2024 brought us another year of highs, lows, and everything in between in the cannabis and psychedelic worlds. From politics to groundbreaking research to startling celebrity ventures, it’s been a wild ride, to say the least. Let’s count down the Top 13 Moments in Cannabis and Psychedelics, with a playful twist and a nod to the progress and the drama we didn’t sign up for this rather uncanny year.
1. LA Times Exposes ‘Legal Weed’s Dirty Little Secrets’
Who doesn’t love a good exposé? The LA Times went full undercover this year, randomly testing legal cannabis products and uncovering a not-so-chill reality: contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals were found in many products, especially vapes. This sparked a much-needed conversation about quality control in the regulated market.
2. Emerald Cup Turns 20
California’s cannabis culture OG, the Emerald Cup, turned 20 this year! Hosted at the iconic Henry J. Kaiser Arena in Oakland, CA, the cannabis community came together to celebrate two decades’ worth of craft, community, cannabis excellence, and dope vibes.
3. Massachusetts Voters Reject Psychedelics Legalization
Massachusetts had a chance to join the psychedelic revolution this year with Question 4, but voters said, “Not so fast.” The loss was a reality check for the movement, reminding everyone that while the future of psychedelics is bright, there’s still work to be done in educating the general public.
4. FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Status to LSD for Anxiety
LSD got some serious [Wall] street cred this year when the FDA granted it Breakthrough Therapy Designation for treating generalized anxiety disorder. MindMed’s MM120 formulation showed promise in clinical trials, substantiating that psychedelics aren’t just for hippies; they’re for serious mental health treatment, too.
5. DEA Suggests Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule 3
This one is a shocker! The DEA stirred the pot this year by recommending cannabis move to Schedule 3. Progress? Maybe. But the industry collectively rolled its eyes and said, “Deschedule or bust!” This halfway measure won’t fix most of the industry’s issues, and some are already envisioning Big Pharma sharpening their silver platters.
6. Mike Tyson’s Shroom Kit vs Jake Paul
Mike Tyson added another knockout to his portfolio…not in the ring, but in the mushroom grow space. Tyson’s Mikeadelics shroom kits let fans grow magic mushrooms at home, a promising collab with the reputable Advanced Mycology tech. Tyson credits psychedelics with changing his life, saying he wouldn’t even be boxing without them. Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul this year might have been the trippiest boxing match of all time. It is safe to say he stayed on brand.
7. Hemp vs. Cannabis: Loopholes and Red Tape
Speaking of boxing…the Farm Bill’s loopholes triggered a rivalry between the US hemp and cannabis industries, with repercussions like California completely banning hemp-derived THC products. The result? A full-blown turf war between two industries that should be working together.
8. University of Maryland Launches Psychedelic Education Series
The University of Maryland, Baltimore, kicked off a groundbreaking program to teach health care professionals about psychedelic-assisted therapies. Running until May 2025, the series is like Psychedelics 101 for doctors, ensuring the future of therapy looks as innovative as it is effective.
9. Cannabis Culture Film Festival Brings the Heat
New Jersey hosted the Cannabis Culture Film Festival, featuring standout documentaries like American Pot Story: Oaksterdam by Ravit Markus, Roll Up for Equity by (me) JM Balbuena, and many others. These films spotlighted equity, activism, and cannabis history, proving once again that the plant has a powerful story to tell.
10. Last Prisoner Project’s Bold Thanksgiving Message
The Last Prisoner Project turned heads and projector beams when it illuminated the White House and Capitol with messages urging President Biden to pardon cannabis prisoners instead of turkeys. We can all agree: freeing humans > freeing turkeys.
11. Global Milestones: Germany, South Africa, and Ghana
Germany approved adult-use cannabis for personal use in April, South Africa legalized personal cannabis use in June, and Ghana passed laws for medical and industrial cannabis. These moves prove that plant medicine legalization isn’t just a North American trend, it’s a global green renaissance.
12. Brazil Discovers CBD in a Non-Cannabis Plant
In a twist straight out of a sci-fi film, Brazilian scientists discovered CBD in Trema micrantha Blume, a plant that has nothing to do with cannabis. The discovery could open up entirely new avenues for cannabinoid research and therapy. Makes you wonder what other cannabinoids might be hiding in unexpected places?
13. NCAA Removes Cannabinoids from Banned Substances List
Sports and cannabis made history when the NCAA decided cannabinoids were no longer banned substances for championships. Hopefully, athletes everywhere celebrated the victory not with a Gatorade shower, but perhaps with a toke or two.
Honorable Mentions
- Blunt Brunch Nationals Goes Glam: During MJBizCon, women in cannabis brought the house down at the Blunt Brunch Nationals in Las Vegas. The “Glitz and Glamour” event proved that women aren’t just participating in the industry they’re redefining it.
- Texas Cities Decriminalize Cannabis: Deep in the heart of Texas, cities like Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart gave cannabis a much-needed green light by decriminalizing possession. It’s not full legalization, but it’s a solid reminder that even in the most conservative corners, progress is happening.
- RFK Jr. Nominated as Trump’s Health Secretary: Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services, RFK Jr., pledged to cut Americans’ reliance on prescription drugs and expand access to cannabis and psychedelics. This represents a potential shake-up in federal health policy, with a focus on alternative therapies.
- April 20, 2024: The Palindrome Holidaze: This year’s 4/20 was a stoner’s dream come true: 4-20-2024 reads the same backward and forward. It was a moment of cosmic symmetry we won’t see again for a long time.
Final Inhale
2024 was a year of breakthroughs, bold moves, and yes: shroom kits! As cannabis and psychedelics continue to revolutionize wellness, equity, and safe access, we’re celebrating how far we’ve come while toasting to whatever comes next. What were your favorite highlights of 2024?
Cheers to an even groovier and more mind-expanding 2025!
