Behind the Headlines: Alex Halperin on Cannabis Journalism
WeedWeek’s Founder Discusses the Role of Media in Shaping the Cannabis Industry
Dr. C: Join me for an unedited interview with Alex Halperin, the founder, editor, and publisher of WeedWeek, a newsletter that covers the cannabis industry with an aggressive and insightful approach. In this conversation, Alex shares his journey as a cannabis journalist, reflecting on how the industry has evolved through his reporting for publications like The Guardian, Slate, and The New Yorker. With his unique perspective as a storyteller and industry observer, Alex provides thoughtful insights into the challenges, growth, and future of cannabis, offering a candid look at the stories and trends shaping the field today.
Dr C: What inspired you to start the WeedWeek newsletter in 2015, and how has the cannabis industry evolved since then?
In November 2014, Fast Company sent me to Las Vegas to cover MJBizCon, then as now the largest industry trade show. I was a freelance business reporter in New York and pretty much instantly thought legalization was one of the best business stories of the decade, or any decade. A few months later I moved to Denver to cover the industry full time. Newsletters were coming to prominence and it seemed like starting my own would be the best way to cover the industry how I wanted to cover it and maybe build a business. I and WeedWeek relocated to LA in December 2016, shortly after state voters legalized REC and became the world’s largest legal market.
Since I’ve been covering the industry, sales have climbed from less than a $1B/year to roughly $28B. It’s now in dozens of states and both presidential candidates favor reform. It has changed a great deal.
Dr C: Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful story you've covered in WeedWeek that highlights the challenges or triumphs of the cannabis industry?
The constant state of disruption and complication keeps me interested. The rise, and potential demise, in the next federal Farm Bill, of hemp-derived intoxicating products is a good example. Just when folks more or less felt they were getting the hang of the cannabis market, a loophole in the 2018 farm bill enabled businesses to manufacture and sell new intoxicating but largely unregulated products. It changed the rules and divided the cannabis community. Another recent fascinating issue is the recent Supreme Court decision to end Chevron deference. The decision, which has enormous implications for many industries, is another good example, since it further complicates questions around rescheduling and if it will happen.
Dr C: . Your recent investigation with the L.A. Times uncovered shocking levels of pesticide contamination in legal cannabis products. Do you believe the state’s regulatory bodies are turning a blind eye to consumer safety, and if so, why do you think this negligence persists?
It was a tremendous privilege to work on this story with Paige St. John, who was the lead reporter and writer. She can discuss the fine points better than I can, but I’ll say the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has not substantially responded to the story. Since it came out there have been several recalls of products highlighted in the reporting, but numerous other issues have gone unaddressed. All of the pesticide recalls since the story came out have been for the presence of the DCC-banned pesticide chlorfenapyr. There have not been any recalls for other DCC banned or restricted pesticides – restricted pesticides can be present below a set limit – or other concerning pesticides which the DCC does not monitor. I don’t claim to know the DCC’s motives, but in general state cannabis agencies have a very challenging job and lack the resources and mandate to address many of the issues they face.
Dr C: In "The Cannabis Dictionary," you cover intricacies of cannabis culture and terminology. What are some surprising or lesser-known facts that even seasoned cannabis users might find eye-opening, and how can these insights change their approach to cannabis?
It’s sort of a joke that stoners point out possible weed use by the most famous people in history. I don’t know, for example, if Shakespeare smoked and am somewhat dubious of the evidence, but the plant does seem to show up a bit hazy or slightly off-frame, at many turning points in the past. Spanish conquistadores, for example brought cannabis to the new world, though they probably didn’t smoke it.
Dr C: Having written for prestigious publications like The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Mother Jones, how has your journalistic approach evolved when covering cannabis? What unique challenges or editorial constraints have you faced across these different platforms, and how have they influenced your reporting?
The media business is in a 30-year depression, and it presents its own set of challenges. Freelance writing for prestigious publications isn’t really a viable way to make a living, which is one of the main reasons I started my own platform. WeedWeek is a publication that covers the cannabiz largely for senior industry professionals. WeedWeek California Pro is one of very few paid news products in weed, and writing it has focused me on seeking out stories with impact, stories worth paying for. Also, because we sell B2B advertising in a very niche market, I didn’t feel that existing platforms such as Substack were a good fit for our needs. Together with a brilliant CTO we’ve built our own system. Someday I hope to bring some of my perspective and tech back to the mainstream media.
Dr C: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about cannabis that you encounter, and how does WeedWeek work to dispel these myths?
One of the reasons I started WeedWeek is the misconception that cannabis doesn’t deserve to be taken seriously. From the beginning we’ve covered it like a serious industry, one with positive and negative consequences for society.
Dr C: Given your extensive experience in journalism and editing, what advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to cover the cannabis industry?
Same thing I would say to writers interested in any subject: Write about something you’re willing to immerse yourself in and give yourself time to understand it.
Dr C: How do you see the future of cannabis regulation and safety testing evolving, especially in light of your findings on pesticide contamination, and what role do you believe WeedWeek will play in that future?
Both the LA Times and WeedWeek continue to cover the issue. I recently wrote about one California retailer who has been vocal about the issue, even as a key brand he sells hasn’t denied the presence of a concerning, but not DCC-regulated, pesticide he sells. Another WeedWeek piece discusses pesticides in the hemp supply chain.
This is a very complex issue, one that is almost certainly not limited to California. To solve it, regulators and industry are likely going to have to work together. In California, especially, where the market is struggling, that’s a big ask.
Thank You!
Dr. C: Thank you, Alex, for sharing your experiences and insights into the cannabis industry and its ongoing evolution. Your perspective offers valuable context for understanding both the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis world. It’s been a pleasure exploring these important topics with you!
To our readers, if Alex’s story has inspired you to share your own experiences, I encourage you to reach out! Feel free to leave a comment or message me directly. Your stories are essential in shaping these conversations, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Alex Halperin is the founder, editor and publisher of WeedWeek, a newsletter that aggressively covers the cannabis industry. His reporting has appeared in The Guardian, Slate, The New Yorker, Fast Company and many other publications.
"WeedWeek California Pro is awesome. Definitely worthwhile." -- Rashaan Everett, President, Good Tree
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