structures.

Health Risks:

Cannabis, like any substance, carries certain risks. However, comparative risk assessments consistently show it’s less harmful than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. Dr. David Nutt’s famous study published in The Lancet ranked alcohol as far more harmful to users and society than cannabis. To focus on potential cannabis risks while ignoring the well-documented devastation of legal substances reveals a problematic double standard.

Usage Patterns:

Youth cannabis use has actually declined or remained stable in many states following legalization, contradicting prohibitionist predictions. Meanwhile, increased use among adults reflects exactly what legalization was designed to accomplish – providing adults with safe, legal access to a substance many find beneficial for relaxation, creativity, or medical symptoms. The decline in youth consumption likely stems partly from reduced novelty and rebellion appeal once cannabis becomes a regulated product rather than a forbidden fruit.

To fully realize the promises of cannabis legalization, we need a more comprehensive approach that addresses the legitimate concerns while removing the artificial constraints that have hampered success.

First and foremost, federal legalization is essential. The current federal prohibition creates unnecessary complications for banking, research, interstate commerce, and taxation. It forces businesses to operate on a cash basis, creating security risks and inefficiencies. It prevents the development of national brands and economies of scale that could drive down consumer costs. And it maintains the Schedule I classification that hampers medical research and perpetuates stigma.

Second, home cultivation rights must be protected. Allowing adults to grow limited amounts of cannabis for personal use provides a safety valve against monopolistic market structures and excessive pricing. It empowers consumers, reduces black market incentives, and recognizes that cannabis is, fundamentally, a plant that people have grown for thousands of years. States that have embraced home grow rights like Michigan and Colorado have seen thriving legal markets alongside personal cultivation.

Third, we need sensible regulatory structures that protect public health without imposing unnecessary burdens. This includes reasonable testing requirements, clear labeling standards, and age restrictions. However, excessive regulations that serve only to limit market participation or drive up costs without clear public health benefits should be eliminated. The current system in many states has created oligopolistic markets where licenses cost millions, shutting out small businesses and social equity applicants.

Fourth, tax policies need recalibration. Excessive taxation, especially when layered across cultivation, processing, and retail levels, drives up consumer prices and fuels black markets. A simple, moderate tax based on potency or sale price would generate revenue while allowing legal markets to compete with illicit operations.

Finally, we need honest education about both the benefits and risks of cannabis. Fear-mongering and exaggeration undermine credibility, while dismissing legitimate concerns is equally problematic. The vast majority of consumers—likely over 95%—will never experience serious adverse effects. However, those with predispositions to certain mental health conditions, particularly adolescents whose brains are still developing, face higher risks that should be clearly communicated.

When we take a clear-eyed look at cannabis legalization’s mixed results, the solution becomes evident: we don’t need less legalization—we need more complete, thoughtful implementation. The problems cited by critics largely stem not from legalization itself, but from the compromised, piecemeal approaches that have characterized policy reform thus far.

Federal legalization with home cultivation rights would strike a devastating blow to illegal markets by allowing interstate commerce, normalizing banking relationships, and recognizing the fundamental right of adults to grow a plant for personal use. The black market doesn’t thrive because legalization failed; it thrives because our current approach is incomplete and inconsistent.

Overtaxing and overregulating legitimate cannabis businesses while maintaining federal prohibition creates the worst of all worlds—high consumer prices, limited access, and continued incentives for illicit operators. We can’t expect the black market to disappear when we’ve designed systems that actively advantage it.

The National Review article gets one thing right—we should indeed rethink marijuana legalization. But instead of retreat, we need to advance toward more coherent, evidence-based policies that truly put “We the People” at the center. Give Americans the freedom to grow their own cannabis, purchase from a diverse marketplace of businesses both small and large, and make personal health decisions without government interference.

Do that, and watch the promises of legalization—reduced black markets, significant tax revenue, controlled access for adults, and diminished criminal influence—finally come to fruition. It’s time to complete the journey we’ve started, not turn back halfway.

TRUMP 2.0 ON LEGAL WEED? READ ON…

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Just Say No to Marijuana!

Published

3 days ago

February 28, 2025

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Head of DEA not cannabis friendly

In a move that has reignited debates about federal drug policy, former President Donald Trump has appointed Terrance Cole as the new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cole, a veteran DEA official with over two decades of experience, is known for his staunch opposition to marijuana legalization. His appointment signals a return to the Reagan-era “Just Say No” approach to drug enforcement, with Cole publicly linking cannabis use to an increased risk of suicide and schizophrenia, particularly among young users.

The announcement has drawn sharp reactions from both sides of the political aisle, with advocates for cannabis reform expressing concern that Cole’s leadership could roll back progress made in recent years. Meanwhile, proponents of stricter drug enforcement have hailed the appointment as a necessary step to combat what they see as the growing normalization of marijuana in American society.

This article delves into Terrance Cole’s background, his controversial views on cannabis, and what his appointment could mean for the future of marijuana policy in the United States.

A Return to Hardline Drug Policies?

Terrance Cole’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for cannabis policy in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a seismic shift in public attitudes toward marijuana. As of 2025, 23 states have legalized recreational cannabis use, and 38 states allow medical marijuana. Public opinion polls consistently show that a majority of Americans support federal legalization. Despite this momentum, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act—a category reserved for substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Cole’s nomination appears to signal a departure from the more reform-oriented approach taken by previous administrations. During President Joe Biden’s tenure, there were significant discussions about rescheduling marijuana to a lower classification or even decriminalizing it at the federal level. However, Trump’s decision to appoint Cole suggests that his administration is doubling down on traditional drug enforcement strategies.

In his first public statement following his nomination, Cole said:

”We cannot afford to ignore the science. Marijuana is not the harmless substance that many claim it to be. It poses serious risks to mental health and public safety.”

This rhetoric echoes the anti-drug messaging of the 1980s, when First Lady Nancy Reagan spearheaded the “Just Say No” campaign as part of the broader War on Drugs. Critics argue that such policies disproportionately targeted minority communities and contributed to mass incarceration without effectively addressing substance abuse issues.

Who is Terrance Cole?

Terrance Cole is no stranger to the DEA or its mission. Over his 22-year career with the agency, he rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a tough-on-crime enforcer. Before his nomination as DEA Administrator, Cole served as Special Agent in Charge of the agency’s Washington Field Division, where he oversaw high-profile operations targeting drug trafficking organizations.

Cole has long been an outspoken critic of marijuana legalization efforts. In 2021, he testified before Congress against proposals to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level. During his testimony, he cited studies suggesting that heavy marijuana use among adolescents could lead to long-term cognitive impairment and an increased likelihood of developing psychosis or schizophrenia.

”The data is clear,” Cole said during his testimony. ”Marijuana today is far more potent than it was 30 years ago. We are not dealing with Woodstock weed anymore; we are dealing with a substance that can have devastating effects on young minds.”

Cole has also linked cannabis use to rising suicide rates among teenagers and young adults. While some studies have explored potential correlations between heavy cannabis use and mental health issues, critics argue that such claims oversimplify complex issues and ignore other contributing factors like socioeconomic conditions and access to mental health care.

The Science Behind Cole’s Claims

Cole’s assertions about marijuana’s risks are not without precedent but remain highly contested within the scientific community. Some research has suggested a potential link between heavy cannabis use and mental health disorders like schizophrenia in individuals predisposed to such conditions. For example:

A 2019 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that daily use of high-potency cannabis was associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorders.

Other studies have suggested that early and frequent cannabis use may exacerbate symptoms in individuals already vulnerable to mental health issues.

However, many experts caution against drawing causal conclusions from these findings. Dr. Susan Weiss, director of the ”ivision of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has stated:

”While there is evidence of an association between cannabis use and certain mental health outcomes, it is important to consider other variables that may contribute to these risks.”

Moreover, proponents of legalization argue that regulating marijuana can mitigate some of these risks by ensuring product safety and providing education about responsible use.

Implications for Federal Marijuana Policy

Cole’s appointment could have far-reaching consequences for federal marijuana policy. As head of the DEA, he will play a key role in determining how federal law enforcement approaches cannabis-related offenses. This includes decisions about whether to prioritize crackdowns on state-legal cannabis businesses or focus resources on other drug enforcement efforts.

One immediate concern among advocates is how Cole’s leadership might impact efforts to reschedule or deschedule marijuana under federal law. In October 2022, President Biden directed federal agencies to review marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I drug—a move widely seen as a step toward reform. However, with Cole at the helm of the DEA, such efforts could face significant resistance.

Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), praised Cole’s appointment as a victory for public health:

”Terrance Cole understands that we cannot sacrifice our youth’s well-being on the altar of Big Marijuana profits.”

On the other hand, organizations like NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) have expressed alarm over what they see as a regressive turn in federal policy. In a statement following Cole’s nomination, NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said:

”This appointment represents an outdated approach to drug policy that ignores decades of progress and overwhelming public support for legalization.”

State vs. Federal Tensions

Cole’s hardline stance could exacerbate tensions between state governments that have legalized marijuana and federal authorities tasked with enforcing prohibition laws. While Congress passed legislation in 2023 protecting state-legal cannabis businesses from federal interference, these protections are not permanent and could be revisited under new leadership.

In states like Colorado and California—where legal cannabis industries generate billions in revenue annually—there is growing concern about how aggressive federal enforcement might disrupt local economies. Additionally, medical marijuana patients who rely on cannabis for conditions like chronic pain or epilepsy worry about potential restrictions on access.

The Broader Debate: Public Safety vs. Personal Freedom

At its core, Cole’s appointment reignites broader debates about how society should balance public safety concerns with individual freedoms when it comes to drug use. Supporters of stricter enforcement argue that normalizing marijuana sends mixed messages about its risks—particularly to young people—and undermines efforts to address substance abuse more broadly.

Opponents counter that criminalizing cannabis does more harm than good by perpetuating systemic inequalities and diverting resources away from addressing more pressing public health crises like opioid addiction.

Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and prominent cannabis researcher, argues:

”We need policies grounded in science rather than fear-mongering rhetoric. Demonizing cannabis ignores its potential benefits while failing to address legitimate concerns about misuse.”

Conclusion

Terrance Cole’s appointment as DEA Administrator marks a significant shift in federal drug policy under former President Donald Trump’s administration. With his “Just Say No”-style rhetoric and firm opposition to marijuana legalization, Cole represents a return to more traditional approaches to drug enforcement—ones that many hoped were relics of the past.

As debates over cannabis reform continue to unfold at both state and federal levels, one thing is clear: Terrance Cole’s leadership will be closely watched by advocates on all sides of this contentious issue. Whether his tenure will lead to meaningful progress or further polarization remains an open question—but its impact on America’s evolving relationship with marijuana is likely to be profound.

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The Cannabis Industry is in a Free Fall

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2025

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colorado cannabis sales

The cannabis industry in Colorado, once heralded as a model for legal marijuana markets across the United States, finds itself grappling with significant challenges. The latest sales figures reveal that January 2025 marked the weakest sales performance for the state since 2017, raising alarm bells among industry stakeholders and policymakers alike. This article delves into the factors contributing to this downturn, the implications for the cannabis market, and potential pathways forward as Colorado navigates these turbulent times.

A Closer Look at the Sales Figures

According to data released by the Colorado Department of Revenue, total cannabis sales for January 2025 reached approximately $92.79 million. This figure represents a 7.3% decline compared to January 2024 and an 8.2% decrease from December 2024. The downward trend is particularly concerning given that Colorado has been a pioneer in the legal cannabis space since the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2012.

Key Sales Statistics

Total Sales for January 2025: $92.79 million

Year-over-Year Decline: 7.3%

Month-over-Month Decline: 8.2%

Comparison with Previous Years: January 2024 sales were significantly higher, indicating a stark contrast in consumer spending.

This decline marks a troubling trend for an industry that has experienced robust growth over the past decade. The current figures highlight a stark contrast to January 2024 when sales were considerably higher, raising questions about consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Understanding the Market Dynamics

The decline in cannabis sales can be attributed to several interrelated factors that have reshaped the landscape of Colorado’s cannabis market.

As the market matures, consumer preferences are evolving. Many consumers are becoming more discerning about their purchases, seeking quality over quantity. This shift has led to increased competition among dispensaries, pushing prices down and forcing retailers to adapt their offerings to meet changing demands.

Price Adjustments

In January 2025, the average price of cannabis items in Colorado rose slightly to $14.54, up from $13.49 in December 2024. Despite this increase, overall sales volume did not meet expectations, suggesting that consumers may be more price-sensitive than before. The rising costs may deter budget-conscious consumers from making purchases at licensed dispensaries.

Increased Competition from Illicit Markets

One of the most pressing challenges facing Colorado’s legal cannabis market is competition from unregulated sellers. The illicit market continues to thrive, offering consumers lower prices and greater accessibility than licensed retailers can provide.

The Impact of Illicit Sales

The presence of unlicensed sellers undermines the efforts of licensed dispensaries to maintain profitability. Many consumers are drawn to these illicit sources due to lower prices and convenience, which can lead to significant revenue losses for legal businesses. As a result, licensed retailers are struggling to compete in an increasingly saturated market.

Regulatory Challenges

The regulatory environment surrounding cannabis in Colorado is complex and often burdensome for businesses. High compliance costs and stringent regulations can create barriers for new entrants while placing additional pressure on existing businesses.

Compliance Costs

Licensed dispensaries face significant costs associated with compliance with state regulations, including fees for licensing, testing requirements, and security measures. These expenses can eat into profit margins and make it difficult for retailers to remain competitive against unlicensed sellers who do not face such stringent requirements.

Broader Implications for the Cannabis Market

The decline in Colorado’s cannabis sales is not an isolated incident; it reflects broader trends observed across several states where legalized marijuana markets are experiencing fluctuations in revenue.

National Trends in Cannabis Sales

According to BDSA’s analysis, cannabis sales decreased by 1.3% sequentially across multiple states in January 2025. This decline indicates that Colorado’s struggles may be part of a larger pattern affecting legal cannabis markets nationwide.

The Rise of New Markets

As more states legalize cannabis, competition increases not only within individual states but also between states vying for cannabis tourism and consumer spending. Neighboring states like New Mexico and Arizona have launched their own legal markets, further eroding Colorado’s position as a leading destination for cannabis consumers.

Economic Pressures on Retailers

Retailers in Colorado are facing increasing economic pressures as they navigate this challenging landscape. Many licensed dispensaries report struggling to maintain profitability amid rising costs and declining sales.

Profitability Challenges

With declining revenues and rising operational costs, many dispensaries are forced to make difficult decisions regarding staffing, inventory management, and marketing strategies. Some businesses may even consider downsizing or closing their doors altogether if conditions do not improve.

Industry Reactions: Voices from Within

The current state of Colorado’s cannabis market has prompted reactions from industry experts and stakeholders who express concern over the future of legal marijuana in the state.

Expert Opinions

Jonatan Cvetko, executive director of the United Cannabis Business Association (UCBA), stated that the current market conditions reflect a “complete failure” of regulatory frameworks designed to support licensed businesses. He emphasizes that without meaningful reforms and support from policymakers, many businesses may struggle to survive.

Calls for Change

Industry advocates are calling for changes that could help stabilize the market and support licensed businesses:

Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to reduce operational burdens on licensed businesses.

Consumer Education: Initiatives aimed at educating consumers about the benefits of purchasing from licensed retailers versus illicit sources.

Market Diversification: Encouraging innovation within product offerings to attract a broader customer base.

Challenges Faced by Retailers

Retailers are facing increasing pressure from both regulatory burdens and competition from unlicensed sellers who often offer lower prices. Many licensed dispensaries report struggling to maintain profitability as consumer spending shifts away from legal sources.

Potential Pathways Forward

As stakeholders work to address these challenges, several potential pathways forward could help stabilize Colorado’s cannabis market.

One of the most pressing needs is regulatory reform aimed at reducing compliance costs and simplifying licensing processes for businesses. By streamlining regulations, policymakers can create a more favorable environment for licensed retailers while discouraging illicit activity.

Educating consumers about the benefits of purchasing from licensed retailers is crucial for restoring confidence in legal markets. Public awareness campaigns can highlight product safety standards, quality assurance measures, and the economic benefits of supporting local businesses.

Encouraging innovation within product offerings can help attract a broader customer base and stimulate demand within the legal market. Retailers may explore new product lines or unique experiences that differentiate them from competitors.

Conclusion

Colorado’s cannabis industry stands at a critical juncture as it faces its weakest January sales since 2017. The combination of rising prices, increased competition from unlicensed sellers, changing consumer preferences, and complex regulatory challenges poses significant hurdles for retailers and regulators alike.

As stakeholders work collaboratively to address these issues, it will be essential to implement supportive policies that foster both public infrastructure needs and economic growth within the cannabis community. The future of Colorado’s once-thriving cannabis market hangs in balance as it navigates these bleak times—an opportunity exists for reform and revitalization if stakeholders commit to working together toward sustainable solutions.