Bruce Barcott and David Downs

Bruce Barcott is Leafly's deputy editor and the author of 'Weed the People: The Future of Legal Marijuana in America.' David Downs is Leafly's California bureau chief and the author of 'Beyond Buds' and 'The Medical Marijuana Guidebook.'

Most popular articles

#PermitPatty Episode Blows Up on California Cannabis Company

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – June 23, 2018

Bay Area stores are dropping TreatWell after its founder called police on an 8-year-old girl for selling bottled water. Read more

This chart reveals California’s urban–rural cannabis divide

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – May 16, 2019

Rural counties tend to ban cannabis stores, urban areas allow them. It's not just a stereotype. The data proves it. Read more

Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)

36 cannabis predictions for 2022 guaranteed to come true

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – December 31, 2021

In 2022, look for legalization in Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas—but don't expect it to pass in Congress. Read more

28 cannabis predictions for 2021

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – December 23, 2020

Just slightly better than a coin toss! Yikes. That’s how well Leafly News predicted the future, as written in 2020. Read more

Declaring cannabis ‘essential’ marks a watershed moment in history

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – March 26, 2020

Once criminal, now essential: How the COVID-19 pandemic forced public officials to get real about marijuana. Read more

COVID-19 restrictions sparking a run on cannabis stores

Bruce Barcott and David Downs – March 15, 2020

As cities across North America and Europe shut down, consumers line up to stock up at legal stores. Read more