A GOP congresswoman says that while she’s concerned about “free-for-alls” with marijuana laws, she understands the importance of having a “robust” medical program—a position partly informed by her own aunt’s experience using cannabis to treat symptoms of cancer.
At a town hall event in Iowa on Wednesday, a constituent who identified as a Democrat spoke to Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) about the issue, while describing her personal friendship with a Republican, which she said has kept their relationship “exciting, to say the least.”
The woman added that she would like to see more Democrats elected so that “people like myself could use the marijuana for my paralyzed legs and my whole body to make it feel better.”
Hinson sympathized with the attendee, saying it’s “important” to maintain friendships and have have political conversations in a “civilized manner” despite disagreements, including around cannabis policy.
“I think what’s really important around the conversation around medical marijuana is making sure that it’s for medical use,” she said. “Iowa does have a program. I know we worked on it when I was in the state legislature. I think there have been some changes to it since I last reviewed that policy and looked at it.”
“My concern with free-for-alls around marijuana are that there are no tests right now for sobriety—for marijuana, unlike alcohol—where if you get in a car and you hurt or kill someone while you’re driving drunk, you can immediately be tested for how intoxicated you are as of right now,” the congresswoman said. “I don’t think there is the same test for marijuana, which I think could be helpful in making sure law enforcement could properly assess whether somebody did break the law or not.”
She went on to say, however, that she finds it important to “have a robust medical marijuana program, which we do here in Iowa.” And she shared a personal anecdote about why she holds that policy position.
“My own aunt had multiple myeloma. It’s been several years ago since she passed away, but she also took medical marijuana because she had that cancer, and it was the thing that allowed her to be able to eat and stay alive long enough to fight as long as she did,” Hinson said. “She lived 16 years with multiple myeloma— blood cancer—so I understand how important having that access to something that can make you feel better is and will happily, happily take a look at it as long as we can make sure the science backs it up on the legal arguments.”
In Congress, Hinson voted against a marijuana legalization bill but supported a separate measure aimed at making it easier to study cannabis. She also voted for a bill to increase marijuana businesses’s access to banks.
Iowa’s medical cannabis program is relatively restrictive, preventing patients from buying marijuana flower and prohibiting home cultivation. But the law as revised in recent years is more expansive than what was initially enacted in 2014, and lawmakers introduced a bill this session that would allow for up to double the number of dispensaries operating in the state.
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To get your vibe right for Monday – what about some laughter?
Mondays have a reputation—and not a great one. After a weekend of relaxation, the first day of the workweek often feels like a cold splash of reality. Many people find Mondays tough, groggy, and relentless. But laughter, science shows, can turn even the most sluggish Monday into a bright one. It boosts mood, reduces stress, and even improves productivity. So what better way to start your week than with a healthy dose of humor? Here are some jokes to bring a Monday smile.
Why did Monday apply for a job? Because Sunday wasn’t working out.
Monday: The day all coffee dreams come true.
If each day is a gift, I’d like to return Monday.
I swear my bed and I had a moment this morning… and then Monday came between us.
Mondays are proof that weekends are way too short.
The Alarm Clock Conspiracy This morning, I hit snooze so many times, my alarm clock started questioning our relationship. “Are you even listening to me anymore?” it beeped. “I just need five more minutes,” I pleaded. “You’ve said that six times!” I’m convinced Monday and my alarm clock are in cahoots.
The Monday Meeting At 9:00 AM sharp, my boss cheerfully said, “Let’s kick off the week with a quick Monday meeting.” An intern whispered, “Does he not know what day it is?” We all sat around the table pretending to care, nodding in unison like caffeine-deprived bobbleheads. At one point, someone asked, “Can this wait until Tuesday?” “Why?” “Because we’d care more tomorrow.”
The Gym Plan I told myself I’d start going to the gym on Monday. That was six Mondays ago. Now I just walk past the gym and wave like an old friend I owe money to.
The Coffee Dilemma On Mondays, my coffee needs coffee. I ordered a double espresso, and the barista asked, “Tough morning?” “No,” I said. “Tough decade. Monday just reminded me.”
The Motivation Meter My phone gave me a motivational quote this morning: “Rise and shine! You’re unstoppable!” Clearly, my phone doesn’t know about Mondays. Ten minutes later, it autocorrected “meeting” to “mourning.” Even autocorrect knows what’s up.
Mondays are like math. I know they’re necessary, but I still don’t like them.
Monday is the day my coffee needs a coffee.
I survived Monday. Barely. Send snacks.
Whether you’re crawling out of bed or already knee-deep in emails, remember: Monday is a mindset. With a little humor and a lot of coffee, even the harshest start to the week can feel a little lighter. So next time you wake up dreading the alarm, crack a joke, share a laugh, and remind yourself—Monday may be tough, but you’re tougher… and funnier.
[PRESS RELEASE] – PORTLAND, Ore., July 28, 2025 –Grön (pronounced grewn), America’s fastest-growing cannabis edibles brand, announced the strategic acquisition of an adult-use processor license in New York. The acquisition of the Type 2 Processor license marks a key milestone for Grön as the company continues its rapid East Coast expansion and long-term investment in the New York cannabis market.
As a licensed New York cannabis processor, Grön will supercharge its product innovation pipeline and bring the company’s acclaimed production model to Hauppauge, N.Y., giving it a strategic location for distribution to New York City and key markets across the state. Grön first entered New York in 2024 through its innovative “reverse licensing” model.
The acquisition of an adult-use processor license in New York is a strategic departure from the reverse licensing model that Grön has pioneered across the country, accelerating growth faster than any other cannabis edibles brand, according to Hoodie Analytics. As a license holder in New York, Grön will have full control of the facility and operations used to make its acclaimed cannabis edibles, as well as providing the company with the ability to further innovate new product launches. Grön recently introduced 100% solventless hash rosin-infused edibles in New York, with plans for further product line extensions and innovations now fast-tracked.
“This acquisition gives us the infrastructure and independence to deepen our roots in New York and further expand our product lines and availability,” Grön CEO and founder Christine Apple said. “New York has been a pivotal chapter in our growth story, and it means so much to us to expand our presence while creating new jobs and opportunities. We’re appreciative of the New York OCM and their vision and willingness to work with companies like ours to continue delivering innovative cannabis products at scale and to be part of shaping what cannabis looks like in this incredible state.”
The newly acquired license includes an over 10,000-square-foot processing facility in Hauppauge, which will serve as the epicenter of Grön’s New York operations. The facility will support increasing product demand and enable the brand to expand its portfolio of cannabis-infused edibles tailored to the New York consumer.
The expansion by Grön comes at a time when the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is accelerating efforts to foster product innovation and market accessibility. With this move, Grön is poised to play a defining role in shaping the future of edibles in the Empire State.
A bill to legalize cannabis for adult use in Texas was filed last week by state Rep. Jessica González (D). The proposal, filed during a special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott (R), would legalize cannabis for adults 21-and-older, allowing the possession up to 2.5 ounces of flower in public – with 10 ounces allowed at home – and 15 grams of concentrates. The measure would not permit home cultivation.
Under the measure, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (DLR) would be tasked with the regulation of cannabis production and sales, along with issuing licenses for cultivators, transporters, testing facilities, processors, and retailers. Licensing would begin by November 1, 2026.
The bill prohibits edibles or cannabis product packaging from resembling commercial candy products and includes requirements for child-resistant packaging. The proposal includes seed-to-sale tracking requirements and rules around facility security, pesticide use, and advertising.
The legislation would send 10% of cannabis-derived revenues to the DLR for program administration costs, 10% to the Texas Department of Safety to oversee laboratory testing, and 20% to localities with at least one cannabis license. The remaining funds would be sent to the Texas Education Agency’s Foundation School Program.
The measure has yet to be assigned to any legislative committee.
TG joined Ganjapreneur in 2014 as a news writer and began hosting the Ganjapreneur podcast in 2016. He is based in upstate New York, where he also teaches media studies at a local university.
More by TG Branfalt
