When someone says they are taking black market cannabis to help with health problems, Prof Philip Murphy likens it to “a bit like pouring yourself a glass of whisky for medicinal purposes”.

Prof Murphy, who is head of psychology at Edge Hill University, has worked professionally in drug misuse since 1984 and has carried out extensive research into how the misuse of cannabis and ecstasy impairs cognitive performance such as memory and its effect on mood disturbances. 

However, although he against the legalisation of cannabis and its use recreationally, he believes there is political confusion which has hampered it being used to produce beneficial medication.

DENVER - Cannabis consumers from across the country are gathering at the Denver Mart this weekend for the fifth Cannabis Cup. 

At event, which runs Saturday through the Monday, festival-goers can attend lectures on cultivation and the future of legalization.  

There's also a trade show and expo featuring the latest products and inventions. Shoppers can purchase everything from growing supplies to pot-plant shaped muffin tins.

A Saturday concert at Red Rocks will feature SOJA, Nas and JBoog.

Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz and A$AP Rocky will be the artists at Monday show at Fiddler's Green.

"This is an economic miracle as far as I'm concerned," said Dan Skye, editor of High Times, the publication sponsoring the event. 

One year on, two systems for medical marijuana continue to (awkwardly) co-exist

What are you smoking?
Medical marijuana marketing rules are strict: no social media advertising, no colourful names and no allusions to its recreational use

Anchorage police said Friday they will target drivers high on marijuana through the weekend and Monday in anticipation of the unofficial stoners holiday “420."

“With the recent legalization of recreational use of marijuana in the state of Alaska, police anticipate a possible increase of impaired drivers that may be celebrating the ‘420 holiday’ this year,” said Anchorage Police Department communications director Jennifer Castro in a news release.

Related: 

“The origin of the term ‘420’ usually depends on who you ask but is celebrated by marijuana consumers around the world every April 20,” the release says.

The OUI (operating under the influence) marijuana detail will begin Friday evening and continue through Monday, police said.

For all those that celebrate 4/20, read these quotes from more supporters.

UTech, UWI get greenlight to grow marijuana for research

THE University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) will be the first two educational institutions to be issued with licences to grow marijuana for research purposes under the new provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which took effect yesterday.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell made the announcement yesterday in his presentation in the 2015/16 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House .

As legalization churns along, numerous issues are slowly but surely being addressed.

With 420 approaching, it's time for our annual reminder: Don't do anything that might bring shame to Denver, Colorado, or marijuana legalization in general.

This weekend's Cannabis Cup, a trade show for those in, or interested in, the bud industry, is doing its part to keep the jackassery to a minimum by disallowing and sales or giveaways of weed-related intoxicants. This should put it in stark contrast to the Great American Beer Festival, which every October floods our downtown streets with loopy, pretzel-necklaced nimrods.

You didn't think baby-boomers had stopped smoking, did you?

The stigma that has long hung over marijuana in this country is slowly being Febrezed away. Americans have quietly relaxed their attitudes toward pot as more people have gained access for legal, recreational use. Weed is a cash crop in Colorado and Washington, just like corn or hay. In the places where it hasn’t been legalized or decriminalized—perhaps your fair state is next!—Americans appear far more concerned about crucial issues like education and inequality than someone sparking a joint in their backyard.

Do you grow these for medical use? Major changes are coming your way. Kelly O