The message written across the giant inflatable joint making its way down Broadway in Saturday’s pot parade seemed timely: “Obama, deschedule cannabis now!” 

With marijuana legal in some form in 24 states and Washington, D.C., the possibility of cannabis being “descheduled” from its federal status as a drug with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” may be closer than ever. New York appears to be making its own strides away from prohibition. The state launched a medical-marijuana program in January and has to some extent decriminalized the possession of small amounts of pot.

Orlando City Council members will vote Monday in the push to decriminalize marijuana.

Supporters for the change said the punishment should fit the crime, and they're pushing to reduce the offense for carrying 20 grams or less from a criminal misdemeanor to a city code violation.

"This will give our officers an option so that that person's life won't be ruined by a criminal record," said Chief John Mina of the Orlando Police Department.

Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the plan last week; instead of being arrested, the first violation would mean a $50 fine.

Currently, possessing less than 20 grams of pot is a criminal misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

 Despite what you've read in the news, marijuana legalization in Vermont isn't dead. Yes, the House defeated a Senate bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana use. But that setback hasn't derailed the movement. 

"Definitely the best is yet to come," Matt Simon - New England Political Director of the Marijuana Policy Project - told Civilized. "I hate losing but we're not losing. We're on the way to marijuana being legal across New England in the next two to three years."

Here's why Simon is so positive.

In a (successful) effort to stir up media attention for an Arizona legalization initiative, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol this week put up Mothers Day-themed billboards in Phoenix and Tucson.

The ads turn the typical parental cannabis conversation on its head. “Have you talked to your parents about marijuana?” they ask.

As sticky as the slogan might be, the blast is the latest example of a broader trend. And in this case it’s not the message, it’s the medium.

Portland is having its 17th annual Global Cannabis March this Saturday. This has always been a successful event/protest in the past, and with the way things are in Oregon right now, this march is needed more now than ever before. I want to see as many people attend as possible. I unfortunately will be out of town on a family vacation, but I know a lot of people that are planning on attending. I was talking to former Portland Trailblazer Cliff Robinson and the Uncle Spliffy crew, and they plan on attending and you should too!

The 18^th annual Toronto Global Marijuana March (GMM) is set for Saturday, May 7th, 2016 in well over 100 cities across the globe! The Toronto GMM is one of the world’s largest marijuana marches attracting upwards of 20,000+ medical and recreational cannabis supporters and enthusiasts to downtown Toronto. The GMM crowd gathers behind the provincial Queen’s Park legislature at HIGH NOON before the parade at 2pm north of the park. The peaceful celebration has never had an arrest in the event’s 17 year history. The GMM is the City’s largest spring outdoor gatherings generating millions of dollars to the local economy.

Traders selling 'spice' will face seven-year prison sentences.

THE sale of synthetic cannabis is to be outlawed from the end of this month, it has been confirmed. 

It will be a criminal offence to sell the so-called “legal high”, which is said to be having a devastating impact on rough sleepers in Camden, from May 26 – with traders facing up to seven years in prison. 

But fears have been raised that the move will simply drive the trade further underground into the hands of criminal gangs. 

The Home Office informed ministers today that the Psychoactive Substance Act will come into force in 21 days. 

From precision humidifying systems to USB-powered vape pens, tech and pot seem made for each other, with an explosion in new gadgets since it became legal in many US states.

VapRwear hoodie

Sure, you could buy a cheaper vape pen and just put it in your pocket. But if you've got money (and herb) to burn, why not plop down $80-$100 for a VapRwear hoodie, with a vape pen built right into your sweatshirt's drawstring?

The perfect food-wine pairing has, historically, been key to any fine-dining experience - but for those who prefer fewer calories, no red-stained teeth, and almost zero potential for a hangover, delicately prepared dishes featuring cannabis as a herbal enhancement are the way of the future.

Cannabis cooking is now all grown up, far surpassing the admittedly low bar set by the brownies and Rice Krispie treats of your college days. Chefs are now playing with the science and art of cannabis cooking in unexpected ways, creating dishes that literally shift the diner's perception with every bite.

Here are five chefs broadening the uses of marijuana as a culinary herb.