Most Americans now live in states where recreational marijuana is legal. Medical marijuana is even more widespread. This special issue of TIME looks at every aspect of this new and evolving world. It examines what we know—and still don't know—about the health benefits of cannabis and its ability to treat PTSD, help with digestive maladies, improve sleep, and ease chronic pain. It considers the law, the business, and the culture of cannabis. At a time when Seth Rogen, Snoop Dogg, and other stars peddle their own lines of weed, what does it mean to be a stoner? How exactly do marijuana dispensaries work? This special edition examines from every angle the question of cannabis's place in and impact on America.
How the Conversation Has Changed • MARIJUANA’S TRANSFORMATION FROM TABOO DRUG TO VALID RECREATIONAL OPTION—AT LEAST IN SOME STATES—CAN BE TRACED THROUGH FIVE COVER STORIES IN TIME MAGAZINE.
Legalization Nation • The country is changing its marijuana laws, and that is changing the country.
More States Are Saying Yes to Pot—but Not All • WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN OKLAHOMA AND OTHERS BUCK THE NATIONAL TREND TOWARD LEGALIZATION?
Immigration History and Marijuana Law • THE TWO HAVE A SURPRISING LINK, AS THE DEMONIZATION OF CANNABIS IN THE 20TH CENTURY WENT HAND IN HAND WITH AN INCREASE IN NATIVIST FEARS.
A Brief History of Marijuana Law in America • What’s really wacky about this weed is its strange path through the legal system.
I Thought Legalizing Pot Would Be a Disaster • But it turned out to be wonderful.
A Decade Later, a Look Back at a Landmark Year • IN 2014, RECREATIONAL MARKETS OPENED, THE SUPER BOWL GAINED A NEW NICKNAME, AND A GIRL SCOUT SPOTTED A SALES OPPORTUNITY.
The Economics of Legal Weed Don’t Work • TWO EXPERTS BREAK DOWN THE SURPRISES AND COMPLEXITIES OF THE MODERN MARIJUANA BUSINESS.
Hemp Should Be Booming, but It Isn’t • THE PURPORTED MIRACLE PLANT HAS BEEN ON THE SLOW TRACK BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIONSHIP TO MARIJUANA.
Marijuana as Medicine • Much of the excitement about legalization revolves around the drug’s possible health benefits.
The Promise and Reality of the New Wonder Drug • THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA ARE MANY, BUT RESEARCHERS CAUTION THAT THE DRUG HAS DOWN SIDES TOO, AND THERE’S STILL A LOT TO FIGURE OUT.
Are Edibles Actually Good for Sleep? • Research points in different directions, as marijuana seems to help some people but make nights more restless for others.
Using THC to Cope with PTSD • SOME MILITARY VETERANS ARE EMBRACING THE DRUG AS SCIENTISTS SCRAMBLE TO STUDY ITS EFFECTS.
Teen Marijuana Poisonings Have Skyrocketed • In a world in which the taboos around pot are disappearing, how do you protect your child from its dangers?
Can Cannabis Help with Digestive Ailments? • STUDIES SUGGEST THAT MARIJUANA CAN EASE SYMPTOMS FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM IBD, CROHN’S DISEASE, AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS.
How Much Does Marijuana Impact Your Driving? • The influence is at its greatest when in combination with even a little alcohol—a common pairing among younger users.
Brave New World • Recreational marijuana—it’s not just for Cheech and Chong anymore.
Navigating the Modern Marketplace • SATIVA, INDICA, PRE-ROLL, DAB RIGS—SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE YOU NEED A DICTIONARY TO GET HIGH THESE DAYS.
Voices of the Legal Generation • IN COLORADO, TWENTYSOMETHINGS WHO WERE AMONG THE FIRST LEGAL RECREATIONAL USERS TALKED ABOUT WHAT THE CHANGE MEANT TO THEIR LIVES.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Pot • Whatever your approach or your personal experiences, it is important to let your children know they can trust you if they run into trouble.
The Stars Who Changed Perceptions of Stoners • NOTABLES FROM SNOOP DOGG...
