The Best Cannabis Websites for News, Business, and Culture

Note: This article was originally written in 2024, and was most recently updated in February 2026.

 

The cannabis media landscape is evolving rapidly. Some of the best cannabis news and information sites have gone quiet, leaving many wondering where to turn for reliable updates. At the same time, new players and alternative media streams are stepping up to fill the gaps, websites and social media presences offering fresh perspectives and essential cannabis news and information.

Having spent over seven years immersed in cannabis journalism, writing for outlets like High Times, Business Insider, and Rolling Stone, I’ve watched these shifts unfold firsthand. With so much change, it can be tricky to keep up with which news websites consistently deliver value. 

That’s why I’ve put together this list of personal go-tos for cannabis news, business insights, and cultural content as we head into 2025. While I wouldn’t call this a definitive list of the best sources, it is rather robust, providing you with ample options to stay informed. 

Essential Reading for Cannabis Culture

1. High Times: The iconic voice of the movement is officially back. After a period of uncertainty, High Times has made a significant comeback under the new ownership of RAW founder Josh Kesselman. With award-winning journalist Javier Hasse leading the charge as Editor-in-Chief, the publication has reclaimed its spot as an essential read, blending its legendary counterculture roots with high-integrity, modern reporting.
2. NORML: Among the oldest and most respected cannabis websites, NORML keeps legalization proponents informed with federal and state-level updates. For advocates seeking reliable marijuana sites, this is a must-visit.
3. Marijuana Moment: A standout in cannabis content websites, Marijuana Moment excels at covering regulatory developments. Tom Angell, Kyle Jaeger and the team have built one of the most trusted names among cannabis websites and/or newsletters dedicated to cannabis news.
4. Politico Cannabis: Known for its detailed reporting, Politico Cannabis stands out as one of the best cannabis websites for anyone tracking legislative news and trends. Over the years, contributions from writers like Natalie Fertig, Mona Zhang, Paul Demko and others have consistently raised the bar for cannabis journalism.
5. Ganjapreneur: Ganjapreneur consistently provides value as a top cannabis content website. Its mix of business and political news makes it a favorite among industry professionals.
6. I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM): As its name suggests, this marijuana site focuses on cultivation. ILGM and its founder Robert Bergman have been hard at work over the years making their simplistic outlet one of the best cannabis websites for growing advice and cultivar deep dives since 2012.
7. Westword: A Colorado-based publication, Westword is both a marijuana site for local news and one of the earlier well-known cannabis websites for news, even if it was only one section of a larger news outlet. Specializing in Colorado cannabis, the publication has also developed a voice over the years as one of the more in touch and insightful voices in the cannabis news community.
8. El Planteo: This Spanish-language cannabis content website explores Latin cannabis culture and issues that concern the community at-large. Their content often feels fresh and highlights voices not often heard in mainstream cannabis coverage. For those who enjoy a multicultural perspective, it’s a must-read–and one of the cooler weed websites in the news space. 
9. GreenState: GreenState blends education, culture, and news in a way that appeals to both industry veterans and newcomers.
10. Leafly: A classic among cannabis websites, Leafly has been a resource for plant enthusiasts exploring cultivars, politics, and cannabis culture. I still find myself revisiting their strain database, even if their news section has dipped a bit.
11. CelebStoner: Founded by legendary former High Times editor Steve Bloom, CelebStoner remains the premier destination for the intersection of celebrity culture and cannabis. In 2026, it continues to be the most reliable source for high-profile advocacy news, “stoner” history, and the industry’s most comprehensive guide to global cannabis events and festivals. If a major musician, athlete, or actor is making moves in the space, Bloom and his team are the first to have the story.
12. Cash, Color, Cannabis: Based out of Atlanta and led by veteran journalist Mehka King, this platform is a vital voice for social equity and the Black experience in cannabis. What began as a documentary and podcast has matured into a full-scale media network in 2026, providing a sophisticated look at politics, hip-hop, and business. Their “Volume” release parties and consistent reporting on Southern cannabis policy make them an indispensable resource for culture-forward news that doesn’t shy away from tough conversations.

Essential Reading for Cannabis Industry News

Business news websites continue to be the most saturated presence in cannabis news today. Between the ample options, readers have a plethora of publications to pick from. Some of my go-to’s include: 

1. Marijuana Business Daily (MJBizDaily): MJBizDaily and its annual MJBizCon are two of the most well-known names in cannabis business circles. The publication’s insights into the market and its stellar staff make it a must for anyone interested in cannabis business news. 
2. New Cannabis Ventures: One of the best cannabis websites for business updates, New Cannabis Ventures provides timely sales data and market insights.
3. Cultivated News: Cultivated is an excellent source for exclusive, subscriber-only coverage of cannabis politics and business. Heads up, these pieces are subscriber gated, but it’s no cost to sign up. They also have a solid podcast. 
4. WeedWeek: This marijuana site delivers a mix of free newsletters and premium content, earning its spot as one of the most consistent cannabis websites for business news. Much like Benzinga, the pop-ups can be a bit much, but the quality of the content makes it worth sticking around.
5. Cannabis Business Times: A vital addition for high-level insights, this outlet bridges the gap between technical cultivation and corporate strategy, focusing heavily on the intersection of technology and legal compliance.

Alternative Media

1. Respect My Region (RMR): A powerhouse in both music and cannabis media, RMR is a go-to for localized industry news and high-energy product reviews. Led by Mitch Pfeifer and Joey Brabo, the platform has evolved from a Pacific Northwest staple into a national authority, particularly known for its deep coverage of the New York and New Jersey markets in 2026. Their North American Weed Tour and various podcast series (including the Respect My Region New York Cannabis Podcast) offer some of the most consistent, “street-to-shelf” reporting in the space, focusing on the intersection of culture, business, and community.
2. Great Moments in Weed History: For those who want high-quality storytelling and cultural context, this show explores the historical milestones that shaped the modern movement.
3. Beard Bros Pharms Media Network: A trusted platform for written news and candid industry conversations, offering both live and pre-recorded series on retail, branding, and innovation.
4. First Smoke of the Day: First Smoke of the Day is one of the top names in the podcasting game for OGs and other influential names in the space.
5. LMC: With vibes reminiscent of Vice News, LMC is a cannabis content website focusing on overlooked topics in cannabis current events, history and culture.
6. Dope as Usual: Formerly the Dope As Yola podcast, this platform has officially transitioned into Dope As Usual, a global media powerhouse hosted by Thomas Araujo (Dope As Yola) and Marty O’Neill (Marty Made It). Now a premier Spotify for Creators ambassador, the show has matured into a top-tier interview series that bridges the gap between cannabis culture and mainstream entertainment. With a massive studio presence and high-profile brand partnerships (including a 2026 collaboration with Ethika) it remains the gold standard for high-energy, personality-driven cannabis content.
7. Drew is Sharing: A standout among UK-based marijuana sites, Drew offers a refreshing perspective on the EU and global cannabis markets. YouTube force fed him on my Shorts feed months ago. Unlike most of the times that happens, this has been quite welcomed. 
8. Legalization Nation: With excellent illustrations, sharp wit and the insights to back it all up, Brian Box Brown’s work is equally news as much as it is an eye-catching comic series. 
9. I Smoke New York: Highlighting New York’s cannabis culture, this local favorite is both a resourceful cannabis podcast and a cultural deep dive.
10. This Week in Cannabis LIVE: A weekly roundtable featuring experts from Cultivated Media and High Spirits. They provide live analysis of the week’s biggest stories every Friday at Noon ET.
11. The Dime: One of the most business-centric podcasts, featuring interviews with CEOs and investors. It’s known for moving beyond surface-level talk into how companies are actually scaled and financed.

Who’d I Miss?

These are my personal picks for the best cannabis sites for news and info in 2025, but they’re far from the only options out there. If your favorite site or outlet isn’t on the list, know that this isn’t meant as shade. 

The cannabis media space is vast and diverse, and I’m always open to learning about new, trusted sources. Drop your recommendations, and maybe they’ll make it into a future update. After all, we’re all here to grow together (no pun intended).

More on Cannabis News and Career Insights

Liked this article from AWARD? Be sure to check out more detailing Andrew’s first-hand experiences working in cannabis news and freelance writing:

• Fighting Back Against Digital Plagiarism: Lessons from My Experience
  
• LinkedIn: Still the Best Cannabis Business Social Network
• How to Become a Freelance Writer: My Journey Since 2014