Joel Warner is a Denver, Colorado-based staff writer covering the marijuana industry. Previously he was a staff writer at Westword newspaper, and his work has also appeared in WIRED, Slate, Men's Health, Bloomberg Businessweek, Popular Science, Men's Journal, Grantland and elsewhere. He is co-author of the 2014 book The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny.
Showdown In The US Cannabis Capital
California’s massive marijuana grey market is poised to go legit. But those in the business can’t agree on what the new industry should look like.
Homeless, High And Needing Help
With more than $135 million in taxes and fees generated by Colorado marijuana sales last year, some shelter managers would like to see a portion of the proceeds devoted to homeless services.
The Plight Of Marijuana Migrants
Colorado homeless shelters say 20 to 30 percent of their new residents report they’re coming to the state because of pot. Is the state equipped to handle them?
Leeroooooy Jeeenkins!
The “Warcraft” movie is chock-full of connections to its computer-game inspiration. So why no reference to the game’s strangest hero?
Weed Science: Funding For Clinical Trials Is Key
The world’s top cannabis researchers say there’s not enough money for their work. So they’ve launched a nonprofit scientific institute to fix that.
Marijuana Proponents Risk Overreaching At The Polls
With 10 states potentially voting on recreational or medical marijuana reforms this year, some worry the cannabis movement is trying to do too much too soon.
The Wet Stuff
There’s a new swimwear-tech arms race underway — one where the difference between victory and defeat in the pool (and within a $1 billion swimwear market) can come down to comfort and a hundredth of a second.
The NFL’s Reckoning With Marijuana
As Ricky Williams readies a marijuana gym and pro athletes dive into pot ventures, why did Laremy Tunsil tumble in the draft after a bong tweet?
Pot Advocates May Have Friends In High Places
Officials at DCMJ, which helped run a 2015 marijuana legalization effort in Washington, say they've been invited to the White House.
What 4/20 Inc. Means For The Marijuana Movement
Pot culture’s unofficial holiday has become a global phenomenon. But have the celebration’s counterculture roots been lost along the way?
The Origins Of 420
A secret marijuana grow, a treasure map and five young hippies who called themselves the Waldos: the unbelievable story behind marijuana’s global holiday.
Marijuana’s Scheduling Problems
The U.S. may soon remove pot from a list of the country’s most restricted drugs. But could the move hurt the cannabis industry?
Marijuana Industry Bets On Banking
Entrepreneurs see an opportunity in the cannabis industry’s need for financial services, but are such ventures viable long-term solutions?
Marijuana Smoke-In At The White House
Activists planned to get high (and arrested) in the nation’s capital, but many in the marijuana movement question the move.
When Pot Activists Become Drug Policy Reformers
As the global war on drugs draws increasing criticism, the marijuana movement is facing a challenge: Should it advocate for policy reforms beyond cannabis?
Cannabis In The Courts
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit equating the marijuana business with organized crime. Could racketeering laws still threaten the growing industry?
Cannabis Clashes In The Startup Scene
CanopyBoulder is riding high as the first marijuana accelerator, but it’s also struggling with complaints about its contracts and the behavior of those in charge.
Will UN Make Room For Drug Policy Changes?
World leaders and activists say next month’s United Nations special session on drugs should push for a major shift in global narcotics policies.
The Marijuana Movement Isn’t On Team Bernie
Pot lobbying groups jumped on the Rand Paul bandwagon last year. Here’s why they aren’t doing the same for Bernie Sanders.
The Rise Of Tailor-Made Highs
Marijuana companies are promising custom-made experiences based on flavor compounds called terpenes. But can they actually deliver “contentment ” and “relaxation”?