Expect legalization to create drastic changes in the way canna workplaces are regulated and product is produced. In the U.S. a legalizing marketplace may mean lower wages, but it will probably mean better working conditions. Across Europe, legalization is being seen as one way to crack down on slave labor as much as standardize product.

As cannabis becomes a legal commodity in both the U.S. and Canada, the production and distribution of the market becomes more structured. This means that the industry can start to produce higher volumes. However, by definition, this also means something else. The specialised workforces that have grown up around the industry are facing massive changes. Automation is making its presence felt.

Policymakers seem to be conflicted about marijuana, and as a result, they're sending the public mixed messages. Laws regarding cannabis vary from state to state, and state laws may even conflict with federal law.

"Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form. Three other states will soon join them after recently passing measures permitting use of medical marijuana," according to Governing.

This information was up to date as of March 23, 2017. That said, "Marijuana possession remains a federal offense," as Norlm points out.

In a data-driven business environment, everyone is waiting on the latest statistical reports to show what directions consumer spending -- an obvious clear indication of consumer attitudes -- is heading. As a relatively new industry, the legalized marijuana sector still is working on how to best serve consumers and discern trends to sort out the hype from the reality.

That’s created a whole new side business in marijuana: data analytics.

A company that has stepped to the forefront in this area is New Frontier Data. The company has partnered with Baker Technologies, which provides customer relationship management and marketing automaton platforms to cannabis businesses, for access to an immense database of legal marijuana transactions.

Former President of Mexico and Coca-Cola Latin America Head joins Award-Winning Cannabis Industry Trade Show

OAKLAND, CA - The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) announces that former President of Mexico Vicente Fox will be the keynote speaker for its flagship event, Cannabis Business Summit & Expo.

Fox served as President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, and since his presidency has become a notable proponent for a legal, regulated cannabis industry, actively supporting cannabis legalization in Mexico and the United States. Prior to his presidency, Fox was also a highly successful business leader at Coca-Cola, rising from a position as a route supervisor to ultimately become president of Coca-Cola Latin America.

Winding through the lush valleys of Pennsylvania the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers flow. At their confluence is the city of three rivers: Pittsburgh.

Long-dubbed "Steel City," Pittsburgh’s industrial landscape has evolved since the heyday of the steel mills. These days, Pittsburgh’s 1,600 technology firms are helping redefine the town, generating $20.7 billion in annual payrolls. Now, Pittsburgh is gradually growing to be a notable player in the cannabis research space, as well.

As our readers know, investing in marijuana stocks is still considered taboo by some investors.

That can make it difficult to find news and updates on marijuana stocks, since the mainstream media generally avoids covering the cannabis industry because of its taboo status.

However, we know cannabis is more than just a trend. And because the goal of Money Morning is to make investing profitable, we make sure our readers are always up-to-date on the biggest marijuana news that could move the prices of pot stocks.

Ever wanted to use weed to treat what ails you, but found yourself wading through multitudes of semi-convincing blog posts and abstracts for medical papers that require a subscription to view in full? You're not alone.

The good news is, as cannabis becomes increasingly mainstream, comprehensive sources of information are emerging.

The Cannabis Health Index (North Atlantic Books, 660 pages, $20) is a new reference text by mind-body medicine author Uwe Blesching that combines evidence-based, scientific cannabis research with mindfulness techniques to help readers heal themselves of "100 chronic symptoms and diseases."

Canada’s likely move to completely legalize marijuana next year promises to produce immediate spillover effects in the United States, starting with increased confusion at the U.S.-Canadian border.

“I’m expecting my business to boom,” said Len Saunders, an immigration attorney from Blaine, Washington.

With recreational marijuana already legal up and down the West Coast, from Alaska to California, he said, more Canadians may let down their guard and admit to U.S. authorities that they’ve used marijuana, reason enough to get foreigners barred from entering the country.

Algae.Tec Limited (ASX:AEB

A proposal to reduce penalties for first-time marijuana possession has been deferred for two weeks by the Wichita City Council as the city explores whether it can be made more lenient for violators than originally suggested.

The proposed ordinance would fulfill part of what city voters tried to do through the initiative process two years ago when they voted to cut the penalty for pot possession to $50.

The state Supreme Court overturned that initiative on a technicality related to the signature-gathering process that put it on the ballot. Proponents are now collecting signatures to try to put it on the ballot again, but have said they will drop that effort if the council adopts a suitable ordinance relaxing penalties.