Paul Demko
POLITICO
Washington, DC, United States
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Past articles by Paul:
Cannabis sinks amid weed glut, Congress' inaction
Industry executives blame Congress’ failure to pass any significant cannabis legislation as the biggest reason the sector is flailing. → Read More
The risky financial deals that shook up one of America's most promising weed companies
iAnthus thought Gotham Green Partners was providing a financial lifeline, but the investment firm is now poised to seize control of the company. → Read More
Minnesota GOP ‘in ruins’ after shocking scandal
Stunning charges against a top donor and the state GOP chair’s resignation have left the party in turmoil. → Read More
The cannabis industry's next war: How strong should its weed be?
Some of the 18 states that have embraced legal weed are debating whether to cap THC potency. So far, most of those efforts have failed. → Read More
Marijuana vote poses November risk for Democrats
They argue legalization is a racial justice issue, but critics question the timing in the midst of a pandemic and high-stakes presidential contest → Read More
Hemp was supposed to boost farmers. It’s turned out to be a flop.
Oversupply and a lack of federal rules led to trouble for the industry. → Read More
Cannabis finds its moment amid coronavirus outbreak
States across the country now consider pot shops "essential" services and anxious Americans are flocking to them. → Read More
Marijuana legalization gets lost in the weeds
The political turmoil over marijuana comes as five northeastern Democratic governors announced last month that they had reached an agreement to fully legalize marijuana. Three of the states — New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, where Democrats are in complete control of the government — already have spent months squabbling over the specifics of complex legislation that would legalize cannabis… → Read More
Why the most pro-marijuana Congress ever won’t deal with weed
Two-thirds of Americans support legalization, but legislation seems to be going nowhere fast on Capitol Hill. → Read More
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $572M in first opioid case
The closely watched ruling in Oklahoma will likely have implications for a wave of similar lawsuits. → Read More
Appeals court skeptical Obamacare can survive
The case is expected to eventually move to the Supreme Court. → Read More
Long-shot legal challenge could end Obamacare during the 2020 campaign
The lawsuit could jeopardize health care coverage for more than 20 million people insured through the 2010 health care law. → Read More
Appellate court raises new threat to Obamacare
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asked both sides to file additional legal arguments. → Read More
Obamacare rate hikes appear modest for 2020
The first batch of proposed rates show the marketplaces may have left their turbulent past behind. → Read More
Nation's first opioid trial could set precedent for massive pharma payouts
An Oklahoma court will hear the state's case against two major drugmakers over their role in the opioid crisis. → Read More
Beer and cigarette makers join the pot lobbying parade
Pot may be illegal at the federal level but corporate giants and K Street are preparing for the push to legalize. → Read More
Legalizing pot is the new Democratic litmus test
The near-universal backing of cannabis legalization is a stark contrast to recent presidential campaigns. → Read More
Trump administration suffers another Obamacare blow in court
Federal judge strikes down health plans that don’t meet ACA rules → Read More
Mississippi’s Republican governor quietly considering Medicaid expansion
The term-limited Phil Bryant has been holding secret talks after an election that showed strong support for the Obamacare program in red states. → Read More
Obamacare sign-ups see late surge
Enrollment fairly stable despite court ruling and Trump cuts. → Read More