The 30 most-read Los Angeles Times cannabis stories of 2022
Last year, in recognition of California’s 25-year-long experiment with legal cannabis (in 1996, it became the first U.S. state to legalize access to medical marijuana), we compiled a list of the 25 most popular pot-related stories published in the pages — print and web — of the Los Angeles Times. We could’ve stuck with that theme by serving up 26 stories this time around, but because so much has happened on the weed front during the last 12 months, we decided to expand our list to 30 for 2022.
While many of the stories that resonated with readers the most touched on legal issues (a new state law that protects employees’ off-the-clock cannabis use, and President Biden’s federal marijuana possession pardons among them), there also seemed to be an appetite for some less-fraught fare. Readers wanted to know how Jerry Garcia’s pot pipe ended up in a Marin County antique shop, learn the real history of 420 from the guys who came up with it, and find out if it’s really worth paying $300 for a countertop joint-rolling machine.
One of The Times’ most ambitious pot projects of this year, Legal Weed, Broken Promises, proved to be particularly popular, with almost all of the stories in that series, which focused on the aftermath of the state’s decision to legalize and regulate the plant, making the most-read list.
Here’s a look at the year’s top 30 most-read cannabis-related stories published by the Los Angeles Times, listed in descending order.
- 1
California could soon become the seventh state to ensure people won’t lose their jobs for smoking marijuana outside of work.
- 2
Illegal cannabis farms are engulfing parts of California and exploiting farmworkers who labor in squalid, deadly conditions, a Times investigation finds.
- 3
Newsom signs into law a bill that will make it illegal for California employers to discriminate against workers for cannabis use outside of work.
- 4
Where does 420 come from? The Waldos, a group of friends who met at San Rafael High School, say they started the 420 movement back in 1971.
- 5
Biden urged governors to follow suit in his announcement, just weeks before elections that will decide whether Democrats retain control of Congress.
- 6
Increased consumer demand means more chemical-free cannabis options, but finding them isn’t as easy as looking for “organic” on the label.
- 7
A Times analysis of satellite imagery suggests California’s efforts to encourage cannabis growers into the legal market are foundering.
- 8
In June, Thailand became the only country in Asia to legalize marijuana, igniting a green rush that has seduced farmers, corporations and others.
- 9
Commercial cannabis resulted in corruption and questionable conduct that has rocked local governments across California, a Times investigation found.
- 10
An armored car company says the FBI and the San Bernardino County sheriff unlawfully seized cash from state-licensed marijuana businesses.
- 11
The success of illegal cannabis shops and the struggles of legal ones in the heart of L.A.’s Eastside offer a stark illustration of how California’s legalization of marijuana has gone wrong.
- 12
We’ve traveled around Los Angeles to find the scariest places to visit when you’re high, whether for Halloween or a day of exploring the city.
- 13
Years after California legalized cannabis with Proposition 64, some supporters say it has not met expectations, while those who opposed the initiative say it has proved worse than they feared.
- 14
Smoking a bong creates concentrations of fine particulate matter four times greater than a cigarette or hookah, a UC Berkeley study found.
- 15
The pricey pod-based Beed from an L.A. startup is the joint-rolling party trick that post-pandemic folks deserve.
- 16
More than 30 years ago, the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia gave one of his prized pot pipes to a musician pal. It recently turned up at a Marin County antique shop.
- 17
Do marijuana and motherhood mix? ‘Cannamoms’ share their experiences with stigma, stress and pot parenting.
- 18
A federal judge refuses to stop the FBI and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department from seizing the cash of licensed marijuana dispensaries.
- 19
The revelations mirror a Times investigation on corruption in marijuana licensing. Citing The Times’ story, a California lawmaker wants a statewide task force to investigate.
- 20
Stoned+Toned workouts include cannabis and exercise. The Los Angeles company’s founder is betting on the legal cannabis boom bringing fitness along.
- 21
The promise of ‘social equity’ has been a key narrative tied to California’s legalized pot industry. So far, efforts have been mired by costly delays.
- 22
President Biden said Russia is ‘wrongfully detaining’ the WNBA star and called on Moscow to release her immediately.
- 23
A consumption-lounge buzz is its own kind of creature. Here’s how to make the most of it.
- 24
During the Secret Supper Club dinner in Santa Monica, we were somewhere around the lamb-neck flatbread when the drugs began to take hold.
- 25
More than 30,000 Californians are stuck with felonies, misdemeanors and other convictions on their records that should have been wiped ‘automatically.’
- 26
In Trinity County, boom-and-bust cycles are part of history. Legal weed promised to be an economic shot in the arm. But that expectation quickly collapsed.
- 27
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was arrested on drug charges last month at an airport in Russia. Here’s what you need to know.
- 28
Pair a little pot with these activities to see the city through new (if bloodshot) eyes.
- 29
The Zide Door Church of Entheogenic Plants sued Oakland, the Oakland Police Department and an officer, alleging they violated its 1st and 14th amendment rights.
- 30
Low startup costs, less regulation and a central location have local cannabis brands looking east.
