This year has been nothing short of transformative for the cannabis industry. At Veriheal, we’ve had a front-row seat to this evolution: we’ve listened to real patient stories, witnessed transformative legal reforms, and celebrated as the stigmas we’ve long known to be unfounded begin to crumble. As we reflect on the major stories of this year, we see a powerful narrative taking shape — one that acknowledges the strides we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead. These stories represent more than just news; they’re a testament to the hard work, resilience, and advocacy driving cannabis forward.
2024 has set the stage for an even brighter future. Let’s look back together on this year of change.
As we close out 2024, we’re looking back on the major cannabis news from this year. This year has seen groundbreaking studies, historic legal reforms, and a cultural shift that’s hard to ignore. As attitudes continue to evolve and cannabis becomes an even more integral part of wellness and recreation, the stories below highlight the transformative year that was — and the even bigger future that’s ahead.
Our understanding of medical cannabis is set to expand. A groundbreaking study, supported by a $1.25 million annual government grant, is now underway, exploring cannabis’s potential to address various health conditions. Led by experts from Johns Hopkins University, in collaboration with Veriheal and Realm of Caring, the multi-year research aims to reshape how we approach medical cannabis, inform clinical decisions, and influence public policy.
The study will document real patient experiences, filling the gaps left by previous research hindered by legal and social barriers. With plans to enroll 2,500 participants annually, the study is designed to challenge existing stigmas around cannabis and provide a clearer, evidence-based picture of its medical potential.
Participants can help shape the future of cannabis research by completing four surveys over the course of a year. Those interested in using cannabis for conditions like pain, anxiety, or insomnia may be eligible to join. Participants will receive compensation and contribute to a transformative shift in cannabis healthcare.
For years, cannabis has been vilified as a memory killer, blamed for cognitive decline and confusion. But cannabis research released this year is flipping that narrative on its head. A February 2024 study in Current Alzheimer Research found that recreational cannabis users actually have a 96% lower risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), including memory problems. This game-changing discovery came from a survey of over 4,700 people aged 45 and older, showing that how and why people use cannabis matters more than we thought.
Sure, past studies have linked heavy cannabis use to cognitive issues, but the new data tells a different story. Researchers found no significant link between cannabis use frequency and cognitive decline. In fact, other studies, like one in CNS Drugs, found that medical cannabis patients don’t experience the same memory or attention problems as casual users. The bottom line? Cannabis isn’t the brain killer some have claimed — and it could actually help challenge outdated stereotypes and pave the way for broader access to medical cannabis.
Snoop Dogg was the unexpected MVP of the 2024 Paris Olympics. From carrying the torch at the opening ceremony to hyping up Team USA and even taking a swim with Michael Phelps, he was everywhere — and somehow made it all look effortless.
But Snoop Dogg at the 2024 Olympics wasn’t just entertaining; it was groundbreaking. Sixteen years after Phelps faced backlash for smoking weed, Snoop was out here as America’s “ambassador of happiness,” showing just how far we’ve come in accepting cannabis and the people who love it. It wasn’t just a highlight of the Olympics — it was a win for cannabis culture everywhere.
On December 12, 2024. President Biden announced the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history, commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39 for non-violent crimes, including simple marijuana possession. This builds on his record of criminal justice reform, as he is the first president to issue categorical pardons for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession His actions mark a significant step in marijuana legislation and set a powerful precedent for reform across the country, inspiring states like Maryland and Minnesota to take bold steps toward addressing past injustices.
Maryland’s historic pardon of over 175,000 cannabis convictions and Minnesota’s expungement of over 57,000 marijuana records reflect the growing momentum in criminal justice reform, aiming to rectify the impact of cannabis criminalization. Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act and Maryland’s social equity licensing demonstrate the states’ long-term commitment to progress, marking a significant shift in federal and state-level attitudes toward cannabis.
A Gallup poll from this year revealed that the preference for cannabis is growing across the US. In particular, cigarette smoking in the U.S. has dropped from nearly half of Americans in the 1950s to 16% today, while cannabis use has risen to 17%, up from 7% a decade ago. This trend is particularly evident among younger adults, with 26% of Gen Z favoring cannabis while only 5% smoke cigarettes. The poll also highlights changing perceptions, with 70% of Americans supporting cannabis legalization and 40% considering it safer than alcohol or tobacco.
Veriheal’s patient data further supports this growing acceptance. In a report released by Emily Mullins of Veriheal, Gen Z (born 1997–2012) appears to be the most cannabis-friendly generation yet. Surveys show that 60% of Gen Z rarely or never drink alcohol, and 69% prefer cannabis due to health concerns, cost, and a focus on holistic wellness. Veriheal’s insights reveal that Gen Z uses cannabis primarily for relaxation, happiness, and sleep, with flower being their preferred product.
Together, these findings illustrate a cultural shift toward cannabis as a preferred substance for wellness and recreation, replacing alcohol and tobacco for many. With the cannabis industry projected to grow from $57 billion in 2023 to $444 billion by 2030, both polling data and Veriheal’s research highlight the plant’s increasing role in shaping modern lifestyles.
Working in the cannabis industry, the day-to-day can sometimes feel like a slow march toward justice. When we have our heads down in all the hard work that still must be done, we sometimes forget to look up and recognize how far we’ve come. The above stories are, in their own ways, testaments to our progress. An unprecedented study, national polls about weed’s growing popularity, and a superstar stoner reaching new heights of global love are all tangible evidence that the world is changing. They prove what we’ve always known: that cannabis isn’t that scary hardcore substance we all learned about in health class.
And what better way to recognize our progress than to look back to the history of cannabis propaganda? From ’30s scare tactics to that one commercial with the deflated girl, we looked back on how education around cannabis has changed over the years — and it’s giving us all the hope we need to continue marching toward a more informed future.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
When we teamed up with MAV Glass to give away one of their iconic Bestie Bongs to our followers, we knew we had to try it for ourselves. This two-person beaker allows you and your favorite sesh partner to take hits simultaneously, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience. PSA: Side effects of the Bestie Bong include euphoria, a serious case of the giggles, and a next-level bond with your sesh partner.
Our Bestie Bong Giveaway is now live on our Veriheal Instagram! Enter now for a chance to sesh with your besties this holiday season.
“There are still people who believe that you should be in prison for using cannabis. There are still people that believe that you should be in prison because you are queer. And that alone means that this interview is a privilege and not just a victory.”
At Veriheal, our Head of Human Resources, Grant Guthrie, is known for his warm energy, dedication to an ethical workplace, and passion for live music (and great cannabis). Before leading HR for one of the world’s largest medical card companies, Guthrie built a rich history in both the legal and legacy cannabis markets.
Growing up “quietly queer” in rural Arkansas, Guthrie often felt isolated, unsure if he could truly be himself. Smoking weed in middle school introduced him to a community where he found both safety and the freedom to live authentically.
In our conversation, Guthrie shared his experiences navigating Southern culture as a queer youth, finding agency in the legacy cannabis market, and breaking the stigma around cannabis and queerness.
The end of the year marks an opportunity for the Veriheal team to count our blessings. In 2024, we embarked on a mission to center the human stories behind medical cannabis — and, lucky for us, our patients were more than willing to tell their stories. Below, we share two of these stories, both of which highlight the life-changing potential of medical cannabis.
This year, one of our Veriheal patients joined us on our podcast, The Green Standard. Dylan Rogers, who lived with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Occipital Neuralgia, shared his journey with these intensely painful neurological conditions. Often referred to as the “suicide disease,” Trigeminal Neuralgia caused sudden, severe facial pain, while Occipital Neuralgia led to chronic pain in the back of his head and neck. Both conditions significantly affected his quality of life, making daily tasks extraordinarily challenging.
After pharmaceuticals and invasive medical procedures failed to provide relief, Dylan turned to medical cannabis. He described how the plant helped alleviate some of his debilitating symptoms, giving him hope and a way to reclaim parts of his life. Dylan also shared his passion for creating art, which became a meaningful outlet for self-expression and connection. His testimony on the podcast highlighted his resilience, creativity, and the transformative impact of cannabis for those living with chronic pain.
“Come close, Mary / I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Abdulai Mansaray began using cannabis recreationally at 10 years old, but after surviving a brain aneurysm at 18, it became essential to his mental health. Struggling with severe depression and anxiety, a medical cannabis card offered him relief and helped him rediscover his passions, like writing poetry and singing. Now 29 years old, Mansaray credits cannabis with improving his quality of life and allowing him to cope with challenges in a way that traditional treatments couldn’t.
Despite potential risks associated with cannabis use after a brain aneurysm, Mansaray remains a strong advocate for its medicinal benefits. His doctors support his choice, and he hasn’t experienced any further aneurysms in over a decade. Through cannabis, Mansaray has reclaimed his happiness and continues to advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding its use. Read Mansaray’s medical cannabis testimonial for more on how medical cannabis brought back his quality of life — and a poem Mansaray wrote.
Whether it’s been a lifeline during an illness, a help with parenting, a game-changer in sports, or something else entirely — your story matters. Share your experience with us for a chance to be featured on our blog and social media.
“I’m giving so much of myself to everybody else, and [weed] allows me to just sit and almost be numb for a little bit. Not in a bad way, but it let me shut off for an hour or two. It helped me sleep better and recharge faster to go do the next show. It really does change me specifically and helps me so much.”
Denver’s drag scene thrives year-round, especially during Pride Month, and local icon Jessica L’Whor is at its heart. With over a decade in the spotlight, Jessica has become a cultural staple, performing everything from drag bingo to shows while championing inclusivity, body positivity, and LGBTQ+ representation. A decorated entertainer, she’s also a passionate cannabis advocate, incorporating weed-themed outfits and partnerships into her work. For Pride Month 2024, we sat down with Jessica to explore her journey, drag persona, and dedication to promoting safe cannabis use.
As we reflect on the milestones of 2024, we’re grateful to have witnessed such positive momentum firsthand. At Veriheal, we’re excited for the year ahead and eager to continue advocating for progress and supporting the growing cannabis community. Here’s to another year of breaking barriers, expanding knowledge, and embracing the future. Happy New Year from all of us at Veriheal – let’s make 2025 an even bigger year for change!
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