Brad Branan
The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento, CA, United States
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Past articles by Brad:
Buzz kill? Sacramento's pot czar to make compliance inspections at local 4/20 events
California state and local regulators in Sacramento are warning dispensary owners against holding off-site parties or allowing on-site cannabis consumption Friday during the annual celebration known as 4/20. → Read More
Here are four tasty nuggets about 420 to enjoy
April 20 will be the first "4/20" since marijuana became available for retail sales in California, and weed-fueled festivities are planned in cities and towns across the state. → Read More
Forget the Emerald Triangle. The Central Coast is becoming California’s weed hotspot
California's marijuana legalization law said the industry would be built around small- and medium-sized businesses. But multi-acre farms are common on the Central Coast. → Read More
California might seem like a 'pot desert' ... unless you live in, around Modesto
Where can you buy legal weed? In much of California, you have to drive more than 60 miles to purchase marijuana at a licensed dispensary. → Read More
SLO County is a 'pot desert' now — but not for long. A dispensary will open soon
San Luis Obispo County is in a "pot desert," meaning residents have to drive more than 60 miles to find a licensed storefront dispensary to buy legal marijuana. But that will change as soon as April when the first retail stores open in Grover Beach. → Read More
‘This is an industry in crisis.’ High taxes, black market threaten pot businesses
Speakers at the California Cannabis Industry Association conference addressed concerns about high taxes, difficult regulations and illegal retailers and the threat they pose to the marijuana industry. → Read More
Marijuana grow houses lead to criminal charges and civil penalties for Sacramento woman
Sacramentan Lisa Ung faces criminal charges and civil penalties for allegedly owning grow houses. → Read More
Weedmaps to California's Bureau of Cannabis Control: You don't have the authority to police us
Weedmaps says it is not subject to California state regulatory action over unlicensed cannabis retailers → Read More
California told Weedmaps to stop promoting illegal pot. But the ads are still up
Almost three weeks after the head of California's Bureau of Cannabis Control told operators of a popular website to stop "engaging in activity that violates state cannabis laws," Weedmaps.com continues to advertise unlicensed cannabis retailers. → Read More
Pot for pets? Veterinarians want freedom to prescribe like medical doctors
Animal owners are increasingly interested in cannabis to treat their pets, just like people who take medical marijuana. But unlike medical doctors in California, veterinarians are prohibited under state law from discussing cannabis as a treatment option. → Read More
Want to ski Northstar without the crowds? The new service has you covered
“First Tracks” costs $200 and gives you 90 pristine minutes on the mountain, including a full hour before regular pass holders are allowed on the lifts at 8:30 a.m. → Read More
California’s chief marijuana regulator predicts more issues with supply
California’s top cannabis regulator said the state deserves credit for a successful rollout of retail marijuana sales, but acknowledged that significant issues loom in the near future. → Read More
FBI raids Lodi Parachute Center, confiscates waivers, receipts and video footage
Federal agents executed a search warrant this week on the Lodi Parachute Center, the site of multiple fatalities in recent years. → Read More
California's treasurer and attorney general move on plan to create public bank for pot businesses
California’s attorney general and treasurer plan to move forward with plans to create a state bank for the cannabis industry. → Read More
Amaro to serve final meal after year in midtown
An Italian restaurant owned by the operators of the Shady Lady Saloon and the drummer for the rock bank Deftones plans to serve its last meal Saturday night. → Read More
What are the benefits, risks of marijuana use? Experts are just finding out
Marijuana researchers acknowledge a shortage of research on the benefits and risks of cannabis. Several public health experts spoke Thursday during a legislative briefing on the health effects of cannabis at the state Capitol. → Read More
Yolo County readies new medical marijuana tax for June ballot
Yolo County supervisors voted Tuesday to put a proposed tax on medical marijuana on the June 5 ballot, indicating support from board members who were previously at odds with the cannabis industry. → Read More
Legalization is expected to lead to more stoned drivers. Is law enforcement ready?
California has legalized marijuana sales for recreational use. But the state has no method yet to accurately determine whether drivers are stoned. → Read More
Calaveras County officially decides to ban commercial cannabis cultivation
Calaveras County has voted to ban cannabis cultivation, a decision that will affect about 200 permitted growers and many others who applied for permits after the county encouraged the industry to locate there → Read More
Sacramento dispensaries say pot legalization has led to supply shortages
After less than two weeks of legal retail pot sales in California, some of Sacramento’s top-selling dispensaries are already complaining about supply problems. → Read More